Easy Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels (Printer-Friendly)

Flour tortillas rolled with spicy cream cheese filling, baked until golden and crispy.

# 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 for brushing

→ 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 smooth and well-blended.
02 - Fold in chopped jalapeños and green onions until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
03 - Lay out flour tortillas and spread filling evenly over each, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
04 - Tightly roll up each tortilla and chill for 10 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
06 - Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels and place cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
07 - Lightly brush tops of pinwheels with melted butter.
08 - Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and heated through.
09 - Remove from oven, cool slightly, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The filling comes together in under five minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge
  • They reheat beautifully so you can make them a day ahead and still have fresh tasting appetizers
  • That perfect balance of creamy cheese and fresh jalapeno heat keeps everyone coming back for seconds
02 -
  • That ten minute chill time might seem unnecessary when you are hungry but trying to slice warm squishy tortillas is a frustrating mess
  • Leaving the border around the edge of each tortilla prevents the cheese from oozing out during baking and burning onto your pan
  • The butter wash is what transforms these from soft rolled tortillas into actual appetizers with that irresistible golden crisp edge
03 -
  • Use a serrated knife in a gentle sawing motion instead of pressing straight down to get the cleanest slices
  • If the tortillas crack when you roll them, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for fifteen seconds to make them pliable

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