These vegetable cream cheese tortilla roll ups, often called “veggie pinwheels,” are an ideal make-ahead appetizer or snack. Filled with sweet baby peppers, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, then rolled in a tortilla, they’re flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for parties.
These pinwheels are highly adaptable. If you can’t find mini sweet peppers, use chopped bell peppers, or swap in carrots or zucchini for a different crunch.
Table of Contents
- Vegetable Cream Cheese Pinwheels
- Ingredients
- How to Make Tortilla Roll Ups
- Recipe Tips
- Substitutions
- Make Ahead
- Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer Recipes
- Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Vegetable Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Cream cheese pinwheels are a nostalgic party favorite. They’re versatile and simple: mix cream cheese with chopped vegetables and herbs, spread on a tortilla, roll, chill, and slice. These vegetable pinwheels are popular because they’re:
- Easy to prepare – Make ahead and refrigerate for parties or barbecues.
- Quick snack – A kid-friendly way to add protein and vegetables to a snack.
- Customizable – Swap in your preferred vegetables and seasonings.
- Diet-friendly – Works with gluten-free tortillas and can be adapted for dairy-free or migraine-friendly diets.
Ingredients
- Tortillas – Use large (about 12-inch) tortillas to make rolling easier. Whole wheat, corn, or gluten-free tortillas all work.
- Mini sweet peppers – Finely chopped. Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be substituted.
- Cream cheese – Full-fat or reduced-fat; block-style is easiest to work with. Dairy-free cream cheese or Boursin-style spread can be used as alternatives.
- Dried shallots and garlic powder – These give a mild, savory flavor similar to ranch seasoning without overpowering the filling.
- Fresh chives and fresh dill – For brightness; reduce the amount if using dried herbs.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
How to Make Tortilla Roll Ups
Step 1: Make the cream cheese filling
Combine softened cream cheese with chopped peppers, garlic powder, dried shallots, finely chopped chives, and dill in a bowl. Mix until smooth, taste, and adjust seasoning. Remember flavors will intensify after chilling.
Step 2: Spread onto the tortilla
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto a tortilla, nearly to the edges. A thinner layer rolls more cleanly.
Step 3: Roll the tortillas
Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 1 day to firm up.
Step 4: Cut the pinwheel slices
Remove the wrap and slice each roll into 3/4 to 1-inch pinwheels with a very sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner slices. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Use large tortillas – Bigger tortillas mean fewer rolls and cleaner slices.
- Watch seasoning – The filling’s flavor strengthens as it chills, so season lightly at first.
- Sharp knife – A very sharp chef’s knife and wiping it between cuts yields the neatest pinwheels.
Substitutions
- Vegetables – Use bell peppers, chopped carrots, or thin zucchini slices. If using higher-moisture vegetables, pat them dry before mixing.
- Cheese – Swap cream cheese for a garlic-and-herb spread (like Boursin) or a dairy-free alternative. Hummus works as a migraine-friendly, dairy-free option.
- Gluten-free – Use gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Make Ahead
These roll ups keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though best flavor and texture are within 1–2 days. They can be frozen, but freezing may alter the texture, so it’s not recommended.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pinwheels as appetizers, brunch additions, or party snacks. They pair well with egg dishes, salads, or other finger foods and make a colorful platter when mixed with different fillings.
- Brunch – Add alongside quiche and fresh fruit for a balanced spread.
- BBQ – Serve as a cool, fresh appetizer before grilled mains.
- Appetizer board – Include with dips, crackers, and other small bites for variety.
Appetizer Recipes
For more appetizer ideas, try a variety of dips, crostini, or handheld snacks to complement these pinwheels.
Chicken
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Appetizers
Best Whipped Ricotta with Honey
Appetizers
Cottage Cheese Dip
Seafood
Cream Cheese Crab Dip
If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a review and share a photo of your pinwheels on social media!
Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese blocks, 2 blocks
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried shallots
- 8 oz sweet mini peppers, about 1 cup chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 large flour tortillas, *large is better – around 12 inches!
Instructions
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Combine the cream cheese, garlic powder, dried shallots, chopped mini peppers, dill, and chives in a bowl and mix until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasonings, keeping in mind flavors will deepen as it chills. Spread the mixture thinly on a large tortilla.
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Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other until it forms a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.
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Use a very sharp knife to cut the tortillas into 3/4–1″ slices. Wipe the knife between slices for the best, clean cuts. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Any type of tortilla will work—substitute gluten-free or whole wheat as desired.
- Pinwheels keep best for 2–3 days and remain acceptable up to 5 days; higher-moisture fillings (spinach, zucchini, tomatoes) may make tortillas soggier faster.
- If using dried herbs, reduce the amount significantly to avoid overpowering the filling.
- Cream cheese can be swapped for a garlic-and-herb spread or hummus for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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