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Cream Cheese Tortilla Wraps

Featured in Quick and Easy Appetizers.

Mix cream cheese with spices and toppings, spread over tortillas, roll, chill, and slice for easy snacking. Perfect for gatherings and prep-ahead meals.
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:27:12 GMT
Mexican Cheese Rollups Appetizer Pin it
Mexican Cheese Rollups Appetizer | thefamilycooks.com

These zesty Mexican-style pinwheels transform simple tortillas into irresistible party bites. Each roll combines a rich cream cheese base with classic taco flavors, creating appetizers that consistently vanish during gatherings.

When testing this recipe, the pinwheels earned rave reviews at a recent family gathering. The texture improves after proper chilling, resulting in clean, picture-perfect slices that maintain their shape.

Key Ingredients

  • Cream cheese: Full-fat, room temperature provides the best spreading consistency
  • Sour cream: Adds richness and tang to the filling
  • Taco seasoning: Homemade or quality store-bought both work well
  • Flour tortillas: Choose soft, fresh ones for easy rolling
  • Colby Jack cheese: Freshly shredded for optimal melting and binding
  • Black olives: Drain thoroughly for concentrated flavor
  • Green chiles: Mild canned variety, well-drained

Preparation Steps

Step 1:
Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature
Step 2:
Beat cream cheese until completely smooth
Step 3:
Blend in sour cream and seasonings until uniform
Step 4:
Incorporate drained green chiles
Step 5:
Mix in cheese and olives gently
Step 6:
Spread filling on tortillas, leaving edges clear
Step 7:
Roll tortillas firmly but gently
Step 8:
Wrap rolls tightly in plastic
Step 9:
Chill thoroughly before cutting
Step 10:
Slice into uniform pinwheels
Taco Pinwheels Recipe Pin it
Taco Pinwheels Recipe | thefamilycooks.com

Choosing Quality Tortillas

Select tortillas that feel fresh and flexible. Brief warming makes them more pliable and prevents cracking during the rolling process.

Storage Guidelines

The flavors develop beautifully overnight while the filling stays firm. Keep wrapped until serving time for best results.

Presentation Tips

Arrange pinwheels in concentric circles on serving platters. Garnish with fresh herbs and provide complementary dips like salsa and guacamole.

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Mexican-American family celebrations, with adjustments made to perfect the texture and flavor balance.

Taco Pinwheels Recipe Pin it
Taco Pinwheels Recipe | thefamilycooks.com

The reliability and crowd-pleasing nature of these pinwheels makes them an essential appetizer recipe. Their blend of textures and flavors creates an appealing party food that consistently impresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these wraps earlier?
Yes, they're great to make up to a day ahead. Just chill them wrapped tightly in the fridge.
→ Why is chilling necessary before slicing?
It helps the filling solidify and keeps everything together when you cut them into slices.
→ What dips go well with these?
Pair them with your favorite salsa, guac, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
→ Can I substitute the cheese filling?
Of course! You can try spicier cheeses like pepper jack or a shredded blend for a nice twist.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can stay in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, but they're freshest in two.

Cheesy Tortilla Pinwheels

Cheesy tortilla bites with a tangy kick, featuring olives, chilies, and creamy goodness. Great as a party snack that's quick to make!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
2 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American Mashup

Yield: 10 Servings (40-48 pinwheels)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Creamy Layer

01 Two 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened at room temperature
02 1/2 cup of fresh and tangy sour cream
03 A single 1.25-ounce packet of taco seasoning of your choice

→ Yummy Fillings

04 One 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, fully drained
05 One 4-ounce can of black olives, chopped while drained
06 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese (or sharp cheddar) freshly shredded

→ Tortilla Wraps

07 10-12 large and soft flour tortillas

Instructions

Step 01

Using a big bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until it’s velvety smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom during mixing to ensure there’s no leftover chunks.

Step 02

Stir in your sour cream and taco seasoning until everything turns into a creamy, well-blended base.

Step 03

Carefully mix in the diced chilies, chopped olives, and shredded cheese, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 04

Spread your filling evenly across each tortilla, keeping a half-inch border around the edges. Tightly roll each one into a log shape.

Step 05

Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for 1-2 hours. This cools them down and gives the flavors time to come together.

Step 06

Once firm and chilled, take off the plastic wrap and slice the logs into pinwheels about 1 inch thick. Lay them out nicely on a platter and serve with some guac or sour cream to dip into!

Notes

  1. Try including diced jalapeños, chopped fresh tomatoes, or cilantro for a zesty twist.
  2. Switch up the flavors with other cheeses like pepper jack or a Mexican blend. For a fun touch, use tortillas made with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes!

Tools You'll Need

  • A large bowl for mixing
  • Electric mixer to whip things up
  • A sharp knife for slicing
  • Plastic wrap to keep everything sealed
  • A serving platter to present your pinwheels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy from cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese
  • Contains gluten due to the flour tortillas