Southwestern Pinwheels Recipe
π Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
π₯ Yield: 20 pinwheels
Description:
These Southwestern Pinwheels are a delightful combination of flavors and colors, making them not only a tasty treat but also visually appealing. Perfect for gatherings, they’re quick to whip up and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. The filling, a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, salsa, and spices, is rolled up in flour tortillas along with fresh spinach leaves for added freshness. Chill them for an hour to let the flavors meld together, then slice into bite-sized pinwheels for effortless serving.

Ingredients:
- 4 ounces light cream cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chunky salsa
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 10-inch flour tortillas
- Fresh baby spinach leaves
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the light cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, chunky salsa, chopped cilantro, and ground cumin. Mix until well combined.
-
Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the two flour tortillas, ensuring it reaches to the edges.
- Place a single layer of fresh baby spinach leaves evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
-
Roll and Chill:
- Roll the tortillas tightly to form a log.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap to secure, then chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or up to 8 hours. Chilling is essential for easier slicing and to set the filling.
-
Slice and Serve:
- After the rolls have chilled, unwrap them and cut each one in half.
- Starting from the smooth side, slice each roll into 1-inch circles. Depending on the tortilla’s integrity, you should get 4 to 5 circles from each half.
- Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on a serving platter.
- Cover and chill for up to an additional hour before serving if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Southwestern Pinwheels as a delightful appetizer for gatherings, parties, or as a tasty addition to brunch menus.
- Pair them with extra salsa or a creamy dip for added flavor.
- Experiment with different tortilla colors, such as using both green and red tortillas, for a vibrant presentation.
Nutritional Information (Per Pinwheel):
- Calories: 46
- Total Fat: 2.4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 5.7mg
- Sodium: 93.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.9g
Tips:
- To make ahead, prepare the pinwheels the night before your event and store them wrapped in the refrigerator. Slice them just before serving for the freshest presentation.
- Customize the filling by adding diced bell peppers, black beans, or cooked chicken for extra flavor and texture.
- Ensure the tortillas are tightly rolled to maintain the shape of the pinwheels when sliced.
- For a spicier kick, use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
These Southwestern Pinwheels are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, with their bold flavors and eye-catching presentation. Enjoy making and sharing this easy-to-prepare appetizer with friends and family!