Ranch pinwheels are such an easy recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes and uses simple ingredients. They make a great appetizer for game day or a bridal/baby shower, can be doubled for a large party, and are also a good option for an easy lunch. The dry seasoning adds tons of ranch flavor, while the peppers and onions give a little extra crunch.
Even though these delicious pinwheels make the perfect appetizer, our picky eater loves carrying them in the lunch box for school and as a snack after activities. We also like southwest chicken roll ups, and quick swaps of a few ingredients make a totally different version.
For easy school lunches, pack these with lunch lady bars and a size of fruit. If you are planning your next party, our favorite appetizers are buffalo chicken meatballs, charcuterie cups, and bacon cheeseburger sliders.
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🌯 Ingredients:
- cream cheese – allow it to soften at room temperature first so it’s easier to mix.
- Ranch seasoning mix – use store bought or my homemade ranch seasoning packet recipe.
- bell pepper – we like using red or orange for their sweetness and color variety (yellow are great, too!)
- green onions – only slice the green parts.
- cheddar jack cheese – or any of your favorite varieties.
- jalapeño – remove the seeds and core before starting. You can also omit the pepper if you don’t like a little kick.
- flour tortillas – get the big ones – the burrito size!
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements, 📋 please view my printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Optional Garnish:
This fun appetizer can be garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired and served with ranch dressing dipping sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken – Feel free to bulk these tortilla pinwheels up by adding rotisserie chicken or shredded buffalo chicken. It’s also a great recipe to use up leftover chicken if you have it.
- Bacon cheddar ranch pinwheels – add cooked chicken and real crispy bacon bits (or cook your bacon from scratch and crumble). Also use sharp cheddar cheese in place of the cheddar jack.
- Other veggies – You can add up to 2 cups total of chopped veggies. Other bell peppers, hot peppers, celery, black olives, and red onion are all great variations of cream cheese roll ups.
- Turkey Pinwheels – add chopped deli turkey to the cream cheese mixture. You can also use deli ham or a combination of both.
- Spicy – if you don’t have jalapenos but still want some spice use red pepper flakes or a dash or two of cayenne pepper.
- Low carb – go with a low carb tortilla, or add the cream cheese mixture and wrap it in ham or turkey.
- Wraps – if you are making these for birthday parties and want to add a little more color go with spinach or sun dried tomato wraps. A combination of different colored wraps looks great on display.
🔪 Instructions:
Step 1: Combine the softened cream cheese and dry ranch mix in a small bowl.
Step 2: Mix in the pepper, onion, sliced jalapeño, and cheese.
Step 3: Spread the mixture over the entire tortilla and roll tightly.
Step 4: Wrap the cream cheese pinwheels in saran wrap and chill for one hour.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the chilling process! Not only are the tortillas easier to slice, but it keeps the pinwheels intact for serving.
Step 6: Use a serrated knife to slice the roll into ½ inch to ¾ inch pinwheels.
SERVE: Stack on a party platter and serve.
Recipe Tips for Ranch Cream Cheese Pinwheels
- This is a perfect make-ahead appetizer. Just keep the whole wrapped tortilla in plastic wrap and slice right before serving.
- We recommend using a large flour tortilla that is burrito sized so the filling doesn’t ooze out and you get plenty of spirals in the pinwheel.
- Chilling the roll before slicing makes it easier and keeps them intact.
- These are best when served cold.
Fun Fact
There’s a legend that suggests tortillas were created by a Mayan peasant who wanted to feed the hungry king.
Recipe FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for 2-3 days.
Be sure to store them in an airtight container, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
More Appetizers You Will Love
If you tried this Ranch Pinwheels Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below.
Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 oz. homemade ranch seasoning (or one ranch seasoning packet)
- 1 cup finely chopped red or orange bell pepper
- ½ cup sliced green onions green parts
- 1 cup grated cheddar jack cheese
- 1-2 finely diced jalapeño seeds, and core removed, about ¼ cup
- 4 burrito size flour tortillas room temperature
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and ranch dressing mix until well combined.
- Mix in the bell pepper, green onions, grated cheese, and jalapeño.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over each tortilla and roll up tightly.
- Wrap the roll ups tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Slice the tortillas into ½ – ¾” sections. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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