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Easy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels: Best Game Day Appetizer

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These Easy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels are the perfect game day appetizer, featuring a creamy, spicy, and bacony filling rolled into flour tortillas. They’re quick to assemble, require no baking, and are always the first thing to disappear at any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces pickled jalapeños, drained and finely chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice (from the jalapeño jar)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
  • Extra crumbled bacon (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. If forgotten, cut into cubes and microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  2. Cook the bacon: Bake on a foil-lined sheet pan at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until crispy. Let cool, then crumble into small pieces.
  3. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped pickled jalapeños, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and pickle juice. Mix until evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Prepare the tortillas: Lay tortillas flat on a clean work surface. If cracking, microwave for 10 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
  5. Spread the filling: Divide filling evenly among the four tortillas. Spread in a thin, even layer, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
  6. Roll them up tight: Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly but gently. Place seam-side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  7. Wrap and chill: Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  8. Slice and serve: Unwrap rolls and place on a cutting board. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels using a gentle sawing motion. Arrange on a platter and garnish as desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the chill time—it’s crucial for clean slices. Use a serrated knife for best results. Wipe the knife between cuts to prevent smearing. Make ahead for best flavor; the filling melds overnight. For a warm version, bake sliced pinwheels at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper pinwheels, game day appetizer, easy appetizer, no-bake appetizer, cream cheese pinwheels, bacon jalapeño pinwheels

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-jalape-n-o-popper-pinwheels-best-game-day-appetizer/