Description
Spicy jalapeño popper cream cheese pinwheels deliver a zesty flavor explosion packed with creamy richness and bold southwestern flair. Party guests will devour these easy, irresistible appetizers that blend heat, cheese, and crisp tortilla textures into one perfect bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Protein:
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 g) cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Vegetables and Spices:
- ¼ cup (60 g) diced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Wrapping and Base:
- 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
- ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise or sour cream
Instructions
- Craft a zesty filling by blending softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon crumbles, fiery jalapenos, verdant green onions, and a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoky paprika until thoroughly integrated.
- Position a tortilla on a clean work surface, spreading the creamy mixture edge to edge, ensuring a thin, uniform layer that leaves a delicate margin around the perimeter.
- Carefully and tightly roll the tortilla into a compact cylindrical form, transforming the flat canvas into a flavor-packed log.
- Encase the rolled creation in plastic wrap, allowing it to rest and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, which helps solidify the texture and allows the flavors to intermingle and intensify.
- Extract the chilled roll and remove the plastic wrap with precision.
- Utilizing a razor-sharp knife, slice the log into elegant half-inch medallions, revealing the vibrant, swirled interior.
- Artfully arrange the pinwheels on a decorative platter, optionally embellishing with additional shredded cheese, diced jalapeno slivers, or fresh cilantro sprigs for a visually stunning and flavor-enhanced presentation.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder flavor or adding extra diced peppers for more spice.
- Experiment with different tortilla types like spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps to add visual appeal and subtle flavor variations.
- Prepare filling ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 2 days, allowing flavors to develop and making party prep easier.
- For gluten-free option, substitute regular tortillas with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free corn tortillas without compromising taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg