Roasted Red Pepper Pinwheels
These tortilla pinwheels are so easy to make and great for parties, potlucks, BBQs, or anytime you want a super simple appetizer or snack. For this version, I combine roasted red peppers with fresh basil and cream cheese for a simple and delicious roll-up. I’m also sharing ideas for other versions you’ll want to try, too!
Easy Tortilla Pinwheels
Tortilla pinwheels are what to make when you need a party appetizer or snack for game day but don’t want something high-maintenance. They’re simple and endlessly customizable and one of my favorite versions is this roasted red pepper roll-up. Five ingredients, easy to prep, and even easier to eat – plus, you can make them ahead. Winning.
Ingredients
- Whipped cream cheese – you can use regular cream cheese, too, but you will need to let it soften to room temperature so it’s spreadable.
- Jarred roasted red peppers – drain them really well and chop them up.
- Basil – stack the leaves, roll them up, and then slice them.
- Salt
- Large flour tortillas – I like to use burrito-sized ones that are approximately 10 inches.
How to Make Them
Mix the cream cheese, peppers, basil, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
Divide the mixture between the tortillas and spread it into an even layer, leaving an inch or so of space around the edge. Roll the tortillas and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Chill the rolls for a couple of hours or up to a day before serving. To slice, use a serrated knife and avoid pressing down too hard so each pinwheel maintains its shape. Slice each roll into eight pinwheels.
Try These Ideas, Too!
The first rule of the tortilla roll-up club is that there are no rules. If you like the flavors and can roll it up in a tortilla, you can create your own pinwheel recipe. Here are some variations you might like, too.
- If you love jalapeno poppers, make some bacon jalapeno cream cheese pinwheels.
- Try these Mexican pinwheels from Fox Valley Foodie. Cheddar cheese, sour cream, black olives, diced green chile, and green onions are wrapped up together. Serve them with some guacamole and salsa for dipping.
- Try making popper-inspired ones by spreading jalapeno popper spread on tortillas and rolling them up. Serve them with some homemade ranch dressing.
- I love to use my pimento cheese recipe to make really easy pinwheels.
- Try pesto roll-ups – just mix cream cheese with storebought pesto or make my basil, roasted garlic, or carrot top pesto.
- Or make a batch of smoked salmon spread and use it to make roll-ups for brunch or as a party appetizer.
- For a simple version, you can make a cream cheese mixture with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, basil, or cilantro.
I hope you try this recipe the next time you want to make some easy finger food for a get-together. You can’t go wrong with tortilla roll-ups!
Happy snacking,
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More Easy Appetizers
Roasted Red Pepper Tortilla Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 8 ounce whipped cream cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup thin-sliced basil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, peppers, basil, and salt until well combined.
- Divide the mixture between the tortillas and spread it into an even layer, leaving an inch or so of space around the edge. Roll the tortillas and wrap them in plastic wrap.
- Chill the rolls for a couple of hours or up to a day before serving. To slice, use a serrated knife and avoid pressing down too hard so each pinwheel maintains its shape. Slice each roll into eight pinwheels.