Baked Cream Cheese Pinwheels
These Baked Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the ultimate appetizer and come together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep! Also known as tortilla roll-ups, each bite is packed with creamy cheese, crispy bell peppers, fresh jalapeños, and melted cheese for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, holiday gathering, or potluck, these cream cheese pinwheels will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm for the best flavor, and watch them disappear fast!
Easy Appetizer: These baked cream cheese pinwheels come together effortlessly! Simply mix the creamy filling, spread it onto a soft tortilla, roll it up, slice, and bake until golden and crispy. Perfect for last-minute snacks or party platters.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these tortilla roll-ups in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve. They’re great for meal prep, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Versatile & Customizable: Switch up the flavors by adding cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or fresh herbs. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to match your taste preference!
Ingredients:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese, like Philadelphia Original Brick Cream Cheese, for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Jalapeño: This recipe uses fresh jalapeños, but jarred pickled jalapeños work as well. For a milder taste, remove the seeds before dicing.
- Bell Pepper: I use red bell pepper for color, but you can swap it for green, yellow, or orange bell peppers.
- Red Pepper Jelly: Don’t skip the red pepper jelly! It adds a delicious sweet-and-spicy kick and enhances the flavor with a pimento cheese-like taste.
- Cheese: You’ll need mozzarella or cheddar, but avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as well.
- Seasonings: This recipe calls for Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, parsley, and garlic powder.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best, providing the perfect soft and pliable texture for rolling.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped red bell peppers, red pepper jelly, shredded cheese, garlic powder, parsley, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together using a spatula or a hand-held mixer until well incorporated and smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the flour tortillas and spread it into a thin layer.
Step 3: Roll & Chill. Tightly roll up each tortilla into a log, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 4: Slice & Bake. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chilled rolls into ½-inch pinwheels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve the warm pinwheels with sour cream, salsa, or chipotle sauce for dipping.
More Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipes
Variations
Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors like green, red, and orange for extra vibrancy and crunch
Jalapeño: This recipe calls for fresh jalapeños, but sliced or pickled jalapeños work just as well.
Additional Mix-Ins: Try adding chopped green onions, red onions, or finely chopped spinach for extra flavor and texture.
Cheese: Swap out mozzarella for cheddar, habanero, or any cheese of your choice. But avoid using pre-shredded cheese!
Seasonings: Add in everything bagel seasoning, Tabasco hot sauce, chili flakes, or your favorite spices!
Tortilla: Use spinach wraps, gluten free wraps or high protein wraps.
Baked Cream Cheese Pinwheels FAQ
How do you keep cream cheese pinwheels from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy pinwheels, make them the same day or assemble a few hours before baking. Since we’re using full-fat cream cheese, the tortillas hold up well and don’t become soggy as quickly.
Can you use whipped cream cheese for pinwheels?
Yes, you can use whipped cream cheese, but it has a thinner consistency, which can make the filling messier during baking. Full-fat block cream cheese provides a better texture and holds everything together more effectively.
Do I have to bake the tortilla pinwheels?
No, you can enjoy them cold! After chilling the rolled tortillas, simply slice and serve for a fresh, no-bake appetizer.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the pinwheels at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. This method gives them a delicious crunch without needing an oven.
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Baked Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 block Cream cheese (250 grams), softened to room temperature
- 1 Jalapeno, diced
- 1/2 Red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons Red pepper jelly
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3 Flour tortillas (large)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped red bell peppers, red pepper jelly, shredded cheese, garlic powder, parsley, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together using a spatula or a hand-held mixer until well incorporated and smooth.1 block Cream cheese (250 grams),, 1 Jalapeno,, 1/2 Red bell pepper,, 2 tablespoons Red pepper jelly, 1 cup Mozzarella cheese,, 1 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Assemble the Pinwheels. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the flour tortillas and spread it into a thin layer.3 Flour tortillas (large)
- Roll & Chill. Tightly roll up each tortilla into a log, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice & Bake. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chilled rolls into ½-inch pinwheels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Serve the warm pinwheels with sour cream, salsa, or chipotle sauce for dipping.
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