There’s just something magical about sharing a platter of Antojitos with friends—those irresistible, colorful pinwheels full of zesty, creamy goodness that vanish in minutes at every get-together. Whether you’re hosting game night, spicing up your lunchbox, or craving a little taste of your favorite Mexican restaurant at home, Antojitos deliver a perfect medley of melty cheese, heat, and crunch. Each bite of these vegetarian tortilla roll-ups offers a satisfying mix of savory and spicy, packed with fresh veggies and plenty of flavor—no one will even notice how simple they are to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the most beautiful things about Antojitos is how they turn humble ingredients into a fiesta for your tastebuds. Here’s why each one is essential to make this snack extra special—and irresistibly delicious!
- Flour tortillas: These act as the sturdy, soft base that crisps up deliciously when baked and securely wraps the flavorful filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): Smooth, tangy, and rich, this brings the whole filling together in a creamy, crowd-pleasing way.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds bold color and sharp bite to the filling, melting just enough to glue the rolls.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Mild, melty, and creamy, it balances out the sharper flavors for that classic Antojitos blend.
- Small jalapeño (seeded and finely diced): For a touch of heat and a fresh green zip that wakes up every bite.
- Chopped green onions: These bring crunch and a hint of oniony sharpness, brightening up the richness of the cheeses.
- Diced red bell pepper: For sweetness, color, and a crunchy contrast you can really see and taste in every swirl.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky depth to the filling, tying the flavors together seamlessly.
- Chili powder: A classic Mexican touch that boosts warmth and gives a gentle smoky kick.
- Salt: Just a pinch to make all those other flavors pop.
- Cooking spray or oil: A light coating on top ensures a crisp, golden finish that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Antojitos
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure it’s nice and hot for perfectly toasty Antojitos. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with a little oil or use parchment paper to make life (and clean-up) even easier.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cheesy, Zesty Filling
In a big bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, both shredded cheeses, diced jalapeño, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s fully blended and has a gorgeous confetti-like look—this is where all those flavors come alive!
Step 3: Spread and Roll
Evenly divide and spread the filling right up to the edges of each tortilla, leaving just a small border so the filling won’t spill out when rolling. Roll each tortilla up tightly into a log, just like you’re making a classic party pinwheel.
Step 4: Slice and Arrange
With a sharp knife (serrated works best), slice the tight rolls into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange the cut pieces cut side up on your prepared baking sheet—don’t worry if some filling peeks out, that’s part of the charm!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Lightly spray the tops of your Antojitos with a bit of cooking spray (or brush with oil). Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tortillas are crisp and golden. Let cool for a minute or two, then serve them warm and ready to devour.
How to Serve Antojitos
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a little crumbled queso fresco makes your Antojitos platter pop and adds a touch of freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lime right before serving for an extra layer of brightness that balances the richness of the filling.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate appetizer spread, pair your Antojitos with cool, creamy dips like guacamole, tangy salsa, or a dollop of sour cream. At parties, you can round things out with tortilla chips, a simple bean salad, or even some roasted corn for a true Mexican-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Antojitos into the star of the show! Stack them tower-style on a colorful plate, line them in neat circles with a bowl of dip in the middle, or thread them onto skewers for a bite-sized, portable party treat. For extra flair, nestle them on a bed of shredded lettuce or rainbow slaw.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftover Antojitos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’re just as delicious cold, but you can warm them up for that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the baked (and fully cooled) Antojitos in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This way, you can grab a few whenever the craving strikes—just thaw and reheat before serving.
Reheating
Reheat Antojitos in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you love that crispy texture; baking will keep the outsides nice and toasty.
FAQs
Can I make Antojitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble and slice the rolls a day ahead, then bake them just before serving. Or, bake them entirely and serve them cold or reheat as needed—they’re tasty either way!
What’s the best way to get even pinwheels?
Let your filled tortillas chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes before slicing; this helps the filling firm up, making it easier to cut neat, tidy Antojitos every time.
Can I add extra fillings or swap veggies?
Definitely! Try black beans, corn, cooked chorizo, or even diced mushrooms. Feel free to use orange, yellow, or green peppers for extra color. Antojitos are super flexible, so customize to your heart’s content.
Are these Antojitos spicy?
The jalapeño offers mild heat, but you can control the spice by using less (or skipping it entirely) if you’re making these for little ones or spice-sensitive friends. Want them hotter? Leave the seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas are ideal for the classic texture, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if needed—just make sure they’re soft and flexible to avoid cracking when you roll your Antojitos up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that perfect party bite—fun, flavorful, and completely customizable—give these Antojitos a spot on your menu. No matter the occasion, they always get people talking and coming back for more. Go ahead and try them for yourself; you’ll see just how fast they disappear!
Print
Antojitos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Antojitos are flavorful Mexican pinwheels made with a delicious cream cheese filling rolled up in tortillas. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack, these spicy tortilla bites are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Other:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeño, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix until fully blended.
- Fill Tortillas: Spread the mixture evenly onto each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge. Roll each tortilla tightly into a log.
- Cut and Bake: Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked chorizo, black beans, or corn for variety.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
- These are also delicious cold as a make-ahead party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
