Easy Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels (Printable)

Golden baked tortilla rolls with spicy cream cheese filling, ideal for entertaining.

# 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

→ 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 Cook:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until 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 permits.
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 using a pastry brush.
08 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or 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 Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm, flaky tortilla edges and that melty, spicy center is honestly addictive
  • You can assemble everything hours ahead and just bake when guests arrive, which is how I survive hosting
02 -
  • Serrated knife makes the cleanest cuts through the tortilla without squishing the filling
  • If you're making these for a crowd, slice them slightly thinner so one batch stretches further
03 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese mixes smoother—take it out of the fridge at least an hour before starting
  • The smoked paprika is subtle but don't skip it, it adds this gorgeous depth that makes people wonder what your secret is

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