Mexican pinwheels are the best appetizer! They’re so easy and so flavorful. And even better, you can make them a day ahead!
What is there to say about Mexican pinwheels other than they’re one of the easiest appetizers to make and the least messy to eat.
Those are two solid selling point right there.
If you’ve tried my hot roasted red pepper dip or easy chorizo cheese dip, you know I’m a fan of easy appetizers.
I love Mexican pinwheels because you can make them from one hour to an entire day ahead! When it’s time to serve these delightful cream cheese wraps, simply remove the plastic wrap and slice into perfectly portion-controlled pieces.
The portion-controlled slices won’t stop you from eating at least have a dozen, trust me.
Feel free to add more or less taco seasoning to taste and kick up the heat by using hot green chilies rather than mild. Or go all out and reach for extra hot diced jalapenos!
You can also use plain flour tortillas, though I think the flavored tortillas add a bit of fun color—and flavor—to the mix.
By the way, I’m not lying when I say the packet of Taco Bell Original taco seasoning is our family’s favorite… and we’ve tried quite a few of them!
Not a fan of Mexican-flavored appetizers? (We can still be friends, don’t worry.) Try these buffalo chicken pinwheels.
Or maybe these cheesy pigs in a blanket with sriracha dipping sauce. They’re all crowd pleasers!
Want to see how easy it is to make Mexican pinwheels or any kind of cream cheese wrap? Let’s go!
How to Make Mexican Pinwheels
Step 1: Mix cream cheese, chilies, olives, onion, salsa, peppers, cheese and seasoning in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture onto each tortillas. Roll tortillas and chill.
Step 3: Slice chilled wraps into 1-inch pieces.
I told you—easy peasy!
Printable recipe for Mexican pinwheels below. Enjoy!
Mexican Pinwheels
These Mexican pinwheels are one of the easiest appetizers you'll ever make. Kick up the heat by using medium or hot green chilies or jalapenos.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 small can diced green chilies (or jalapenos for added kick)
- 1 (2.25-oz) can black olives, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup salsa, juices drained (if necessary)
- ½ cup diced mix of red, yellow and orange sweet peppers
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Dash taco seasoning
- 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, chilies, olives, onion, salsa, peppers, cheese and seasoning in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture onto each tortillas. Roll tortillas and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Slice chilled wraps into 1-inch pieces before serving.
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 299Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 697mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 12g
Thalia @ butter and brioche
I am just loving everything about these mexican pin wheels.. they look so delicious and addictive. I definitely will be making the recipe!
Emily Hill
Thanks, Thalia! I love how easy yet tasty they are!
Samantha
I have made these twice now for parties and they have been a huge hit! Each time I forgot an ingredient and even without they were delicious. They are so simple to make and fairly inexpensive. I am now getting requests from my friends to make these every time we hang out. Thanks for the great recipe.
Emily Hill
Yay! So glad you like them. I love how easy and inexpensive–and crowd pleasing–they are. :)
Whitney
Pinwheels are one of my favorite appetizers. I’ve always just made the kind with lunch meat, cheese, and a ranch packet/sour cream mixture. A Mexican filling sounds so delicious! Gonna have to try this one soon :)
Emily Hill
They are seriously so good, right? Love pinwheels!
Petra @ CrumblesAndKale
This sounds so good and it seems to easy. I love that you used different kinds of tortillas, the green one looks fantastic :)
Emily Hill
It’s so fun to use flavored tortillas in this recipe! I think my favorite is always the sun-dried tomato. :)
YtheWait
It sounds fabulous………
Emily Hill
They taste fabulous too!
Amy
Love how easy these are to make but they look so fun and tasty!
Emily Hill
They’re super fun and tasty!
Emily
These Mexican pinwheels are so cute and also delicious! I made them with my kids recently and they loved the process and eating the end product!
Emily Hill
It would be a great recipe to make with kids!
April
These are so good! I love making them for parties.
Emily Hill
Me too! They’re always a hit!
Shelley
Such a classic and always delicious! I love that you mention these can be made ahead – that’s so awesome when I’m planning a big party spread and trying to get a lot of the work done ahead of time. Oh – and great little tip to sub in different peppers to make it more or less spicy. Thanks!
Emily Hill
Making them ahead is the best part!
Beth
Yummy! These look so delicious and tasty! I can’t wait to make these! I’m so excited!
Emily Hill
Yay!
Sara Welch
Gave these a try for an afternoon snack, and they did not disappoint! Easily, a new favorite appetizer and snack; so delicious!
Emily Hill
Yay! So glad you liked them!