Creamy Taco Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Taco Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a quick snack. Combining classic taco flavors with a creamy filling wrapped in soft tortillas, they are easy to prepare and sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• Large flour tortillas
• Cream cheese, softened
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Cooked ground beef or turkey (seasoned with taco seasoning)
• Diced bell peppers or tomatoes (optional)
• Chopped green onions
• Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the filling by mixing cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, cooked meat, taco seasoning, and optional diced vegetables in a bowl until well combined.
2. Step 2: Spread the filling evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
3. Step 3: Starting from one edge, roll each tortilla tightly into a log. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Step 4: Remove the plastic wrap, then slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter and serve either cold or warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, replace the cooked meat with black beans or cooked lentils seasoned with taco spices.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to the filling for a fresh, herbal note.
• Use flavored tortillas like spinach or tomato basil to add extra color and taste.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the filling.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed cold but can be warmed briefly in the microwave if preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, they need to chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up, but you can prepare them a few hours or even a day ahead for convenience.

Can I freeze the pinwheels?

It’s not recommended to freeze the pinwheels as the cream cheese filling may change texture once thawed. Fresh is best for these bites.

Creamy Taco Pinwheels Recipe

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Creamy Taco Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. These flavorful pinwheels combine a savory taco-seasoned mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cooked ground beef or turkey, spread inside soft flour tortillas, then rolled and chilled. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a quick bite, they offer a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy taste wrapped in bite-sized pinwheel form.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking the ground meat)
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12-16 pinwheels
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Large flour tortillas – 4
• Cream cheese, softened – 8 oz (about 225 g)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – ½ cup (120 ml)
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese – 1 cup (about 100 g)
• Cooked ground beef or turkey, seasoned with taco seasoning – 1 cup (about 150 g)
• Chopped green onions – ¼ cup (about 25 g)
• Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade) – 1 tablespoon
• Diced bell peppers or tomatoes (optional) – ½ cup (about 75 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheese, cooked seasoned ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, chopped green onions, and optional diced bell peppers or tomatoes. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Assemble the pinwheels: Lay out each flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the prepared filling mixture over each tortilla, making sure to leave about a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent over-spilling when rolling.
3. Roll tightly: Starting from one edge, carefully roll each tortilla into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays evenly packed inside. Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.
4. Slice & serve: Remove the plastic wrap and slice each tortilla roll into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange the pinwheels neatly on a serving platter. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor, or warm slightly if preferred.

Notes

• For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• To add more veggies, include finely diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or jalapeños in the filling.
• Make sure to chill the rolled tortillas to help them hold their shape when sliced.
• These pinwheels can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream as additional dips if desired.

Keywords: taco pinwheels, creamy taco appetizers, easy party snacks, cream cheese pinwheels, Mexican appetizer