Easy Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels (Printable Version)

Spicy, creamy pinwheels with jalapeños and cheese baked until golden. Perfect for parties.

# 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

→ Spices and 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
11 - Fresh cilantro, finely chopped for garnish

# How to Make It:

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 the flour tortillas and spread a layer of the mixture over each, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
04 - Tightly roll up each tortilla into a log. Chill for 10 minutes to firm up for easier slicing, if time allows.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
06 - Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels and place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
07 - Brush the tops lightly with melted butter. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
08 - Remove from oven, cool slightly, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of creamy filling and slight heat is completely addictive
  • You can assemble them ahead and bake when guests arrive
  • They disappear faster than any other appetizer Ive ever made
02 -
  • Cold tortillas crack easily so let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling
  • The chilling step feels optional but it makes the slices so much cleaner
  • Use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motion for the best cuts
03 -
  • Use an offset spatula to spread the filling evenly without tearing the tortillas
  • If the pinwheels start to unroll during baking secure them with a toothpick before baking

Go Back