Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
These Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful and colorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Soft cream cheese is blended with sweet and spicy pepper jelly, then spread on tortillas layered with fresh herbs and crisp bell peppers. Rolled up, chilled, and sliced into bite-sized pinwheels, they offer a creamy, tangy, and crunchy bite that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pepper jelly, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are completely blended and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread on tortillas: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent spilling during rolling.
- Add herbs and peppers: Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs and sliced bell peppers evenly across the cream cheese layer to add freshness and crunch.
- Roll the tortilla: Starting at one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside and the roll is compact.
- Repeat the process: Repeat spreading, layering, and rolling with the remaining tortillas and filling until all are prepared.
- Chill the rolls: Wrap each tortilla roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This firming step makes slicing easier and helps the pinwheels hold their shape.
- Slice and serve: After chilling, remove the plastic wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch wide pinwheels. Arrange them attractively on a platter and serve chilled as a tasty appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute plain or flavored cream cheese depending on your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- If pepper jelly is unavailable, a combination of a mild jelly with a small amount of finely chopped jalapeños will work.
- Chilling the rolls thoroughly before slicing ensures clean cuts and prevents the filling from oozing out.
- Customize the herbs and peppers based on availability; fresh basil or chives also complement the flavors well.
