Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
This recipe creates savory Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels, a no-bake appetizer featuring a creamy, cheesy, and spicy filling with bacon, spread onto tortillas, rolled, and sliced. It's a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing snack, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful bite.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spatula or spreading knife For mixing and spreading the cream cheese mixture
- 1 Chef's knife For dicing jalapenos, chopping bacon, and slicing pinwheels
- 1 Cutting Board For prep work and slicing
- 1 Measuring spoons/cups
Ingredients
Main
- 2 large tortillas 8-10" (or 3 small)
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese pepper jack, or a mix
- 5 strips bacon cooked and chopped/crumbled
- 2-3 jalapenos seeded and diced
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble or chop finely. Set aside.
- Seed and finely dice the fresh jalapenos, adjusting the quantity based on desired spice level. Wear gloves if sensitive.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar/pepper jack cheese, chopped crispy bacon, diced jalapenos, garlic salt, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly with a spatula or spoon until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Lay out the large tortillas on a clean work surface. If stiff, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across each tortilla, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edges.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll up each tortilla into a compact log.
- Wrap each rolled tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until firm.
- Once thoroughly chilled, unwrap the logs and slice them into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp chef's knife.
- Arrange the Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels on a serving platter and serve immediately, or keep chilled until ready to serve.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is thoroughly softened for a smooth, homogenous spread – this is crucial for easy application and consistent texture. For the jalapenos, adjust the heat level by carefully removing all seeds and white pith; wear gloves during preparation to avoid skin irritation. Crispy bacon adds a vital textural contrast, so cook it well. When rolling the tortillas, aim for a tight, even cylinder to ensure neat pinwheels. Chilling the log adequately before slicing is paramount for clean, well-defined cuts, preventing smudging or tearing of the tortillas. Consider slightly warming the tortillas for a few seconds in a microwave if they are too stiff to roll without cracking. For enhanced flavor, a touch of fresh cilantro or finely minced green onion could be incorporated into the cream cheese mixture.