Mexican Pinwheels are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game day, or snack time. These bite-sized roll-ups are made with soft tortillas filled with a creamy, zesty mixture of cream cheese, salsa, and taco-seasoned fillings like shredded cheese, black beans, and diced vegetables. Rolled up and sliced into pinwheels, they offer a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite. Not only are they crowd-pleasers, but they also come together quickly and can be made ahead, making them a convenient and delicious addition to any spread.
Mexican Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning mix. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the mix-ins: Fold in the shredded cheese, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, green onions, and optional cilantro and jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
- Assemble the pinwheels: Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edges. Carefully roll the tortilla up tightly from one end to the other.
- Chill the rolls: Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up (this helps with slicing).
- Slice into pinwheels: After chilling, remove the plastic wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces, creating bite-sized pinwheels.
- Serve: Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped cilantro or a side of salsa for dipping, if desired.
These Mexican pinwheels are perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack. They can be made a few hours ahead, making them a convenient and delicious option for any gathering!