These Sweet Heat Pepper Jelly Pinwheels are the perfect combo of creamy, spicy, and just a touch sweet. With smooth cream cheese, zesty pepper jelly, and crunchy veggies all wrapped up in a soft tortilla, these bite-sized snacks are ideal for parties, potlucks, or a flavorful mid-day snack. They’re make-ahead friendly, no cooking required, and gone in seconds!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sweet heat pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sweet heat pepper jelly, diced red bell pepper, green onions, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture: Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture across the tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Roll it up: Tightly roll the tortilla from one end to the other, forming a snug log. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Chill to set: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and serve: Unwrap the chilled rolls and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro if using.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Variations:
- Add protein: Mix in finely chopped cooked bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for a heartier version with added texture and savory flavor.
- Crank up the heat: Swap in a hot pepper jelly or add a pinch of cayenne to the filling for an extra spicy kick.
- Swap the wrap: Try spinach, tomato-basil, or whole wheat tortillas for added flavor and color contrast.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese and check that your pepper jelly is vegan-friendly for a delicious dairy-free option.
- Add crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a unique texture and nutty contrast.
Cooking Notes:
- Be sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, easy spread.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the chilled rolls cleanly without squishing them.
- Don’t skip the chilling step it helps everything hold together beautifully when slicing.
- Taste the filling before spreading to adjust sweetness, spice, or salt if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Party platter: Pair with other finger foods like mini sliders, fruit skewers, and dips for a colorful, crowd-pleasing spread.
- Lunchbox star: Pack a few pinwheels in a lunchbox with fruit, crackers, and a cookie for a fresh and fun midday meal.
- Holiday bites: These make great holiday appetizers use red and green bell peppers for festive flair.
- Game day snack: Set them out with a bowl of salsa or ranch dip during the big game. They’ll disappear fast!
- Brunch twist: Serve alongside mimosas and quiches for a sweet-and-savory brunch starter.
Tips:
- Double the batch: These are highly snackable make extra if you’re feeding a crowd!
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance, wrap tightly, and store in the fridge. Slice just before serving for best results.
- Keep it neat: Avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent the mixture from oozing out when rolling or slicing.
- Customize textures: Finely dice veggies to keep the texture even and make rolling smoother.
- Temperature tip: Let the rolls sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing to avoid cracking the tortilla.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg (values may vary slightly based on brand of ingredients used)
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the pinwheels?
It’s not recommended. Cream cheese-based fillings tend to change texture when frozen and thawed. For best results, store in the refrigerator and eat within 2 days. - How long do they last in the fridge?
Pinwheels are best eaten within 24–48 hours. Beyond that, the tortillas may begin to get soggy. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free tortillas. Be sure to check your pepper jelly and cream cheese for any hidden gluten ingredients. - What type of pepper jelly works best?
Look for a “sweet heat” or hot pepper jelly that balances sugar with mild heat. Jalapeño, habanero, or red pepper jellies work great. Try different types to find your favorite!
Conclusion:
Sweet Heat Pepper Jelly Pinwheels bring a bold twist to the classic party appetizer. Creamy, sweet, spicy, and endlessly snackable, these pinwheels are easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a flavor-packed snack, these tasty bites are guaranteed to please. Make them once, and they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
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Sweet Heat Pepper Jelly Pinwheels
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Heat Pepper Jelly Pinwheels are the perfect combo of creamy, spicy, and just a touch sweet. With smooth cream cheese, zesty pepper jelly, and crunchy veggies all wrapped up in a soft tortilla, these bite-sized snacks are ideal for parties, potlucks, or a flavorful mid-day snack. They’re make-ahead friendly, no cooking required, and gone in seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sweet heat pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sweet heat pepper jelly, diced red bell pepper, green onions, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture: Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture across the tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Roll it up: Tightly roll the tortilla from one end to the other, forming a snug log. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Chill to set: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and serve: Unwrap the chilled rolls and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro if using.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Be sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, easy spread.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the chilled rolls cleanly without squishing them.
- Don’t skip the chilling step it helps everything hold together beautifully when slicing.
- Taste the filling before spreading to adjust sweetness, spice, or salt if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Method: No-Cook, Assembly
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2–3 pinwheels
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pinwheels, sweet heat, pepper jelly, no bake appetizer, cream cheese pinwheels, tortilla roll-ups, party snack, make ahead, spicy appetizer