These Cream Cheese Pinwheels are easy, tasty bites that everyone loves! They’re made with cream cheese spread on tortillas, rolled up with yummy fillings like veggies or meats!
Perfect for parties or snack time, I can’t resist them! Plus, you can whip them up in no time. Roll, slice, and enjoy—you’ll be the hit of the gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: The star of our pinwheels! Use regular or reduced-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with a vegan cream cheese for a similar texture.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor! If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers are a great alternative. Just drain and chop them fine.
Fresh Basil: Basil provides a fresh taste. If fresh isn’t available, dried basil works too, but use less (about 1 teaspoon) since it’s more concentrated.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are great for roll-ups. Feel free to swap for whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a healthier twist. Gluten-free tortillas are an excellent choice too!
How Do I Roll the Perfect Pinwheel Without It Unraveling?
Rolling your pinwheels tightly is key for a neat presentation. Here’s how you can assure they stay together:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, but don’t overload it. Too much filling can cause tearing.
- Start rolling from one edge while keeping the filling close to the edge to minimize mess.
- Apply gentle pressure as you roll to keep it tight but not too tight that the filling oozes out.
- Chilling the roll helps to set the shape before slicing. Wrap it well in plastic wrap!
With these tips, your pinwheels will look and taste fantastic! Enjoy your snack time!
How to Make Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (or roasted red peppers as an alternative)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is super quick! It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then chilling in the fridge for at least 1 hour makes the rolling process easier. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying these tasty pinwheels in just about 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix The Filling:
In a medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese and add in the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s smooth and all mixed up. This will be the tasty filling for your pinwheels!
2. Prepare The Tortillas:
Lay each tortilla flat on a clean countertop or cutting board. This will be your canvas for spreading the filling. Make sure the tortillas are soft; if they’re slightly hard, you can microwave them for about 10 seconds to soften them up a bit.
3. Spread The Filling:
Take about a quarter of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over one tortilla. Be sure to leave a little space at the edges so it doesn’t spill over when you roll it up. Repeat this for each tortilla.
4. Roll It Up:
Now, grab one edge of the tortilla and start rolling it up tightly towards the other edge, like a burrito! The tighter you roll, the better your pinwheels will hold together. Make sure the filling stays inside as you roll!
5. Chill The Rolls:
Once all the tortillas are rolled up, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep the shape and makes them easier to slice. Put them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This is a great time to clean up or prepare other snacks!
6. Slice and Serve:
When you’re ready, take the rolled tortillas out of the fridge and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Place them on a nice serving platter.
7. Enjoy!
Your Cream Cheese Pinwheels are ready to impress! Serve them chilled or at room temperature, and watch them disappear at parties, gatherings, or even just a fun snack time with family!
This recipe yields about 24-28 pinwheel slices, perfect for appetizers or party snacks! Enjoy your delicious creations!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cream cheese will work just fine, but it may be a little less creamy than regular cream cheese. It’s a great option if you’re looking to cut down on calories!
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making them a convenient snack for later.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese option, and ensure any additional ingredients like wraps or fillers are also vegan. A great way to customize flavor is by incorporating more vegetables!
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even deli meats if you prefer. Just make sure to balance the moisture to keep your pinwheels from getting soggy.