Grilled Cream Cheese Pinwheels
The classic cream cheese tortilla pinwheel appetizer has been taken up a notch to become grilled cream cheese pinwheels. Grilling melts the cream cheese and gives the tortilla a perfect crunch. Made in 10 minutes with four simple ingredients, this updated classic will bring the wow factor every time!
Pinwheels are a classic appetizer for a reason. They are delicious, easy to make, and the perfect size! For years, I’ve served pinwheels alongside my favorite Mexican appetizers during football season. This year, I decided to up my game and grill my pinwheels. OMG! They were like mini grilled cheese sandwiches filled with salsa and green chile. Not only were they delicious, but they were also the first item gone from the party table. Total winner! (Unlike the Denver Broncos, but that’s another story.)
Why I Love This Recipe
- It is delicious
- Super easy to make
- It brings the wow factor to any party or charcuterie board
Ingredients
- Tortillas—White flour tortillas are available at most grocery stores. Tomato and spinach tortillas are also widely available.
- Salsa – Use your preferred salsa—one tablespoon per tortilla. My favorite brand is 505 Southwestern pineapple, mango, and jalapeño salsa.
- Cream Cheese – Use regular or full-fat cream cheese. For the best spread, always use room-temperature cream cheese. If you have butter straight from the refrigerator, microwave it on power level 5 in 10-second bursts.
- Butter – Use the butter of your choice. For the best spread, always use room-temperature butter. If your butter is straight from the refrigerator, microwave it on power level 5 in 10-second bursts.
Watch How to Make This Recipe
Filling Alternatives
Flavorful Filling—Any salsa can substitute for fruit salsa in this recipe. Instead of salsa, sprinkle one teaspoon of garlic powder over the cream cheese. Then add black olives, green chiles, or your other favorite pinwheel filling.
- FILLINGS
- Black Olives
- Cheddar Cheese
- Feta Cheese
- Green Chilies
- Green Peppers
- FILLINGS
- Green Onions
- Red Bell Pepper
- Red Onion
- Tomatoes
- SEASONINGS
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Ranch Dressing Mix
- Taco Seasoning
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter or olive oil. Also, substitute vegan cream cheese or another cheese that melts well.
Storage and Reheating
Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Reheating Instructions: Tortilla bites taste perfectly warm or at room temperature. To reheat them, place them in a warm skillet with the lid on over medium-low heat. Another option is to reheat them in the oven at 200F/100C for five minutes.
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Grilled Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 4-6 flour tortillas
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature (454g)
- 4 -6 tablespoons favorite salsa
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prep: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and salsa. Spread the mixture over a tortilla, leaving a one-inch border. Roll the tortilla tightly, then slice it into one-inch rounds.4-6 flour tortillas, 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature (454g), 4 -6 tablespoons favorite salsa
- Grill: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Once the butter has melted, place the tortilla in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side.3 tablespoons butter
- Serve: Remove from the skillet and serve warm. If serving later, cook now and warm up in the oven at a low temperature (200F/100C).