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The Ultimate Easy Cheesy Taco Pinwheels

A stack of freshly cut taco pinwheels filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, ready to eat.
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Make these simple, cheesy taco pinwheels for a crowd-pleasing party snack or game day appetizer. They require minimal prep time and are great for making ahead.

Ingredients

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  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cooked ground beef or shredded chicken
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • 4 large flour tortillas (about 10 inches each)
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth.
  2. Stir in the cooked ground beef or chicken, shredded cheese, olives, and green onions, if using. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about one-fourth of the meat and cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the tortilla. Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap.
  5. Repeat this process with the remaining three tortillas and filling.
  6. Place the wrapped tortillas in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to firm up for easy slicing. This chilling step is key for perfect pinwheels.
  7. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap. Use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
  8. Arrange the taco pinwheels on a platter. Serve immediately with salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead appetizer, you can slice the chilled rolls just before serving, or slice them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
  • These are excellent served cold, so baking is not required for this quick finger food recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/easy-cheesy-taco-pinwheels-recipe/