Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh

I love easy appetizers that come together in minutes. We’re always having company over to our house and a great party doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with easy appetizers that can be paired together for an amazing spread. These Green Chili Tortilla Pinwheels are a Tex-Mex-inspired appetizer. They’re creamy with a hint of spice from the chili, and serve them with salsa for dipping. Make them ahead of time for any occasion!

Related: 3-Step Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe

When you’re cooking for an event, whether it’s a party or a holiday, you want a recipe that you can make ahead of time. They just make life so much easier. These tortilla pinwheels are full of flavor. They’ve got a cream cheese base with cheddar cheese, green chilis, green onions, and olives. You mix everything together, roll them up, and refrigerate. I just roll them into plastic wrap and keep them whole until it’s time to serve. Then, you can cut them into bite-size pieces and serve with your favorite salsa. 

Looking for even more great appetizers? Pinwheels are classic appetizers that can be prepped ahead of time. These are my favorite pinwheel recipes on Savvy Mama Lifestyle:

• Deviled Ham Pinwheels With Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
• Puff Pastry Ham & Cheese Pinwheels

Tips For Making Green Chili Tortilla Pinwheels

These are stupid and easy to make. A cook of any level can throw these pinwheels together for a quick appetizer. You’ll need a large mixing bowl and a large spoon. All you’re doing is mixing together the filling ingredients and rolling the tortillas. Be sure you’re using burrito-sized tortillas so there’s plenty of room to roll!

When To Make Green Chili Tortilla Pinwheels

Parties are the perfect time to showcase appetizers. I’ll share how to make these pinwheels ahead of time so you can just enjoy your gathering. Make these Green Chili Tortilla Pinwheels for game day, baby showers, bridal showers, tailgating, and pool parties. If it’s an outside event, the pinwheels need to be enjoyed immediately and can’t stay out in the heat (due to the cream cheese).

How To Prep Your Pinwheels Ahead Of Time

Make these pinwheels up to 24 hours ahead of time. Once the tortillas have been rolled, wrap them in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator ahead of time. Do not cut the pinwheels yet. Once you’re ready to serve them, use a serrated knife to slice them into 1-inch pieces. Serve them immediately.

How To Store Leftovers

Any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight food storage container. Keep the leftovers in the refrigerator. For the best freshness, enjoy the pinwheels within 5-6 days of making them. Just pull them from the refrigerator and immediately eat the leftovers – there’s no need to let the pinwheels thaw.

Can You Freeze Tortilla Pinwheels?

Sadly, pinwheels don’t freeze well. The tortillas will be soggy and lose their texture once they thaw from the freezer. I just make a whole new batch and avoid freezing them.

What You Need From The Grocery Store:

• Cream Cheese
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Canned Green Chilis
• Chopped Black Olive
• Green Onions
• Buritto-Size Flour Tortillas
• Salsa For Dipping

Directions To Make Green Chili Tortilla Pinwheels

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and olives.

Mix well until completely blended.

Spread 1/2 cup of cheese mixture on each burrito-size tortilla.

Roll up each tortilla jelly-roll fashion. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and chill for one hour before serving. When ready to serve, cut off the ends and toss. Cut the remainder of each wrap into 1-inch bite-size slices using a serrated knife. Serve with salsa for dipping.