Tortilla Roll Ups

Introduction

Tortilla Roll Ups are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines soft tortillas with a flavorful cream cheese-based filling. Packed with a mix of savory ingredients like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and deli meats, these roll ups are easy to prepare and perfect for parties, picnics, or casual snacking.

I remember making these for a family get-together, and they disappeared in no time! The combination of creamy, cheesy filling and the soft tortilla creates the perfect bite. You can even customize them with your favorite ingredients, whether it’s adding a bit of spice with jalapeños or a sweet twist with some cranberry sauce.

What’s great about these roll ups is their versatility. They’re easy to serve as finger foods at a gathering or enjoy as a quick snack at home. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re always a hit and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Perfect for:

• Potlucks and parties
• Picnics and outdoor events
• Lunchbox snacks
• Game day appetizers
• Make-ahead entertaining

Why You’ll Love This Tortilla Roll Ups

Here’s why Tortilla Roll Ups are a hit:

• Quick and Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep and uses readily available ingredients.
• Customizable: You can easily change up the fillings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for everything from casual gatherings to formal parties.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance to save time on busy days.
• Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized pieces are fun and easy for kids to enjoy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended for easier slicing)
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Tortilla Roll Ups:

• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional for a kick)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or fresh parsley
• ½ cup diced deli meat (ham, turkey, or chicken)
• ½ cup chopped spinach or lettuce (optional for freshness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Tortillas: Use large, soft flour tortillas for easy rolling and slicing.
• Cream Cheese: Acts as the base for the filling, providing a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar works great, but you can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
• Veggies and Herbs: Bell peppers, green onions, and parsley add freshness, crunch, and color.
• Deli Meat: Adds protein and a savory depth to the roll ups.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika or chili powder (if using).
3. Mix in the Add-Ins: Fold in the shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, green onions, deli meat, and any additional vegetables or herbs you’re using.

Assemble the Roll Ups:

4. Spread the Filling: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the filling over the entire surface, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges.
5. Roll Tightly: Starting at one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Chill (Optional): For cleaner slicing, wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Slice and Serve:

7. Slice into Pinwheels: Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter.
8. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with chopped herbs or shredded cheese for extra presentation points.

How to Serve Tortilla Roll Ups

Tortilla Roll Ups are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• On a Party Platter: Arrange the roll ups on a large serving tray alongside other finger foods like dips, veggies, and crackers.
• With Dips: Serve with ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole, or a creamy chipotle sauce for dipping.
• As a Snack: Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy them as an easy grab-and-go snack.
• For Game Day: Pair with nachos and wings for a winning game day spread.
• On a Buffet Table: Add to a spread of appetizers for a festive presentation.

Additional Tips for Tortilla Roll Ups

To ensure your Tortilla Roll Ups turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Use room-temperature tortillas – Cold tortillas tend to crack when rolled. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before assembling.
• Spread fillings evenly – Be sure to evenly distribute your fillings to avoid uneven rolling and prevent the tortilla from falling apart.
• Avoid overfilling – It can be tempting to load up your tortilla with lots of ingredients, but too much filling makes it difficult to roll and can cause the tortilla to tear.
• Use a variety of spreads – Try different spreads like cream cheese, hummus, or guacamole to add flavor and help hold the fillings together.
• Chill before cutting – After rolling the tortillas, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the roll-ups firm up, making them easier to slice.
• Cut with a serrated knife – When slicing the roll-ups, use a serrated knife to prevent crushing the tortillas and to get clean, even cuts.
• Try different tortillas – While flour tortillas are the most common, try whole wheat, spinach, sun-dried tomato, or gluten-free options for variety.
• Add fresh herbs – Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley into the fillings for an extra burst of flavor.
• Include crunchy elements – For texture contrast, add ingredients like lettuce, cucumbers, or thinly sliced bell peppers for a satisfying crunch.
• Make a dipping sauce – Serve the roll-ups with a side of ranch, salsa, or a spicy dipping sauce to elevate the flavor.

Recipe Variations for Tortilla Roll Ups

Here are 10 creative variations to try for Tortilla Roll Ups:

1. Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, and crumbled blue cheese to the filling.
2. Vegetarian Roll Ups: Skip the meat and load up on shredded carrots, cucumbers, and hummus.
3. Italian Roll Ups: Use salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning for a deli-inspired flavor.
4. Southwest Roll Ups: Mix in black beans, corn, diced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
5. Greek Roll Ups: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped olives, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.
6. Breakfast Roll Ups: Add scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese.
7. BBQ Chicken Roll Ups: Combine shredded BBQ chicken, cheddar cheese, and diced red onion.
8. Spinach Artichoke Roll Ups: Mix in chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, and parmesan cheese.
9. Turkey Cranberry Roll Ups: Pair diced turkey with cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and chopped pecans.
10. Caprese Roll Ups: Layer cream cheese with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella slices.

Freezing and Storage for Tortilla Roll Ups

• Freezing: You can freeze the uncut rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before slicing.
• Storage: Store sliced roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment for Tortilla Roll Ups

• Cutting board – A sturdy surface for assembling and slicing your roll-ups.
• Sharp knife – To neatly slice the tortilla roll-ups into bite-sized pieces without squishing the filling.
• Pastry brush – For spreading butter or sauces evenly over the tortillas before rolling.
• Plastic wrap – For tightly wrapping the rolled tortillas to chill before slicing, keeping everything in place.
• Bowl for mixing – A medium-sized bowl to combine the filling ingredients (cheese, spreads, etc.).Stand mixer or hand mixer – To quickly mix cream cheese or other fillings to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Rolling pin – If you prefer to roll out the tortillas a bit thinner for easier wrapping and a more delicate texture.
• Skewers or toothpicks – To secure the roll-ups if necessary, especially for large ones or when serving as appetizers.
• Griddle or skillet – For lightly toasting the outside of the tortilla before rolling, adding extra flavor and crispness.
• Serving platter – A large dish for presenting the finished roll-ups, perfect for party trays or buffets.

Frequently Asked Questions for Tortilla Roll Ups

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, they can be made a day ahead. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to slice and serve.
2. Can I use flavored tortillas?
   Absolutely! Spinach, sun-dried tomato, or whole wheat tortillas add extra flavor and variety.
3. What if my tortillas crack?
   Ensure the tortillas are fresh and pliable. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them easier to roll.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store sliced roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Print

Conclusion

Tortilla Roll Ups are a go-to appetizer that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor. These bite-sized treats can be filled with anything from creamy spreads to savory meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family gathering, or prepping them for a week’s worth of snacks, they’re sure to impress.

What makes these roll ups even better is their versatility—you can experiment with different flavor combinations to suit everyone’s taste. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in advance, saving you time on the day of your event. These roll ups are not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!

I’d love to see how your Tortilla Roll Ups turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Happy cooking!