Mexican Pinwheels

Mexican pinwheels are bite-size tortilla rolls filled with a spiced cream cheese mixture. They are a party in your mouth!

These make-ahead Mexican pinwheels are easy to throw together and make great after-school snacks, a quick lunch, or appetizer. For more simple and tasty lunch ideas try the Ultimate Grilled CheeseLunch Kabobs, or Baked Chicken Nuggets.

A plate of sliced pinwheels garnished with cilantro.

Party Food or Easy Lunch!

It’s always fun to mix up the lunch menu a bit by adding some fun and tasty items. My kids love Ham and Cheese Roll Ups, but these fiesta-style Mexican pinwheels are just as tasty!

Not only are they super fun to eat, but they are also SO easy to make.

Make these rolls ahead of time for a quick lunch or afternoon snack. They also are the perfect finger food for a party appetizer

Add a little shredded chicken to make them even heartier. 

Ingredients for making Mexican pinwheels on a counter.

Just 20 Minutes of Prep

These Mexican tortilla pinwheels do require a bit of chill time, but it’s only hands-on for about 20 minutes!

FILLING. Add cream cheese, sour cream salsa, taco seasoning, and garlic powder to a small bowl. Mix together until smooth. Add the chilies and cheese and stir.

Scoop ½-¾ cup of the mixture onto each 10-inch Flour Tortilla. Spread the mixture to cover the tortilla.

ASSEMBLE + CHILL. Roll each tortilla like you would a jelly roll. Line them up, seam side down, in a baking dish. Cover the dish and place it in the fridge to chill for 2 hours or overnight.

SLICE + SERVE! After they have chilled, use a serrated knife to slice each tortilla roll into 1-inch pieces. Place them side by side on a serving tray so that you can see the rolled layers. Serve with Salsa.

Recipe Tips

Spice. Adjust the spiciness according to the salsa or taco seasoning purchased (or make Homemade Taco Seasoning). Add seasonings such as paprika, red chili flakes, or serve hot sauce on the side. 

Cheese. Mexican cheese blend uses Monterey jack cheese, cheddar cheese, asadero cheese, and quesadilla cheese.

  • If desired, grate your own blend and use the portions that you prefer, but keep it to 1 cup total to keep a balance of ingredients.

Tortillas. We used 10-inch Flour Tortillas, but you can easily use a smaller tortilla. Change up the type and use whole wheat tortillas or garden spinach herb tortillas. 

Mix-ins. Add extra ingredients to change the flavor up a bit. Avoid adding too many, though, so that the ratio of the cream mixture to the other ingredients stays balanced.

  • Some ideas include chopped veggies like jalapenos, red bell peppers, black olives, corn, black beans, or green onions.

Serving + Storing

SERVE tortilla pinwheels with your favorite Mexican dips, such as:

Make ahead of time. These roll-ups store well. Make them up to a day ahead of time.

STORE leftovers for 2-3 more days after that. Be sure to cover the sliced pinwheels with plastic wrap to keep the ends from drying out.

Close up of sliced pinwheels served with salsa.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make Mexican pinwheels ahead of time?

Prepare the pinwheels 24 hours in advance. Leftovers also last for 2-3 days in the fridge. 

What tortillas are best for tortilla roll ups?

Stick with using flour tortillas as corn tortillas tend to crack when rolled. We used 10″ tortillas, but you could use smaller ones, or even use Homemade Flour Tortillas!

For more wraps and roll-ups, try:

Mexican Pinwheels Recipe

5 from 81 votes
Mexican pinwheels are bite-size tortilla rolls filled with a spiced cream cheese mixture. They are a party in your mouth!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Mexican
Prep Time 20 minutes
chill 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings 20 people
Calories 437 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Ingredients

  • 1 (8oz) package cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • dash garlic powder
  • 1 (4oz) can chopped green chilies
  • 1 cup Mexican cheese finely shredded
  • 8 flour tortillas (10 inch)
  • salsa on the side

Instructions
 

  • Add cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, and garlic powder to a small bowl. Mix together until smooth. Add the chilies and cheese and stir.
  • Scoop 1/2-¾ cup of the mixture onto each 10-inch tortilla. Spread the mixture to cover the tortilla.
  • Roll each tortilla like you would a jelly roll. Line them up, seam side down, in a baking dish. Cover the dish and place it in the fridge to chill for 2 hours overnight.
  • After they have chilled slice each tortilla roll into 1-inch pieces. Place them side by side on a serving tray so that you can see the rolled layers. Serve with salsa.

Video

Like this recipe?

Pin it now to remember it later! Share it with your Facebook friends (you know they’ll love it). Or tweet it to the world. Maybe even email it to your favorite cousin!

Related Posts

Hamburger Dip

This savory hamburger dip is always a hit at parties. It’s cheesy, hearty, and made with only 4 ingredients! We love to have some tasty appetizers on hand for company…

2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

5 from 21 votes

Chicken Fingers

Homemade chicken fingers are a homestyle family favorite!! They fry up in about 20 minutes and are finger-licking good. Fried chicken fingers are a perfect dinner or appetizer. Crispy chicken…

40 minutes minutes

5 from 27 votes

Peach Salsa

Fresh peach salsa is delicious with chips, on top of fish or pork, or spooned over tacos! You’ll love the flavor combinations in this recipe! Although it’s far from our…

10 minutes minutes

5 from 18 votes

Summer Appetizers

When I think summer, I think BBQ! And what is better at a party or gathering than some tasty finger foods? Whether chilled snacks, dips, or grilled delights, I have…

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

Join the Conversation

Rate and Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    Yummy! These were such a hit here and so delicious! My family absolutely loved them and were all over them! I’ll definitely remake these for sure!

  2. 5 stars
    I had these at my SILs house and had to have the recipe. These are so delicious! The recipe makes quite a few so they’re great for a party.

  3. 5 stars
    This is a great & simple recipe. You can modify it in many different ways and get the same great results. The original is great, but I went with a buffalo chicken alternative. Both were awesome.

  4. These are great. Can I freeze these as rollups or just the mix and then thaw out later and make them? Thanks.

    1. You could probably do either. I think I would suggest the second… just so the tortillas don’t get soggy after thawing.