If you’re craving a burst of authentic Mexican flavors wrapped up in a fun, bite-sized snack, you’re going to absolutely love this Cheesy Mexican Antojitos Pinwheels Recipe. Picture soft tortillas rolled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack, spiced just right with green chiles, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, then baked to golden, melty perfection. These pinwheels are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or whenever you want a delicious appetizer that’s simple to prepare but impressively flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these antojitos come alive. Each component plays a special role—from creamy richness to a subtle kick of spice and fresh herbaceous notes, every item contributes to the perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- Flour tortillas (10 small): Soft yet sturdy, they roll smoothly without cracking, creating a perfect base for the filling.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces softened): Adds a creamy, tangy richness that binds the filling together beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings a sharp, slightly nutty flavor for that irresistible cheesy depth.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Melts wonderfully, contributing a silky texture and mild taste.
- Diced green chiles (1 can, drained): Introduce a smoky, gentle heat that makes every bite exciting.
- Chopped jalapeños (2 tablespoons): Perfect for dialing up the spice level with fresh, lively heat.
- Chopped green onions (3 tablespoons): Add subtle crunch and a burst of mild onion flavor.
- Taco seasoning (1 tablespoon): Provides that signature Mexican flavor blend, pulling all ingredients together.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons chopped): Brings brightness and a fresh herbal kick that lifts the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For brushing the pinwheels, helping them bake up golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and complexity to the filling.
How to Make Cheesy Mexican Antojitos Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it’s ready to go when your pinwheels hit the baking sheet. In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, green chiles, jalapeños, green onions, taco seasoning, fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, even mixture — this flavorful filling will be the heart of your pinwheels.
Step 2: Spread and Roll
Lay out each flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of your cheese and chile filling evenly over each tortilla, making sure you cover the entire surface to get flavorful bites all around. Once spread, roll each tortilla up tightly into a log shape, so the filling holds inside nicely.
Step 3: Slice and Arrange
Carefully slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch rounds, revealing those beautiful swirls of cheesy goodness. Place the pieces on a greased baking sheet with the cut side facing up to maximize the melty, golden top that everyone adores.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Lightly brush the tops of each pinwheel with olive oil to promote crisping during baking. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted completely and the edges have turned golden and just a little crisp. This step ensures you get that perfect balance of gooey and crispy textures.
How to Serve Cheesy Mexican Antojitos Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor of these pinwheels with a simple garnish. Sprinkle some extra chopped fresh cilantro or thin slices of jalapeño on top for a vibrant finish. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy salsa adds even more depth and a cooling contrast to the cheesy heat.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels shine on their own as a snack or appetizer but pair beautifully with classic Mexican sides like guacamole, pico de gallo, or a fresh avocado salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Mexican rice or black beans to round out the feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange your Cheesy Mexican Antojitos Pinwheels Recipe on a colorful platter lined with lettuce leaves or sprinkle with some crumbled queso fresco. You can also serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They might lose a bit of their crispness but will still remain delicious and cheesy.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pinwheels by arranging the rolled tortillas on a tray, freezing them until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. Bake them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To warm up leftover pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This revives their crisp edges and melty center so they taste just as amazing as fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can swap in large corn tortillas, but keep in mind they are less flexible and may crack when rolled. If you prefer corn tortillas, warm them beforehand to make them more pliable and roll carefully.
How can I make these pinwheels spicier?
For a spicier twist, add more chopped jalapeños or mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also serve them with a hot salsa to turn up the heat at the table.
Are these pinwheels vegetarian?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Mexican Antojitos Pinwheels Recipe is made with vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making it a great option for meat-free gatherings.
Is it okay to assemble the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolled pinwheels in advance, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep stress-free and fast on the day of your event.
What can I serve with these pinwheels for a full meal?
Pair these cheesy pinwheels with Mexican rice, refried or black beans, and a fresh tossed salad for a filling and balanced meal that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.
Final Thoughts
I really can’t recommend this Cheesy Mexican Antojitos Pinwheels Recipe enough — it’s a surefire winner whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a delicious, cheesy snack. From the melty cheeses to the vibrant spices and fresh herbs, every bite is a joyful celebration of Mexican street food flavors. Give it a try and watch these pinwheels become an instant favorite in your home!
Print
Cheesy Mexican Antojitos Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food with these delicious Antojitos, featuring creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and savory chiles rolled in soft flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a party appetizer or a snack to enjoy warm with your favorite dips.
Ingredients
Antojitos Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can diced green chiles, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeños
- 3 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the antojitos. This temperature ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the tortillas crisp up just right.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, drained green chiles, chopped jalapeños, green onions, taco seasoning, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth, even filling.
- Fill the Tortillas: Lay out the flour tortillas flat. Evenly spread a generous layer of the cheese and chile filling over each tortilla, ensuring full coverage for a flavorful bite in every piece.
- Roll and Slice: Roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick rounds to create bite-sized pinwheels, perfect for serving as appetizers.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the rounds cut side up on the sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to promote browning and crisp edges.
- Bake the Antojitos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges turn a golden, slightly crisp texture.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let the antojitos cool slightly. Serve them warm accompanied by salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a truly authentic Mexican snack experience.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chopped jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with large corn tortillas, though be mindful they may crack when rolled.
- These antojitos can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking to save prep time on serving day.
