Mexican Pinwheels are a super simple and super tasty appetizer for any occasion. These sausage pinwheels are easy to make, require hardly any work at all, and have all my favorite Mexican-inspired flavors in one bite. Just as easy as any tortilla roll ups appetizer!
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Why We Love This Mexican Pinwheel Recipe
I love pretty much anything with Mexican-inspired flavors and ingredients, so these Mexican roll ups are exactly my kind of appetizer. Not to mention the fact that they are super easy and quick to make! You can prepare about four dozen of these bite-sized pinwheels in 15-20 minutes, then just let them chill out in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.
- Easy. These little pinwheels are great when you need to bring a dish to a party because you don’t have to deal with the hassle of cooking and reheating.
- Make Ahead. We definitely recommend preparing them up to 24 hours in advance and then just letting them sit in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
- Flavorful. These sausage pinwheels are filled with sausage, cream cheese, green chilies, green onions, cheese, sour cream, and so much more. All the best Mexican ingredients in one simple bite!
Variations on Sausage Pinwheels
You can change up the flavor of these Mexican pinwheels by using different types of sausages, like hot or sweet Italian sausage. Ground beef is also a great choice. You can also try different types of tortillas, like whole wheat or chili lime. Yum!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover Mexican Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (although they are best if eaten within 2 days). If you haven’t sliced the tortilla rolls yet, keep them whole, and wrap them in plastic wrap.
How to Freeze
Wrap rolls tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe resealable bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These cream cheese and sausage pinwheels are sure to be a huge hit at any party! I love these for New Year’s Eve appetizers, game day, and holidays. I love serving these Mexican roll ups with salsa or sour cream for dipping!
As long as you eat these within 2-3 days, there shouldn’t be any issues with sogginess. The fresher they are when you serve them, the better.
I recommend refrigerating the roll ups for 4 hours before slicing. Chilling helps meld the ingredients together so they don’t fall apart after cutting.
These Mexican pinwheels are best served cold.
Yes. These are great to make the night before serving, and can be made up to 2 days ahead of time.
More Pinwheel Recipes To Try
5-Star Review
“Such an easy and delicious appetizer! Always gone so fast!” -Taylor
Mexican Pinwheel Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound chorizo sausage cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature (1 brick)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa or picante sauce
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (click for recipe)
- 4.5 ounces chopped ripe olives drained (1 can)
- 4 ounces chopped mild green chilies drained (1 can)
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
- 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, salsa/picante sauce, juice of 1 lime, and taco seasoning until smooth.8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup salsa, 1 lime, 1 ounce taco seasoning
- Add in the olives, green chilies, cheese, green onions, and cooked sausage. Mix well.½ pound chorizo sausage, 4.5 ounces chopped ripe olives, 4 ounces chopped mild green chilies, 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
- With an offset spatula, spread about ½ cup of filling to within ½-inch of each edge of the tortillas.8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
- Tightly roll up each tortilla, wrap it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Cut into 1-inch slices and serve with sides of red and green salsa.
Video
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Mexican Pinwheels Step by Step
Beat the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together 8 ounces (1 brick) of cream cheese, ½ cup of sour cream, ¼ cup of salsa/picante sauce, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 ounce of taco seasoning until smooth.
Add the Mix-Ins: Add in 4.5 ounces (1 can) of chopped ripe olives, 4 ounces (1 can) of chopped green mild chilies, 1 cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of thinly sliced green onions, and ½ pound of cooked chorizo sausage. Mix well.
Spread the Filling: With an offset spatula, spread about ½ cup of filling to within ½-inch of each edge of the 8 tortillas.
Roll the Tortillas: Tightly roll up each tortilla, wrap it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cut the Pinwheels: Cut into 1-inch slices and serve with sides of red and green salsa.
Hello!
This may be a silly question, but you just serve cold? Not baking or air frying or anything before serving? The chorizo tastes good cold? This sounds delicious, just honestly curious :)
Hi Lizzie, yes, we served them cold!
This was yummy, good scrumptious (have requests to pls make for New Year’s). Made it three ways, without olives for those that hate them, made it with extra-large juicy Spanish olives sliced thin and for the rest of us, made it with jalapeno stuffed Spanish sliced thin. I did add a pinch of cumin. Keeper, thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for stopping by!
This looks absolutely divine!
Thank you Rose!
Such an easy and delicious appetizer! Always gone so fast!
They’re so easy to eat. :p Glad you like them Taylor!
Oh, my, these look amazing! I could probably eat more than I should. I love all the ingredients!!
I always eat more of these than I should haha Thanks, Kristyn.
Such an easy recipe! Made these for a party last weekend and they were the first ones gone. Thanks!
Love to hear that! They are so perfect for parties. Thanks Steph!
Pinwheels are always the highlight of our parties and these Mexican Pinwheels did NOT disappoint! So easy to make, too!
Thanks Kellie! Glad you like them :)
Yum! These are great on game day or as a snack through out the day!
Yes! Perfect for game day!