Mexican Tortilla Roll-Ups: A Flavor-Packed Snack for Every Occasion
If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying snack or appetizer with bold, vibrant flavors, look no further than Mexican Tortilla Roll-Ups. These delightful bite-sized treats are filled with a creamy, cheesy blend of refried beans, smooth cream cheese, and tangy green chiles, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a school lunch, or simply craving a savory snack, these roll-ups will quickly become your go-to recipe. Easy to make, customizable, and irresistibly delicious, Mexican Tortilla Roll-Ups have earned their place as a crowd favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 roll-ups
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-cook, Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Refried Beans (16 oz): Refried beans form the foundation of the filling, providing a creamy, hearty texture that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. The beans add a mild, earthy flavor that’s the perfect base for the creamy cream cheese and the tangy green chiles. You can use store-bought refried beans or make your own for a more authentic touch. Homemade refried beans tend to be fresher and can be made to suit your personal taste, but the canned version works wonderfully in this recipe for a quicker prep time.
- Diced Green Chiles (4 oz): These small, soft chiles bring a gentle heat to the roll-up filling. They provide a slight spicy kick while also contributing a touch of tanginess that balances the creaminess of the beans and cheese. You can find diced green chiles in most grocery stores, typically in the canned foods section. If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add a few extra chiles to the mix.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz): The addition of cream cheese is the secret ingredient that gives these roll-ups their smooth, creamy texture. The cream cheese binds the refried beans and chiles together, creating a cohesive filling that’s easy to spread and roll. It also adds richness to the flavor, making each bite wonderfully indulgent. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or a reduced-fat cream cheese alternative.
- Burrito-Size Tortillas: The soft flour tortillas are the perfect vessel for these flavorful fillings. Their large size allows you to roll up a generous amount of the creamy mixture, and they provide a slightly chewy, soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling. You can opt for whole-wheat tortillas if you prefer a healthier alternative, or even gluten-free tortillas if needed.
- Salsa: Serving these roll-ups with salsa adds a refreshing burst of flavor that enhances the overall dish. The tangy, fresh salsa cuts through the richness of the roll-ups, providing a perfect contrast that brings the flavors together. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot salsa, it’s the perfect accompaniment to complement the creamy, cheesy filling.
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Start by preparing the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, diced green chiles, and cream cheese. Use an electric hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and well-combined. This will create a creamy filling that’s easy to spread on the tortillas. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese or beans left in the mixture for a perfectly smooth texture.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Once your filling is ready, spread a generous amount of it onto each burrito-size tortilla. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute the mixture across the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving about half an inch from the edges. Don’t overfill the tortilla, as it can make rolling up the tortillas difficult and cause the filling to spill out. Be sure to spread the mixture all the way to the edges for an even distribution.
- Roll the Tortillas: After spreading the filling, carefully roll up the tortillas, starting from one edge and rolling tightly. The goal is to make a tight, neat roll that holds the filling inside without any spillage. You want to roll it tightly, but not so tight that the filling squeezes out. Once rolled up, place the tortillas seam-side down on a cutting board or tray.
- Chill the Roll-Ups: To make slicing easier and to allow the flavors to meld together, refrigerate the rolled-up tortillas for at least 30 minutes. For best results, chill them for up to 2 hours. This resting time not only helps set the filling but also makes the roll-ups firmer and easier to cut.
- Slice and Serve: After chilling, remove the tortillas from the fridge and slice them into 1/2-inch sections. Each section should resemble a pinwheel, with the creamy filling visible in the center. Arrange the slices on a platter and serve with your favorite salsa on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, try adding protein to the filling. Shredded chicken, ground beef, or even shrimp would pair wonderfully with the beans and cream cheese. Simply cook the protein of your choice, shred or chop it, and mix it into the filling. This will add extra flavor and make the roll-ups more filling.
- Go Vegan: If you follow a plant-based diet, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream, vegan cream cheese, or avocado. You can also use plant-based refried beans to make the entire dish vegan-friendly.
- Add Extra Veggies: If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your roll-ups, consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach. These vegetables will add color, crunch, and a bit of extra flavor to the filling.
- Spicy Twist: If you like things hot, you can kick up the heat by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or even a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also swap the mild green chiles for spicier varieties, such as serrano or habanero chiles.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need to make the roll-ups gluten-free, simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas. Many brands offer gluten-free tortillas that are just as soft and delicious as traditional ones, making this recipe accessible for everyone.