Mexican Pinwheels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pinwheels are easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to love. They’re no-bake, make-ahead friendly, and totally customizable with your favorite Mexican ingredients. The combination of creamy filling, crunchy vegetables, and bold spices wrapped in a tender tortilla creates a balanced and satisfying bite every time. Whether served cold or at room temperature, they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Flour tortillas (10-inch size)
• Cream cheese, softened
• Sour cream
• Taco seasoning or homemade spice mix
• Shredded cooked chicken or black beans
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Diced bell peppers (any color)
• Chopped green onions
• Optional: chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, corn, or olives

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken or black beans, shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, and green onions. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Lay out a tortilla and spread a generous layer of the mixture over the entire surface.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
7. After chilling, unwrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces to create pinwheels.
8. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 pinwheels (serves 6 as an appetizer).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use black beans, refried beans, or even avocado slices.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
• Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or wrap in large lettuce leaves.
• Add Salsa: Mix in a few spoonfuls of thick salsa or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Extra Protein: Add cooked bacon bits or seasoned ground beef.
• Different Cheese: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or cotija for variety.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the tortillas and cream cheese filling may lose texture.
Serve directly from the fridge or let sit for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
Reheating is not recommended, as this is a cold appetizer.

FAQs

Can I make Mexican Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, these are perfect make-ahead appetizers. Chill for a few hours or even overnight before slicing and serving.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Corn tortillas tend to crack when rolled. Flour tortillas are more pliable and better suited for pinwheels.

What’s the best way to keep pinwheels from unrolling?

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap after rolling and chill for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape.

Can I add guacamole or avocado?

Yes, but be aware that avocado may brown over time. Best to add it just before serving.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the filling.

Are these good for kids’ lunches?

Yes, they’re fun, flavorful, and easy for little hands to hold—great for school lunches or snacks.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a bit of tang and protein.

How thick should I slice the pinwheels?

Slice them about 1 inch thick for the best bite-size shape and structure.

Do I need to serve them with a dip?

They’re flavorful on their own, but you can serve with salsa, guacamole, or ranch if desired.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Mexican Pinwheels are the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors rolled into one convenient bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping lunches, or just need a quick snack, these easy, crowd-pleasing pinwheels are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Customize them to your liking and enjoy every delicious spin.

Mexican Pinwheels

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Mexican Pinwheels are colorful, bite-sized tortilla roll-ups filled with a creamy, zesty mixture of cream cheese, chicken or beans, veggies, and Mexican-inspired spices. Perfect for parties, snacks, or lunchboxes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
• Yield: 24 pinwheels (6 servings)
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken or black beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Optional: 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños
• Optional: 1/4 cup corn or chopped olives

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until smooth.
2. Stir in shredded chicken or black beans, shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, green onions, and any optional mix-ins.
3. Lay a tortilla flat and spread a generous layer of the filling evenly across the surface.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other.
5. Wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Chill the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
7. Unwrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
8. Arrange on a serving platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use flour tortillas for easy rolling—corn tortillas may crack.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to help pinwheels hold their shape.
• Add hot sauce or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, or ranch for dipping if desired.
• Make up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 pinwheels
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg