Roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with these delightful Mexican Pinwheels! Perfect for a party, a game day snack, or even a quick lunch, these bite-sized treats are not just visually appealing but also packed with delicious ingredients. They’re quick to whip up and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mexican Pinwheels are the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors all wrapped up in a convenient tortilla. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also make for a stunning appetizer that will impress your guests. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can serve them cold or warm, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Plus, they are a great way to use leftover chicken, making them a practical choice for busy weeknights.
What We’re Using
To make these Mexican Pinwheels, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10-ounce can) drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilis
- 1 finely diced green bell pepper
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
Setup & Equipment
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s gather the equipment you’ll need for these delicious Mexican Pinwheels:
- Mixing bowl – for combining the filling ingredients.
- Spatula – for mixing and spreading the filling.
- Cutting board – to slice the pinwheels.
- Sharp knife – to cut the pinwheels into pieces.
- Plastic wrap – for rolling and chilling the pinwheels before serving.
The Method for Mexican Pinwheels
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Mexican Pinwheels.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a spatula to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Goodies
Add the drained Rotel tomatoes, finely diced green bell pepper, cooked and shredded chicken, shredded Mexican cheese, homemade taco seasoning, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Spread the Filling
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Take a generous scoop of the filling and spread it evenly across the tortilla, leaving about half an inch of space around the edges.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Starting from one end, carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Make sure to roll it snugly, but not so tight that the filling spills out. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
Step 5: Chill
Once all the tortillas are rolled, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. This chilling step helps the pinwheels hold their shape when slicing.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
After chilling, remove the pinwheels from the refrigerator. Unwrap them and use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch pieces. Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a platter and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa or guacamole.
Nutrition-Minded Tweaks
If you’re looking to make some healthier adjustments to your Mexican Pinwheels, consider the following options:
- Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to reduce calories.
- Replace regular flour tortillas with whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added fiber.
- Add extra vegetables like chopped spinach or diced tomatoes to boost nutrition.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and effort.
Insider Tips
- For added flavor, consider using chipotle seasoning instead of traditional taco seasoning.
- Feel free to swap out the shredded chicken for black beans or cooked ground turkey for a different protein option.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, for an extra kick of spiciness.
- Make these pinwheels a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator for a quick snack or appetizer.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your Mexican Pinwheels fresh and tasty, follow these storage tips:
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prep them in advance, you can make the filling and store it separately in the fridge. Then, assemble the pinwheels right before serving.
If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each rolled pinwheel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and serve cold, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds until heated through.
FAQ
Can I make Mexican Pinwheels vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make them vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like black beans, corn, or diced avocado.
How do I make my own taco seasoning?
To make homemade taco seasoning, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spices to your taste!
Can I use other types of tortillas?
Yes! Feel free to use corn tortillas, gluten-free tortillas, or any other type you prefer. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
What can I serve with these pinwheels?
Mexican Pinwheels pair wonderfully with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Try These Next
If you enjoyed making Mexican Pinwheels, here are some other recipes you might love:
Final Thoughts
Mexican Pinwheels are a fantastic way to enjoy bold flavors in a simple, easy-to-make format. They’re perfect for gatherings, snacks, or even a light meal. With their creamy filling and crunchy tortillas, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful bites! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t forget to share the love by passing along this recipe!
Mexican Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilis 10-ounce, drained
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 2 cups Mexican cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning homemade
- 2 tablespoons green onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a spatula to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the drained Rotel tomatoes, finely diced green bell pepper, cooked and shredded chicken, shredded Mexican cheese, homemade taco seasoning, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Take a generous scoop of the filling and spread it evenly across the tortilla, leaving about half an inch of space around the edges.
- Starting from one end, carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Make sure to roll it snugly, but not so tight that the filling spills out. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
- Once all the tortillas are rolled, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- After chilling, remove the pinwheels from the refrigerator. Unwrap them and use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch pieces. Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a platter and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Plastic Wrap
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using chipotle seasoning instead of traditional taco seasoning.
- Feel free to swap out the shredded chicken for black beans or cooked ground turkey for a different protein option.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, for an extra kick of spiciness.
