These Mexican tortilla pinwheels are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining creamy cheeses with savory spices and fresh vegetables. They're quick to make and can be served as an appetizer or snack, ideal for any gathering.
Photos of Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
If you don't usually stock spinach, cream cheese, or chili powder in your pantry, you may need to grab these from the supermarket. Fresh cilantro and red bell pepper might also be on your shopping list, as they add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
Ingredients for Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
spinach: Large leafy greens used as a base for the pinwheels.
cream cheese: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the filling.
cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy taste that complements the other ingredients.
chili powder: Adds a spicy kick to the mixture.
black beans: Offers a hearty, protein-rich component to the pinwheels.
red bell pepper: Adds a sweet and crunchy element to the dish.
cilantro: Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbaceous note.
One reader, Dorelia Lehmann says:
These Mexican tortilla pinwheels are a hit! The creamy cheese blend with the crunch of bell peppers and black beans is perfect. Easy to make and delicious, they’re a great appetizer for any gathering. The cilantro adds a fresh touch. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
How to mix ingredients: Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chili powder in a bowl until well blended. How to spread cream cheese: Use a spatula or knife to evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the tortillas. How to roll tortillas: Start at one end and roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring it holds together. How to slice pinwheels: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled tortillas into bite-sized pieces.
How To Make Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
Grab a bite of these mouthwatering tortilla pinwheels, that’s rolled up green spinach filled with veggies, cream cheese, and beans, for a filling treat!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4large spinach,or regular tortillas, burrito size
- 8ozcream cheese,softened
- 1cupcheddar cheese,shredded
- 1tspchili powder,or more to taste
- 1cupblack beans,canned, drained and rinsed, plus more for garnish
- 1cupred bell pepper,orange and/or yellow, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- ¼cupcilantro,finely chopped
Instructions
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In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chili powder.
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Spread the cream cheese over the entire surface of each tortilla.
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Sprinkle ¼ cup of black beans and ¼ cup of bell pepper on one end of each tortilla.
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Roll up the tortillas tightly, adding a dab of cream cheese on the end to hold the rolls together, if needed. Slice the tortilla rolls crosswise into pinwheels.
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Serve sprinkled with cilantro and additional black beans and bell pepper, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Refrigerate for up to 8 hours prior to serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 392.40kcal
- Fat: 21.91g
- Saturated Fat: 11.84g
- Trans Fat: 0.26g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.50g
- Carbohydrates: 32.33g
- Fiber: 10.92g
- Sugar: 4.04g
- Protein: 21.60g
- Cholesterol: 64.02mg
- Sodium: 482.43mg
- Calcium: 463.28mg
- Potassium: 1933.63mg
- Iron: 8.41mg
- Vitamin A: 1354.08µg
- Vitamin C: 98.40mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
When spreading the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, make sure to leave a small border around the edges. This will prevent the filling from oozing out when you roll up the tortillas.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
Prepare the filling: Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chili powder in advance and store it in the fridge.
Chop ingredients ahead: Dice the red bell pepper and rinse the black beans the night before.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.
Assemble in batches: Lay out all tortillas and spread the cream cheese mixture on each one before adding the other ingredients.
Store properly: Keep the rolled tortillas in the fridge for easy slicing and serving later.
Substitute Ingredients For Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale provides a similar texture and nutritional profile, adding a slightly different but still pleasant flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a healthier alternative with added protein.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
chili powder - Substitute with cumin and paprika: A mix of cumin and paprika can provide a similar depth of flavor and mild heat.
black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a similar texture and flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers offer a similar sweetness and crunch, maintaining the dish's texture and flavor.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for cilantro, especially for those who find cilantro's taste soapy.
Presenting Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
Use a wooden board: Present the tortilla pinwheels on a rustic wooden board to give a natural and authentic feel, reminiscent of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro over the pinwheels to add a pop of green color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Add a side of salsa: Serve with a small ramekin of salsa on the side for dipping, enhancing the Mexican theme and adding a vibrant red contrast.
Arrange in a circular pattern: Place the pinwheels in a circular pattern on the board, creating an eye-catching and inviting presentation.
Use edible flowers: Decorate the board with a few edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication, suitable for a Michelin-star presentation.
Incorporate colorful bell peppers: Scatter thin slices of red bell pepper around the pinwheels to add visual interest and a splash of color.
Serve with a lime wedge: Include a wedge of lime on the side for guests to squeeze over the pinwheels, adding a zesty freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with a light sauce: Lightly drizzle a creamy avocado sauce over the pinwheels for an added layer of flavor and a beautiful finishing touch.
Use microgreens: Top the pinwheels with a small handful of microgreens to add texture and a gourmet touch.
Highlight the ingredients: Place small piles of black beans, cheddar cheese, and spinach leaves around the board to showcase the fresh ingredients used in the recipe.
Essential Tools for Making Tortilla Pinwheels
Mixing bowl: To combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chili powder into a smooth mixture.
Spatula: To spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortillas.
Measuring cups: To measure out the black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro accurately.
Knife: To slice the rolled tortillas into pinwheels.
Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for slicing the tortillas.
Serving platter: To arrange and serve the pinwheels attractively.
Spoon: To sprinkle additional black beans and bell pepper over the pinwheels before serving.
Storing and Freezing Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
- To store the mexican tortilla pinwheels, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the pinwheels, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the pinwheels are firm.
- Once frozen, transfer the pinwheels to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- The frozen mexican tortilla pinwheels can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw the frozen pinwheels, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. Alternatively, you can leave them at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
- If the pinwheels have become slightly soggy after thawing, you can crisp them up by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the tortillas are crispy.
- Avoid refreezing the pinwheels once they have been thawed, as this can affect their texture and quality.
Interesting Fact About Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
A fun fact about this Mexican tortilla pinwheels recipe is that it combines vibrant and nutritious ingredients like spinach, black beans, and red bell pepper, making it not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and fiber.
Is Making Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels at Home Cost-Effective?
This Mexican tortilla pinwheels recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With ingredients like spinach, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, black beans, and red bell pepper, the total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $12-$15. Given the simplicity and affordability of the ingredients, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 on the cost-effectiveness scale.
Are Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Mexican tortilla pinwheels recipe contains some healthy ingredients, such as spinach, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro. These ingredients provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the recipe also includes a significant amount of cream cheese and cheddar cheese, which are high in saturated fat and calories. The chili powder adds flavor but may also contribute to the dish's sodium content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cream cheese and cheddar cheese, or opt for lower-fat versions of these ingredients
- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of regular tortillas to increase the fiber content
- Add more vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, onions, or jalapeños, to boost the nutritional value and flavor
- Replace some of the cream cheese with mashed avocado for a healthier source of creamy texture and heart-healthy fats
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese to reduce fat and increase protein content
- Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as cumin, garlic powder, or fresh lime juice, to enhance the flavor without relying on excess salt or fat
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the Mexican tortilla pinwheels while still enjoying the delicious flavors of the original recipe.
Editor's Thoughts on Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
This recipe for Mexican tortilla pinwheels is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of creamy cheeses with the slight heat from the chili powder creates a rich base, while the black beans and red bell pepper add a satisfying crunch and freshness. The cilantro provides a burst of herbaceous brightness that ties everything together. It's a versatile dish, perfect for appetizers or snacks, and can easily be customized with additional ingredients like avocado or jalapeños for extra flair. Overall, it's a simple yet flavorful recipe that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe:
This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of tortilla pinwheels. The creamy blend of cream cheese and cheddar cheese perfectly complements the hearty black beans and fresh red bell pepper. The addition of chili powder adds a subtle kick, while cilantro brings a refreshing finish. These pinwheels are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for parties or quick snacks. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and ease of preparation.
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