Creamy Taco Pinwheels
Delight your guests with these flavorful Creamy Taco Pinwheels, an easy and fun appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. This recipe features a rich and creamy filling made with a blend of tangy cream cheese, zesty sour cream, and a medley of savory ingredients like black olives, green chilies, and cheddar cheese. Encased in soft flour tortillas, these pinwheels can easily be sliced into bite-sized rounds, making them ideal for sharing. Add a fresh touch with optional toppings like shredded lettuce and tomatoes to elevate the taste. Get ready to impress and satisfy your crowd with this scrumptious treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour tortillas
6 (large)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened at room temperature)
sour cream
1 cup (plain)
chopped black olives
4 ounces (drained)
chopped green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
chopped green onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
taco seasoning mix
1-2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
refried beans
1 1/2 cups
shredded lettuce
to taste (optional)
chopped tomato
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
2
Stir in the chopped black olives, green chilies, green onions, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and taco seasoning mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Lay out the six flour tortillas on a clean surface. Evenly divide the cream cheese filling among the tortillas, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
4
Carefully spoon equal amounts of refried beans onto each tortilla and spread evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
5
If desired, layer shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes on top of the beans for added texture and freshness.
6
Starting from one end, roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Place the rolled tortillas seam side down on a serving platter.
7
Once all tortillas are rolled, cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
8
After chilling, remove the pinwheels from the fridge and slice into 1-inch rounds.
9
Arrange the slices on a serving plate and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Taco Pinwheels?
Creamy Taco Pinwheels are a flavorful appetizer made with a rich filling of cream cheese, sour cream, black olives, green chilies, and cheddar cheese rolled inside flour tortillas.
How many tortillas are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires six large flour tortillas.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the sour cream.
What kind of olives should I use?
You should use 4 ounces of chopped black olives that have been thoroughly drained.
How much taco seasoning is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix, which can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.
Are there beans in these taco pinwheels?
Yes, 1.5 cups of refried beans are spread over the cream cheese mixture before rolling the tortillas.
Can I add fresh vegetables to the pinwheels?
Yes, shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes can be layered on top of the beans for added texture and freshness.
How long do I need to refrigerate the pinwheels before serving?
The rolled tortillas should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and make slicing easier.
How thick should I slice the pinwheels?
Once chilled, the logs should be sliced into 1-inch rounds.
What type of cheese is recommended?
One cup of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavor.
Do I need to drain the green chilies?
Yes, you should drain one 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies before adding them to the mixture.
Can I use garlic powder in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to season the creamy filling.
Is sour cream a necessary ingredient?
Yes, one cup of plain sour cream is used to help create the smooth, tangy base of the filling.
How do I ensure the pinwheels stay together?
Rolling the tortillas tightly and placing them seam side down on the platter before chilling helps them maintain their shape.
Are these pinwheels served hot or cold?
These pinwheels are served cold after being chilled in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to spread the filling?
Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly and spread it to cover the entire surface of each tortilla, followed by a layer of refried beans.
Can these be made ahead of time for a party?
Yes, they are an excellent make-ahead appetizer as they require at least an hour of chilling time.
Are the green onions finely chopped?
Yes, 1/2 cup of finely chopped green onions should be stirred into the filling mixture.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Flour tortillas are recommended because they are softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll without cracking.
What makes these 'taco' flavored?
The combination of taco seasoning, refried beans, green chilies, and cheddar cheese gives them a classic taco flavor profile.
Do I need any special equipment?
You only need a large mixing bowl, a spoon or spatula for spreading, and plastic wrap for the chilling process.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients, including the optional lettuce and tomato toppings.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as an appetizer, party food, or finger food with Mexican cuisine influences.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, low-fat sour cream can be used, though the filling may be slightly less rich.
Should the tortillas be heated before rolling?
No, it is not necessary to heat the tortillas; they should be used at room temperature to prevent the filling from melting.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover pinwheels should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the tortillas from drying out.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While this is a vegetarian-friendly version, you could add finely shredded chicken or cooked ground beef if desired.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
They have a mild zest from the green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can increase the spice by adding more seasoning or jalapeños.
Is the sharp cheddar cheese better than mild?
Sharp cheddar is recommended because its stronger flavor stands up better against the cream cheese and beans.
How many pinwheels does one tortilla make?
Depending on how you slice them, one large tortilla usually yields about 8 to 10 one-inch pinwheels.