Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
These Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Inspired by a beloved co-worker’s birthday treat, they blend creamy goodness with the perfect kick of heat from fresh jalapeños. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, these roll-ups feature a delightful combination of savory deli meat and a touch of onion for added flavor. They are sure to vanish quickly, making them a popular choice for parties, holidays, or just a delicious snack. Assemble your friends in the kitchen to help spread and roll these addictive bites, and watch them disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
16 ounces (Softened at room temperature)
Fresh Jalapeños
2-4 (Chopped)
Fresh Onion
1/4 (Chopped or 1 tablespoon onion powder)
Deli Roast Beef or Honey Ham
2 packages (Chopped)
Flour Tortillas
24 count (Fajita size, may have leftovers)
Instructions
1
Start by letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened for easier mixing.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped deli meat (roast beef or honey ham), and onion. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
3
Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Use a spatula or a butter knife to spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
4
Starting from one side, tightly roll up the tortilla, ensuring the filling stays inside. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the roll-up into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick.
5
Place the sliced roll-ups on a serving platter or in a container, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully as they chill.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Roll-Ups?
They are a savory party appetizer made with a mixture of cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, deli meat, and onions rolled in flour tortillas.
How many ingredients do I need?
This recipe requires 5 main ingredients: cream cheese, fresh jalapeños, fresh onion, deli roast beef or honey ham, and flour tortillas.
Which deli meats work best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using either deli roast beef or honey ham for the best flavor profile.
Can I substitute fresh onion?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 of a fresh onion with 1 tablespoon of onion powder if preferred.
How many jalapeños should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 to 4 fresh jalapeños, depending on how much heat you want.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened makes it much easier to mix with the other ingredients.
What size tortillas should I use?
Fajita-sized flour tortillas are recommended for these roll-ups.
How many tortillas does one batch yield?
The recipe uses a 24-count package of tortillas, though you may have a few leftovers.
How thick should I slice the roll-ups?
It is recommended to slice them into bite-sized pieces approximately 1 inch thick.
Is refrigeration necessary before serving?
Yes, refrigerating them allows the flavors to meld and makes the rolls firmer for easier serving.
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Absolutely, these are perfect for making ahead as they need time to chill in the refrigerator.
Are these roll-ups very spicy?
They have a kick from the fresh jalapeños, but the cream cheese provides a cooling balance.
How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
Spread the mixture leaving a small border around the edges and roll the tortilla tightly.
How should I store leftover roll-ups?
Store them in a covered container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
What is the best way to mix the filling?
Use a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir until the cream cheese, jalapeños, meat, and onions are thoroughly combined.
Can I use a different type of tortilla?
While flour tortillas are standard, you can experiment with whole wheat or flavored tortillas like spinach or tomato.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is specifically described as a crowd-pleaser and a popular choice for gatherings and holidays.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 16 ounces of cream cheese for this recipe.
Do I need any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed, just a mixing bowl, a spatula or butter knife for spreading, and a sharp knife for slicing.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, it's a great recipe to involve friends or family in the kitchen to help with spreading and rolling.
Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh?
While the recipe calls for fresh, you could use pickled jalapeños, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
How do I get a clean cut when slicing?
Using a very sharp knife is key to getting clean, 1-inch thick slices without squishing the roll.
Should the deli meat be sliced or chopped?
The meat should be finely chopped so it incorporates evenly into the cream cheese mixture.
How many packages of deli meat are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 packages of chopped deli roast beef or honey ham.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You could omit the deli meat or replace it with a vegetarian meat substitute to make it vegetarian-friendly.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a beloved co-worker's birthday treat.
Does it matter if the onion is red or white?
The recipe simply calls for fresh onion; either white or yellow onions work well for a savory flavor.
Can I add other spices?
While the recipe focuses on jalapeño and onion, you could add garlic powder or black pepper for extra depth.
How do I serve these at a party?
Place the sliced roll-ups on a large serving platter once they have been sufficiently chilled.
Can I freeze these?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese and tortillas may change upon thawing.