Spicy Spinach & Jalapeño Tortilla Roll-Ups
These Spicy Spinach & Jalapeño Tortilla Roll-Ups are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for lunch or as a delicious snack! With a creamy filling of spinach, softened cream cheese, and fresh jalapeños, these roll-ups provide a satisfying kick while remaining refreshingly light. Garnished with sweet roasted red peppers, these bites are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritious ingredients. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a quick meal prep, these roll-ups are as easy to make as they are to share.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Spinach
9 ounces (Thawed and excess moisture squeezed out)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Jalapeño Chiles
2 (Minced (seeds removed if desired))
Flour Tortillas
4 (8-inch size)
Roasted Red Peppers
6 ounces (Cut into strips)
Instructions
1
Start by thoroughly thawing the frozen spinach. Once thawed, squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can to ensure your filling isn't too wet.
2
In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese and minced jalapeños. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to remove the seeds from the jalapeños before mincing.
3
Add the squeezed spinach to the cream cheese mixture and pulse the food processor just until the spinach is incorporated—we want a bit of texture in the filling.
4
Lay one flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Spread approximately 1/4 of the spinach mixture evenly over the tortilla, making sure to leave about a 1/2-inch border on one side.
5
Arrange strips of roasted red peppers down the center of the tortilla. They should be placed close together for a burst of flavor in every bite.
6
Begin rolling the tortilla tightly toward the edge with the filling, using light pressure to keep everything inside without squeezing it out.
7
Once rolled, wrap the tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its shape and freshness. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
8
Place the wrapped roll-ups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld.
9
When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and use a sharp knife to slice each roll diagonally into 8 equal pieces. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Spinach & Jalapeño Tortilla Roll-Ups!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Spinach & Jalapeño Tortilla Roll-Ups?
They are a flavorful appetizer or snack made with a creamy spinach and jalapeño filling rolled in flour tortillas and garnished with roasted red peppers.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 9 ounces of frozen spinach, 8 ounces of cream cheese, 2 jalapeño chiles, 4 flour tortillas, and 6 ounces of roasted red peppers.
How should I prepare the frozen spinach?
The spinach should be thoroughly thawed and then squeezed to remove as much excess moisture as possible to prevent a soggy filling.
Can I make these roll-ups less spicy?
Yes, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeño chiles before mincing them to achieve a milder flavor.
What type of cream cheese is best for this recipe?
Standard cream cheese works best, and it should be softened to room temperature for easy blending.
Is a food processor required for this recipe?
A food processor is recommended to achieve a smooth and creamy mixture of cream cheese and jalapeños.
How do I incorporate the spinach into the filling?
Pulse the squeezed spinach into the cream cheese mixture briefly so that it is incorporated but still retains some texture.
What size of tortillas should I use?
This recipe calls for 8-inch flour tortillas.
How much filling goes on each tortilla?
Spread approximately 1/4 of the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over each of the four tortillas.
Should I leave a border when spreading the filling?
Yes, leave about a 1/2-inch border on one side of the tortilla to help seal it when rolling.
How are the roasted red peppers used in the roll-ups?
The peppers are cut into strips and arranged down the center of the tortilla on top of the spinach mixture.
What is the best way to roll the tortillas?
Roll the tortillas tightly toward the edge with the filling, applying light pressure to keep the contents secure.
How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling?
Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to help it maintain its shape while chilling.
How long do the roll-ups need to be refrigerated?
They should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I prepare these roll-ups in advance?
Yes, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
How should I slice the roll-ups for serving?
Use a sharp knife to slice each roll-up diagonally into 8 equal pieces.
How many pieces does the entire recipe make?
The recipe makes a total of 32 bite-sized pieces from 4 tortillas.
Are these Spicy Spinach & Jalapeño Tortilla Roll-Ups vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you would need to cook and drain it thoroughly to match the texture of thawed frozen spinach.
What can I substitute for roasted red peppers?
Sun-dried tomatoes or pimentos can be used as a substitute for a similar flavor profile.
Are these roll-ups suitable for parties?
Absolutely, they are ideal for parties, potlucks, and gatherings because they are easy to share and visually appealing.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas are recommended because they are more pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, shredded chicken or finely diced ham could be added to the filling if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Ensuring the spinach is very dry and using the plastic wrap while chilling helps maintain the right texture.
Can I freeze these roll-ups?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese and peppers may change texture upon thawing.
What makes these roll-ups healthy?
They contain nutrient-dense spinach and peppers, providing a lighter alternative to many fried appetizers.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) can be used, though the filling may be slightly less firm.
How do I get a clean cut when slicing?
Using a very sharp, serrated knife and slicing while the rolls are cold will provide the cleanest results.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a mild to moderate kick from the jalapeños, which is balanced by the creamy cheese.
What should the texture of the filling be?
The filling should be smooth and creamy with small bits of textured spinach throughout.