No-Cook Holiday Appetizer Everyone Loves!
If you need a quick, festive, and crowd-pleasing appetizer for the holidays, tortilla pinwheels are the recipe to save. They take just a few minutes to make, require zero cooking, and always look impressive on a party platter. Whether you’re headed to a holiday potluck, hosting Friendsgiving, or need a simple snack for game night, these tortilla roll-ups go super fast.
This recipe is loaded with creamy, flavorful filling — fresh veggies, herbs, a hint of spice, and the perfect kick from taco seasoning. Plus, using colorful tortillas instantly makes the platter look fun and festive!
Why You’ll Love These Tortilla Pinwheels
This recipe is:
- No-cook and beginner friendly
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, lunches, and snacks
- Vegetarian and customizable
- Make-ahead friendly
- Great for kids and adults
If you want something easy that still feels special, these tortilla roll-ups are it.
Tips for the Best Tortilla Pinwheels
- Spread filling thinly — too much makes cutting messy.
- Chill before slicing for clean edges.
- Use a serrated knife for best results.
- Keep them cold until serving.
- Mix and match tortilla colors for a pretty platter.
Make-Ahead Options (3 Ways!)
These pinwheels are perfect for prepping ahead during the busy holiday season. You can:
1. Make the filling 2–3 days ahead, store in the fridge, and spread + roll the day of.
2. Make the rolls (uncut) up to one day in advance, then slice right before serving.
3. Fully prepare and slice them, storing in an airtight container for 2–3 days (note: they may soften slightly).
Customization Ideas
Make it your own based on your family’s preferences:
- Swap mini peppers for shredded carrots or cucumbers
- Add chopped olives, corn, or jalapeños
- Use flavored cream cheese
- Add more spice with extra chili powder or paprika
- Leave out anything your kids don’t love
This recipe is super forgiving — adjust the seasonings and veggies to your liking!
These tortilla pinwheels are the definition of easy entertaining. Creamy, flavorful, and festive… without any time in the kitchen. Bookmark this for your next party!
Stay happy, stay hungry!
| Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 0minutes | Total time: 15 minutes | Makes: 8 wraps |
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- 8 oz. whipped cream cheese (optional, makes it extra fluffy)
- Colorful tortilla wraps (spinach, wheat, sun-dried tomato, etc.)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 4 mini sweet peppers, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for a mild version)
- Cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, shredded
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Time needed: 15 minutes
- Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, whipped cream cheese (optional), all chopped veggies, herbs, lemon juice, and seasonings. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Spread the Mixture
Take one tortilla and spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges.
- . Roll It Tightly
Roll the tortilla tightly, just like a wrap or sushi roll. This ensures your pinwheels hold their shape.
- Chill, Then Slice (optional step)
Place the rolled tortillas in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up. Slice into bite-sized rounds and enjoy!
Notes:
- I used mission bran tortillas: spinach, sundried tomatoes and herbs, wheat, and regular. Use whatever you have on hand or can find.
- You can make the mixture ahead of time to cut the prep time.
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