Easy Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels (Printable)

Creamy, spicy pinwheels with jalapeños and three cheeses rolled in tortillas and baked until golden.

# What You'll 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

→ Other

06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 tsp salt
09 - 4 large 10-inch flour tortillas
10 - 2 tbsp melted butter

→ Optional Garnish

11 - Fresh cilantro, finely chopped

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until completely smooth and well-blended.
02 - Fold in the chopped jalapeños and green onions until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
03 - Lay out flour tortillas and spread a layer of the filling over each, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
04 - Tightly roll up each tortilla and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up the filling for easier slicing.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
06 - Cut each chilled roll into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
07 - Lightly brush the tops of each pinwheel with melted butter for golden browning.
08 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
09 - Remove from oven, cool slightly, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in under 30 minutes but taste like you spent way more time on them
  • The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated until you are ready to roll and bake
  • Everyone from spice lovers to mild food fans finds something to love here
02 -
  • Skip the chilling step and your pinwheels might flatten during slicing, so use a very sharp knife and saw gently if you are pressed for time
  • Room temperature filling spreads so much better, and cold cream cheese will tear your tortillas
  • Do not overload the tortillas or the cheese will ooze out during baking, leaving you with less filling inside
03 -
  • Use your hands to mix the filling instead of a spoon, you can feel the texture better and avoid overworking the cream cheese
  • If your tortillas are stiff, wrap the whole stack in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds before spreading

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