Easy Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels (Print View)
Spicy cream cheese and cheddar filling rolled in tortillas, sliced and baked until golden.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Vegetables
04 - 3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
05 - 3 green onions, finely sliced
→ Seasonings
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Other
09 - 4 large 10-inch flour tortillas
10 - 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing
→ Optional Garnish
11 - Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a mixing bowl. Beat until completely smooth and evenly blended.
02 - Gently fold chopped jalapeños and sliced green onions into the cheese mixture until uniformly distributed throughout.
03 - Layout flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of filling over each tortilla, maintaining a 1/2-inch border around edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
04 - Roll each tortilla tightly into a compact cylinder. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm the filling for cleaner slicing.
05 - Heat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Cut each chilled roll into 1-inch thick rounds. Arrange pinwheels cut side up on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1/2 inch apart.
07 - Lightly brush tops of pinwheels with melted butter using a pastry brush for even coverage.
08 - Bake for 12–15 minutes until tops are golden brown and filling is bubbling. Watch closely to prevent over-browning.
09 - Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- They disappear faster than you can bake them
- The filling comes together in minutes with zero cooking
02 -
- The chilling step seems optional but it's the difference between neat pinwheels and a squished mess
- Don't skip brushing with butter because that's what creates the golden finished look
03 -
- Use dental floss instead of a knife for perfectly clean slices through the rolled tortillas
- If the filling feels too soft to spread pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes