Easy Mexican Pinwheels with Cream Cheese and Salsa

Zesty Mexican Pinwheels (Easy Party Appetizer)

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Created on July 24th, 2025 at 12:20 pm

Party-Ready Tex-Mex Pinwheels

Mexican Pinwheels

Bold, creamy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flair—these colorful Mexican Pinwheels are a guaranteed hit at any party. Make them ahead and watch them disappear in minutes!


⏱️ Time Breakdown:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Servings: 6–8 as an appetizer

📝 Ingredients List:

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chunky salsa (mild or spicy)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Blend the Creamy Base
    In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy using a spatula or hand mixer.
  2. Add the Zest
    Stir in the salsa, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper until well blended. This forms your zesty, flavorful base.
  3. Fold in the Good Stuff 🌈
    Add shredded cheddar, black beans, diced bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Mix until the filling is evenly textured with pops of color.
  4. Spread & Roll
    Lay one tortilla flat and spread ¼ of the filling across the surface, reaching all edges. Roll tightly into a log. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  5. Chill to Set ❄️
    Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps them slice neatly.
  6. Slice & Serve ✂️
    Use a serrated knife to cut each tortilla log into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter and garnish with cilantro or paprika if desired.

💡 Pro Tips:

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Best served within 24 hours.
  • Substitution Ideas: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, or add chopped jalapeños for heat.
  • Meal Prep: Make the night before for a stress-free serving the next day.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve with guacamole, tortilla chips, or thread onto skewers with avocado and cherry tomatoes.

📊 Nutrition Info:

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
2–3 pinwheels2107g16g14g3g2g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Make-Ahead Mexican Appetizer: Pinwheels

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