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To make Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels, gather these ingredients: - 1 large flour tortilla - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat) - 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional; omit for vegetarian) - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - A sprinkle of paprika for garnish These ingredients come together to create a creamy and spicy treat. If you need to swap some items, here are good options: - Use a whole wheat tortilla for a healthier twist. - Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. - Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for added spice. - Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version. - If you don’t have jalapeños, try other mild peppers or roasted red peppers. These substitutions can still give you that tasty flavor. To make your pinwheels pop, consider these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. - Sliced radishes for crunch and brightness. - A drizzle of ranch or hot sauce for added zest. - Lime wedges to squeeze over just before serving. These garnishes can elevate your pinwheels and impress your guests. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to make the cheese mix. Grab a medium bowl and add the softened cream cheese. Next, toss in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Then, add the finely diced jalapeños. If you want it spicy, keep the seeds. For a nice crunch, include the crumbled bacon, but feel free to skip this if you want a vegetarian version. Add the green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it is smooth and creamy. Now it’s time to roll. Lay your large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Use a spatula or a spoon to spread the cheese mix evenly over the tortilla. Leave about a half-inch border at the edges to avoid spills. Once it looks good, start rolling from one end. Roll it tightly into a log shape. Make sure you keep it tight, but don’t squish it! After you roll it, wrap the tortilla in plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the pinwheels hold their shape. Once chilled, take it out and unwrap it. Grab a sharp knife and slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange these tasty bites on a platter. For a nice touch, sprinkle a little paprika on top for extra color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious jalapeño popper pinwheels! To make great pinwheels, your cheese mix must be smooth. Use room-temperature cream cheese. It spreads easily and blends well with the other ingredients. If the mix feels too thick, add a little milk. This will help it spread better on the tortilla. If you want more heat, add more jalapeños. Just remember to remove the seeds for less spice. These pinwheels are perfect for prep. You can make them a day ahead. Just prepare the roll and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge. Chilling helps the flavors mix and the roll hold its shape. When you're ready to serve, just slice and enjoy. They taste fresh even after a night in the fridge. Serve these pinwheels on a big platter. They look great and are easy to grab. Pair them with dips like ranch or spicy salsa. A sprinkle of paprika adds color and a little kick. You can also add fresh veggies on the side for crunch. The bright colors make the dish pop and look fun. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer milder pinwheels, be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing them. You can also substitute with a milder pepper like poblano. Make Ahead: These pinwheels can be made a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until ready to serve for the best flavor and texture. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced bell peppers, olives, or different types of cheese to personalize your pinwheels! Serving Suggestions: Pair these pinwheels with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or a spicy salsa for an extra flavor boost! {{image_2}} You can easily make Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels vegetarian. Simply skip the bacon. The creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños still shine through. You can add more veggies, too. Try diced bell peppers or chopped spinach for extra flavor. Both add crunch and color. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bites! Want to turn up the heat? Add more jalapeños! You can also mix in diced serrano peppers for a fiery twist. If you love heat, a dash of hot sauce can do wonders. Try adding a few drops of your favorite sauce to the cheese mix. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the flavor. Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack. This cheese brings a nice, spicy flavor. Want something different? Try adding shredded chicken or turkey for a heartier option. You can also mix in herbs, like cilantro or parsley, for a fresh taste. The possibilities are endless! To keep your Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels fresh, store them in the fridge. Wrap the sliced pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag for extra protection. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, wrap the whole rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the uncut roll for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw the roll in the fridge overnight before slicing. Reheating is easy! Place the pinwheels on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 30 seconds. Check to see if they are warm. If not, heat them for an extra 10 seconds at a time. This keeps the cream cheese soft and tasty. Enjoy your tasty snack! Yes, you can use different tortillas. Whole wheat or spinach tortillas add flavor and color. Corn tortillas also work, but they can be more fragile. Just make sure they are large enough to hold the filling. To ramp up the heat, use more jalapeños. You can also add diced serrano peppers. Another option is to mix in some hot sauce to the cream cheese. If you love spice, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Dipping sauces make these pinwheels even better. Creamy ranch dressing is a classic choice. You can also try a spicy marinara or a zesty barbecue sauce. For a fresh twist, avocado dip or sour cream mixed with lime juice works great too. Jalapeño popper pinwheels are easy and fun to make. We discussed the key ingredients, how to prep, and tips for success. You can switch up flavors with different fillings and add garnishes for extra flair. Remember, you can store them well and have a tasty treat ready anytime. Enjoy making these pinwheels for your next gathering. They are sure to impress!

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Delicious and spicy pinwheels filled with cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and bacon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large flour tortilla
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional; omit for vegetarian)
  • 1 4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • a sprinkle paprika for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon (if using), green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Lay the flour tortilla flat on a clean surface or cutting board.
  • Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
  • Starting from one end, carefully roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape.
  • Wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • After chilling, remove from the fridge and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
  • Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the top for added color and flavor.

Notes

Omit bacon for a vegetarian version.
Keyword appetizer, jalapeño, party food, pinwheels