Picture this: It’s game day, your team’s losing by 10 points, and your friends are eyeing the snack table like it’s the fourth-quarter Hail Mary. Enter these Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels—creamy, spicy, bacon-studded rolls that’ll make everyone forget the score. I first made these for a tailgate in 2019, and now my crew refuses to watch football without ’em. “Better than the nachos,” my brother declared, crumbs flying.
Pro tip: Keep the jalapeño seeds if you’re feeling brave. Your taste buds will thank you (but maybe have a cold beer on standby).
Why This Recipe Works
- 5 ingredients: Cream cheese, bacon, jalapeños, cheddar, tortillas. Done.
- Make-ahead MVP: Assemble the night before—slice and serve when the crowd arrives.
- Customizable heat: Seed the peppers for mild or go full inferno.
Ingredients & Swaps
(Quantities in the recipe card!)
- Cream Cheese: 12 oz softened. Light cream cheese works, but full-fat is extra luscious.
- Bacon: 8 slices cooked crispy. Pre-cooked bacon bits in a pinch (no judgment).
- Jalapeños: ¼ cup chopped. Pickled jalapeños for tang or fresh for crunch.
- Cheddar: 1 cup shredded. Pepper Jack for extra kick.
- Tortillas: 6 large (10-inch). Spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps for color.
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- A squeeze of lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Filling
- In a bowl, mash 12 oz cream cheese with 8 crumbled bacon slices, ¼ cup jalapeños, 1 cup cheddar, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Pro tip: Use a stand mixer—it’s arm-day saver.
2. Spread & Roll
- Divide filling evenly among 6 tortillas. Spread to the edges.
- Roll tightly like a sleeping bag. No gaps!
3. Chill & Slice
- Wrap rolls in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour (or overnight). Chilling = cleaner slices.
- Slice into ½-inch rounds. Wipe the knife between cuts for sharp edges.
Pro Tips
- Bacon hack: Bake bacon on a rack at 400°F for 15 mins—no flipping, no splatter.
- Spice control: Wear gloves when chopping jalapeños. Trust me.
- Freeze ’em: Roll and wrap uncut logs. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before slicing.
FAQ
Can I use flour tortillas?
Absolutely! But spinach wraps add a fun pop of color.
Why are my pinwheels falling apart?
Too much filling or under-chilling. Spread thinner and chill longer.
How long do they last?
2 days in the fridge. After that, the tortillas get soggy (but they’ll still taste bomb).
Serving Ideas
- Game day spread: Pair with beer cheese dip and crispy wings.
- Brunch twist: Serve with mimosas and a fruit platter.
- Kid-friendly: Skip the jalapeños and add diced ham.
Nutrition (Per Pinwheel):
Calories: 85 | Carbs: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g
Stats vary based on tortilla size and cheese choice.
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins | Servings: 24 pinwheels
Ingredients
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped jalapeños (seeds in for heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 6 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
- Mix Filling: Combine cream cheese, bacon, jalapeños, cheddar, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread mixture evenly over tortillas. Roll tightly.
- Chill: Wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour.
- Slice: Cut into ½-inch rounds. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncut rolls up to 1 month. Thaw before slicing.
