Description
Savory cream cheese tortilla bites deliver a zesty Mexican-inspired appetizer perfect for quick gatherings. Crispy tortillas topped with smooth cream cheese and spicy jalapeños create an irresistible snack you’ll crave at every party.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetable and Herb Components:
- ½ cup (75 grams) diced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup (25 grams) chopped green onions
- ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Base and Finishing Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ranch dressing or sour cream
- ¼ cup (30 grams) cooked bacon bits (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant filling by blending softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar and tangy ranch dressing until completely integrated.
- Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, green onions, fresh parsley or cilantro, and crisp bacon bits into the creamy mixture, seasoning with a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
- Select a soft tortilla and carefully spread the aromatic filling across its surface, ensuring a thin, uniform layer that stops just short of the edges.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and with precision, creating a compact cylindrical shape that encases the flavorful filling completely.
- Repeat the rolling process with remaining tortillas, transforming each into a neat, uniform log of delectable potential.
- Individually wrap each rolled tortilla in protective plastic wrap, creating a secure seal that helps maintain the shape and flavor.
- Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for a minimum of one hour, allowing the ingredients to meld and the filling to firm up, enhancing both texture and taste.
- Once chilled, unwrap each tortilla roll and slice into elegant bite-sized rounds approximately one inch thick.
- Arrange the colorful rounds on a decorative platter, presenting a visually appealing and delicious appetizer ready to delight guests.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture, preventing lumpy filling.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for richer flavor and better binding of ingredients in the tortilla rolls.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or goat cheese to add unique flavor profiles to the bites.
- For a gluten-free option, swap regular tortillas with gluten-free alternatives made from corn or alternative flour blends.
- Drain bacon bits and diced bell peppers thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy.
- Make ahead and store rolled tortillas in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before slicing for convenient party prep.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg