Description
Mouthwatering Cheesy Taco Pinwheels bring Mexican-inspired flavors spiraling into an irresistible appetizer. Packed with zesty seasoning and melted cheese, these pinwheels promise a quick, crowd-pleasing snack you cannot resist enjoying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Protein:
- 1 cup cooked and shredded beef (or chicken, or turkey)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
Fresh Ingredients and Toppings:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Blend cream cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, and cilantro in a medium bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and distribute the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface.
- Distribute shredded beef or chosen protein uniformly over the cream cheese layer.
- Scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the protein to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to the opposite side, creating a compact cylindrical shape that seals in all ingredients.
- Repeat the filling and rolling process for remaining tortillas until all are prepared.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch thick pinwheel sections, ensuring clean and precise cuts.
- Optional crisping method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 350°F) for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange pinwheel slices cut-side down in the heated skillet, cooking until golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer pinwheels to a serving plate and accompany with additional salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for enhanced flavor and dipping pleasure.
Notes
- Swap proteins effortlessly by using shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a versatile dish that suits different dietary preferences.
- Ensure cream cheese is thoroughly softened at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads evenly across tortillas.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat tortillas, reducing calories without compromising delicious taco-inspired flavors.
- Prepare pinwheels ahead of time by refrigerating rolled tortillas for up to 24 hours, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg