Easy Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels (Printable)
Cheesy, spicy rolled tortilla appetizers baked until golden. Perfect for sharing.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Vegetables
04 - 3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
05 - 3 green onions, finely sliced
→ Seasonings
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Tortillas and Finishing
09 - 4 large 10-inch flour tortillas
10 - 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing
11 - fresh cilantro, finely chopped for garnish
# Steps:
01 - Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until completely smooth and well blended.
02 - Fold chopped jalapeños and sliced green onions into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed throughout.
03 - Lay flour tortillas flat and spread the filling evenly over each, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
04 - Tightly roll each tortilla into a log. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Cut each roll into 1-inch pinwheels and place cut side up on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
07 - Lightly brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
08 - Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The filling comes together in under five minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge
- They reheat beautifully so you can make them a day ahead and pop them in the oven when guests arrive
02 -
- Chilling the rolled tortillas is the step most people skip but it makes the difference between neat pinwheels and squished messy ones
- Do not overfill the tortillas or the cheese will leak out during baking and you will lose all that good flavor on your baking sheet
03 -
- Use a sharp serrated knife and saw gently through the tortillas instead of pressing down, which keeps the pinwheels from squishing flat
- For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning into the butter before brushing the tops