Pimento Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Pimento Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. These creamy, cheesy, and flavorful snacks roll up in soft tortillas for a bite-sized treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos, drained
• 3 flour tortillas (burrito sized)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and drained pimentos until evenly incorporated.
3. Step 3: Spread about one third of the cheese mixture evenly over one tortilla, reaching all the way to the edges.
4. Step 4: Roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to the other. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and cheese mixture.
5. Step 5: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
6. Step 6: Remove the plastic wrap, trim off the ends of each roll, and slice into half-inch pinwheels.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked cheddar or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
• Try whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added flavor and color.
• For a crunchier texture, add finely chopped celery or green onions to the cheese mixture.

Storage

Store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?

Yes, they can be made several hours or even the day before serving. Just keep them wrapped and refrigerated until ready to slice.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with sour cream?

Sour cream can be used as a substitute, but it may make the filling slightly tangier and less creamy. Adjust quantities to your taste preference.

Pimento Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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5 from 61 reviews

These Pimento Cheese Pinwheels are a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and tangy pimentos all rolled inside soft flour tortillas, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Chilled until firm, these pinwheels are easy to prepare ahead of time and make for an inviting finger food that’s sure to please any crowd.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 18–24 pinwheels (6–8 per tortilla roll) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces pimentos, drained (about one small jar)

Assembly

• 3 large flour tortillas (burrito sized)

Instructions

1. Make the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add cheeses and pimentos: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and drained pimentos until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into the creamy base.
3. Spread on tortillas: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread one third of the cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, making sure to cover it completely right to the edges for uniform flavor in every bite.
4. Roll up tightly: Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla up as tightly as possible without tearing to secure the filling inside. Repeat this step with the remaining two tortillas and cheese mixture portions.
5. Chill the rolls: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly with plastic wrap to hold their shape. Place them in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up, which will make slicing easier and help the flavors meld.
6. Slice into pinwheels: Remove the plastic wrap, cut off the ends of each roll for neatness, and then slice each roll into half-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife.
7. Serve or store: These pinwheels can be served immediately or stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They make a delicious party appetizer or a tasty snack anytime.

Notes

• For best results, use softened cream cheese to ensure easy mixing.
• Chilling the rolled tortillas is essential; it helps them hold their shape when sliced.
• Optional: add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
• Use burrito-sized tortillas for easier rolling and more pinwheels per roll.
• Pinwheels can be prepared a day ahead and stored refrigerated, making meal prep convenient.

Keywords: pimento cheese, pinwheels, appetizer, party food, no cook, cheese roll-ups, finger food, snack