If you’re looking for a party pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, the Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups Recipe is your new best friend. These bite-sized treasures bring all the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite taco wrapped up into perfect little pinwheels. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with shredded chicken and fresh cilantro, these roll-ups are incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you need a quick snack, an appetizer for guests, or a satisfying finger food, this recipe delivers every time with vibrant flavor and irresistible texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups Recipe lies in how simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a rich and balanced flavor profile. Each component plays its part: creamy bases add luscious texture, shredded cheddar brings cheesy goodness, and the taco seasoning gives it that unmistakable southwestern kick.
- 6 burrito-sized flour tortillas: Fresh and pliable tortillas are essential for rolling easily without cracking or tearing.
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened: Provides a smooth, creamy foundation that binds the filling beautifully.
- 4 oz (113 g) sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightness to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese: Choose a good-quality cheddar for that sharp, melty flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups (about 150 g) cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for juicy, flavorful meat.
- 1/3 cup (15 g) cilantro, finely chopped: Fresh cilantro adds bright herbal notes that elevate the dish.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) taco seasoning: The star seasoning brings classic taco spices to the party.
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) taco sauce: Adds moisture and zesty depth, uniting all the flavors.
How to Make Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Create a Creamy Base
Start by combining the softened cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl. Stir them together until silky smooth and fully blended, creating a luscious base that holds all your filling ingredients together seamlessly.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Mix in the taco seasoning and taco sauce. These two ingredients are what give the roll-ups their signature zesty taste, infusing the creamy base with vibrant southwestern flair that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 3: Fold in the Cheese, Chicken, and Cilantro
Now it’s time to add the shredded cheddar, cooked chicken, and chopped cilantro. Stir gently but thoroughly until every bite is guaranteed to be bursting with cheesy, savory, and fresh herbal goodness.
Step 4: Spread the Filling on Tortillas
Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean surface and spread about one-sixth of the filling evenly across it. Leave a half-inch border around the edges to prevent any filling mishaps when you roll them up.
Step 5: Roll Them Up Tightly
Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla snugly but carefully to avoid tearing. A tight roll is crucial for keeping everything together and making clean slices later on.
Step 6: Chill for Clean Slices
Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The chilling step allows the flavors to meld and firms the filling, which makes for easy slicing and tidy portions.
Step 7: Slice into Bite-Sized Roll-Ups
Remove the plastic wrap before slicing. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each roll into approximately 1/2 inch thick wheels. Slicing slowly and with a steady hand prevents unraveling and helps maintain perfect little pinwheels.
Step 8: Ready to Enjoy or Store
Arrange your beautiful Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups on a platter to serve immediately, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They retain their flavor and texture wonderfully!
How to Serve Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your taco tortilla roll-ups, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of guacamole on the side. A few slices of jalapeño or a drizzle of sour cream can also add a delightful finishing touch and an extra pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups pair beautifully with classic Mexican sides like salsa, black beans, or a crisp tortilla chip salad. A refreshing corn salad or a light Mexican street corn also complements the creamy, cheesy filling perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your roll-ups on a colorful platter layered with lettuce leaves and scattered cherry tomatoes. You can also present them skewered on cocktail picks for easy grabbing at parties, or arrange them standing up in a terrine dish for a more dramatic and elegant display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to 4 days and maintain their flavors and textures well.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the roll-ups if needed. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
Reheating
The roll-ups are delicious cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds or until gently heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the creamy filling intact and tender.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even cooked shrimp make great substitutes. The key is to have it shredded or finely chopped so it blends well with the creamy filling.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
Try swapping the chicken for sautéed bell peppers, black beans, or seasoned tofu. The cheese and spices will still make your Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups Recipe deliciously satisfying.
Can I make these without cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds crucial creaminess and binding. If you want to skip it, consider a thick Greek yogurt or a mashed avocado alternative, but the texture will be notably different.
How long do the roll-ups last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days. After that, the tortillas might become too soft and the filling lose its freshness.
What kind of taco sauce works best?
Any mild to medium taco sauce with a balanced flavor works great. If you like heat, go for a spicier variety or add a splash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so cheerful about biting into these colorful, flavorful Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups Recipe pinwheels. They’re quick to whip up, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit wherever they go. Whether for a casual family snack or a festive gathering with friends, these roll-ups promise happy tastes and big smiles every time. So go ahead and give them a try—your next favorite appetizer is only a roll away!
Print
Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 60 bite-sized wheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
These Taco Tortilla Rolls are a quick and flavorful appetizer combining creamy cream cheese, zesty taco seasoning, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese all rolled inside flour tortillas. Perfect for parties or snack time, they are chilled to meld flavors and sliced into bite-sized wheels that are easy to serve and enjoy.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz (113 g) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) taco sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese (good-quality)
- 1 1/2 cups (about 150 g) cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1/3 cup (15 g) cilantro, finely chopped
Assembly
- 6 burrito-sized flour tortillas (fresh and pliable for easy rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and free of lumps to create a creamy base that helps the filling hold together.
- Add taco seasoning and sauce: Mix in the taco seasoning and taco sauce thoroughly to fully incorporate and infuse the creamy mixture with that signature zesty taco flavor.
- Combine filling ingredients: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, shredded cooked chicken, and chopped cilantro until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Spread the filling: Lay one burrito-sized flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Using a spatula, evenly spread about one-sixth of the filling over the tortilla, leaving roughly a half-inch border around the edges to prevent spilling when rolling.
- Roll the tortilla: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly but gently to avoid tearing. A tight roll keeps the structure intact and the filling inside for easy slicing.
- Chill the rolls: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling firms up the mixture and melds the flavors for better texture and taste.
- Slice into wheels: Remove the plastic wrap and use a sharp serrated knife to slice each roll into approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick bite-sized wheels. Slice slowly and steadily to keep the rolls intact.
- Store leftovers: Place any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will remain fresh for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use fresh and pliable flour tortillas for easier rolling without cracking.
- Rotisserie chicken is recommended for quick and flavorful shredded chicken, but you can use any cooked chicken.
- Refrigeration time is important to firm up the rolls and meld flavors, so do not skip chilling.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to ensure clean cuts and avoid unraveling.
- These rolls make a great party appetizer or snack and can be prepared in advance.
