Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are packed with cream cheese, spicy jalapenos, crunchy bacon and shredded cheese! They're the perfect tailgate snack and appetizer for any occasion!

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A hand holding a jalapeño popper pin wheels showing the swirls.

When football season rolls around, you better bet I'll be ready to cheer on my Iowa State Cyclones!! But as much as I love the game, it's just as much about the tailgating and the game-day grub for me!

Whether it's an early morning cinnamon rolls & mimosas kind of game or an afternoon/evening kick-off, good food is key to a great tailgate. These Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are perfect for tailgates because they're bite-sized finger food ....and because they go great with an ice cold beer! 🙂

The ingredients for jalapeño popper pinwheels

Jalapeno Popper Pinwheel Ingredients

Cream Cheese - You could also use a light (⅓ less fat) cream cheese
Bacon - Use regular cooked bacon or bacon bits
Jalapeno Peppers - I kept the seeds in mine because we like the heat! However, you could also remove the seeds before chopping for a milder version
Cheddar Cheese
Garlic Powder
Tortillas - I used 10-inch "burrito-size" tortillas

A large stack of jalapeño popper pinwheels on a wooden tray.

How to make Pinwheels

If you've never made pinwheels before, you'll be pleasantly surprised how simple they are. First, you'll mix up the filling. It's quite thick, so I find it easiest to use a stand mixer (however a large bowl and wooden spoon works great, too). Next, you'll spread the mixture onto the tortillas.

Tightly roll up the tortillas and let the wraps chill for at least an hour. (Chilling them will make them easier to cut) Lastly, cut them into slices and refrigerate until ready to serve!

jalapeño popper pinwheel filling mixed in a mixing bowl

some filling spread over a tortilla shell.

How to Store Pinwheels

Because of the cream cheese in the filling, it's best to keep pinwheels refrigerated. They'll stay good for 2-3 days in the fridge. Any longer than that, they'll taste just fine, but the tortillas will get a little bit soggy.

a birds eye view of a layer of jalapeño popper pinwheels

Other Simple Appetizers & Snacks

Pickle Wrap Dip - If you like pickle wraps, you’re going to LOVE this Pickle Wrap Dip! It’s got all the same ingredients, but is so much less tedious!

Praline Crunch - A great option for those who have a sweet tooth (I'm right there with ya!). This addictive snack mix is always a hit!

Hot Pizza Dip - This cheesy dip is irresistible! Scoop it up with a toasted baguette and watch it disappear (quickly)!!

a birds eye view of a bunch of jalapeño popper pinwheels stacked on a wooden tray

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Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a recipe!! And as always, thank you for following along with my blog, making my recipes, liking and sharing on social media and any other way you support Dance Around the Kitchen! -Kelsey