Jalapeño Ranch Popper Pinwheels are a tasty, spicy, and creamy appetizer that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. These pinwheels are filled with a creamy jalapeño ranch filling, combining the flavors of jalapeño poppers and a ranch dip. Perfect for game day, parties, or as a savory snack!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped (optional for extra kick)
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for toasting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the finely diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh cilantro (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like it extra spicy, you can also add pickled jalapeños at this point.
Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels
- Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous amount of the creamy filling mixture evenly over each tortilla, making sure to cover the surface completely.
- Once the filling is spread, roll up each tortilla tightly from one end to the other, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling.
- Slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch wide pinwheels.
Step 3: Serve or Toast (Optional)
- If you prefer your pinwheels warm and a little crispy, heat a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Place the pinwheels in the skillet, seam-side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside to cool slightly before serving.
- If serving cold, simply arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips:
- Adjust the heat: If you want less heat, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños, or use mild pickled jalapeños.
- Make it ahead: You can make these pinwheels in advance and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Add more fillings: You can get creative with the filling by adding other ingredients like diced green onions, chopped red bell peppers, or even a bit of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
These Jalapeño Ranch Popper Pinwheels are creamy, spicy, and savory, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion. Enjoy!