Creamy Salsa Tortilla Pinwheels
These Creamy Salsa Tortilla Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that combines the creaminess of Philadelphia cream cheese with the zesty flavor of chunky salsa. Perfect for parties, game day, or a light snack, these colorful bites are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. With melted Monterey Jack cheese and a hint of chili powder, each bite is bursting with flavor. This week, we made them with mild salsa and had rave reviews! They're a crowd-pleaser that can be tailored with hot salsa for those who enjoy a little kick.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
4 ounces (softened)
Chunky Salsa
3 tablespoons (mild or to taste)
Flour Tortillas
4 (6 inch size)
Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 cup (finely shredded)
Chili Powder
1/4 teaspoon (for added flavor)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and chunky salsa. Blend until smooth and well incorporated.
2
Spread an even layer of the cream cheese and salsa mixture over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
3
Sprinkle the finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese and chili powder evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the fillings are secure inside.
5
Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 5 equal pieces to create pinwheels.
6
Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
5.2g
Fat
5.6g
Carbs
2.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Salsa Tortilla Pinwheels?
These are a delightful appetizer combining Philadelphia cream cheese, chunky salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, and chili powder rolled into flour tortillas and sliced into bite-sized rounds.
How many calories are in a serving of these pinwheels?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of chunky salsa, 4 six-inch flour tortillas, 1/2 cup of finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.
How do I prepare the cream cheese mixture?
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and chunky salsa, blending until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Can I use hot salsa instead of mild?
Yes, you can use mild, medium, or hot chunky salsa depending on your heat preference; mild was used in the original review with great success.
What size tortillas should I use?
The recipe specifies using 4 flour tortillas that are 6 inches in size.
How many pinwheels does one tortilla produce?
Each rolled tortilla should be sliced into 5 equal pieces, resulting in 20 pinwheels total for the recipe.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5.2g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of these pinwheels?
Each serving provides 2.8g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5.6g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for this recipe.
Should the tortillas be rolled tightly?
Yes, you should carefully roll each tortilla tightly to ensure the fillings stay secure inside.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can arrange them on a platter and refrigerate them until you are ready to serve.
Do I need to leave a border when spreading the cream cheese?
Yes, it is recommended to leave a small border around the edges of the tortilla when spreading the mixture.
What is the purpose of the chili powder?
The 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder is added to provide a hint of spice and extra flavor to the pinwheels.
Is this recipe considered an appetizer?
Yes, it is categorized as an appetizer and a snack, perfect for parties or game days.
How should I cut the pinwheels?
Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled tortillas into 5 equal pieces to create clean, uniform pinwheels.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Fiber information is not specified for this recipe.
Is there any sugar in these pinwheels?
Sugar content is not specified for this recipe.
What is the sodium content?
Sodium information is not provided for this specific nutritional breakdown.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas are recommended because they are more flexible and easier to roll without breaking compared to corn tortillas.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly with the salsa.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
They have a zesty flavor with a hint of chili powder, but the heat level depends on whether you choose mild, medium, or hot salsa.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients in this recipe.
What occasions are these good for?
They are ideal for parties, game days, light snacks, or any social gathering.
Can I use a different type of cheese than Monterey Jack?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its flavor, you could experiment with other finely shredded cheeses like Cheddar or a Mexican blend.
Do I need to cook anything?
No, this is a no-cook assembly recipe involving mixing, spreading, and rolling.
Can I use chunky salsa?
Yes, chunky salsa is specifically called for to provide texture and flavor.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
Cholesterol information is not specified for this recipe.
How should I serve the pinwheels?
Arrange them on a platter and serve immediately or chilled.