Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels?
They are bite-sized snacks made by rolling flour tortillas with a creamy mixture of ranch dressing, cream cheese, green onions, pimentos, green chilies, and olives.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What kind of ranch dressing should I use?
The recipe calls for one 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix (dry mix).
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need 16 ounces of cream cheese.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to mix with the ranch dressing and spread on the tortillas.
What size tortillas are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using four 12-inch flour tortillas.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes minced green onions, diced pimentos, diced green chilies, and sliced black olives.
Why is it important to blot the vegetables before adding them?
Blotting the pimentos, chilies, and olives removes excess moisture, which prevents the tortillas from becoming soggy.
How do I assemble the pinwheels?
Spread the cream cheese mixture on a tortilla, sprinkle the vegetable mixture on top, and roll it up tightly from one end.
How long should the rolls be chilled?
The rolled tortillas should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Why do the pinwheels need to be refrigerated before slicing?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld and firms up the rolls, making them much easier to slice into clean pieces.
How thick should I slice the pinwheels?
It is recommended to slice the rolls into 1-inch thick pieces.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, these are an excellent make-ahead snack as they need time to chill before serving.
How should I present the pinwheels for a party?
Arrange them on a serving platter with the spiral side facing upwards for a colorful and appealing presentation.
What can I do with the ends of the tortilla rolls?
You can discard the uneven ends if you want a perfect look for your platter, or simply eat them as a snack.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include snacks, appetizers, party food, tortilla pinwheels, bbq recipes, easy recipes, and make-ahead snacks.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe calls for 2 green onions, which should be minced.
What is the weight of the diced pimentos and green chilies?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of diced pimentos and 4 ounces of diced green chilies.
How much black olives are needed?
You will need 2.25 ounces of sliced black olives.
Can I use different types of tortillas?
While flour tortillas are best for rolling, you could try flavored ones like spinach or tomato-basil for extra color.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
Diced green chilies provide a very mild zesty flavor, but they are generally not considered spicy.
Do I need to wrap the rolls in plastic?
Yes, wrapping the rolls in plastic wrap while chilling helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from drying out.
Is there any cooking involved?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that only requires mixing, rolling, and chilling.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you could add thin slices of ham or turkey before rolling if desired.
What if I don't like olives?
You can easily omit the black olives or substitute them with finely chopped bell peppers.
How should I store leftover pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Corn tortillas are generally too brittle and will break when rolled, so flour tortillas are highly recommended.
Is this a good recipe for a BBQ?
Yes, it is listed as a crowd-pleasing BBQ recipe and is perfect for outdoor get-togethers.
What is the main flavor profile of these pinwheels?
They have a creamy, savory, and zesty flavor thanks to the combination of ranch seasoning and canned vegetables.