These creamy spinach pinwheels bring back memories of my first catering job. Every time I make them people can't believe how simple yet delicious they are. The combination of fresh veggies Knorr seasoning and creamy filling wrapped in soft tortillas creates the perfect party bite. Best of all there's no cooking involved just mix roll and slice.
A Party Favorite
I love making these pinwheels because they're so versatile and everyone adores them. The filling works beautifully as a dip too which means no waste in my kitchen. When guests bite into that creamy center filled with crunchy water chestnuts and fresh vegetables they always ask for the recipe.
Your Shopping List
- 1 cup frozen spinach: Thaw and squeeze it really well you don't want any extra moisture. Fresh works too if you prefer.
- 1 large carrot: Grate it fresh for the best flavor and that lovely pop of color.
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese: This makes mixing so much easier than the block kind.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds that perfect tang we all love.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Just enough to make everything extra creamy.
- 1 packet Knorr mix: This is my secret ingredient for amazing flavor.
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts: Chop these up for the most wonderful crunch.
- 2-3 green onions: Slice them nice and thin.
- 4-5 large tortillas: I love using spinach or tomato flavored ones for extra color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl combine your spinach carrots cream cheese sour cream mayonnaise Knorr mix water chestnuts and green onions. Mix everything until it's perfectly creamy and well combined.
- Let Flavors Develop
- Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This gives all those wonderful flavors time to come together and makes spreading easier.
- Fill and Roll
- Spread your chilled mixture evenly over each tortilla leaving a small border around the edges. Roll them up nice and tight like you're making a jelly roll.
- Create Your Pinwheels
- Using your sharpest knife slice each roll into one-inch pieces. Arrange them on your prettiest serving plate and keep them chilled until party time.
- Make Extra Dip
- If you have leftover filling turn it into a delicious dip by stirring in extra sour cream and mayo until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve it alongside your pinwheels with crackers or fresh veggies.
My Kitchen Tips
The whipped cream cheese makes mixing so much easier but if you're using the block kind just let it soften on your counter first. Those colorful tortillas add such a pretty touch to your platter. Always squeeze your spinach really well nobody likes a soggy pinwheel. A quick chill before slicing helps keep those perfect spirals.
Common Questions
My friends always ask if they can heat these up but they're best served cold and fresh. The filling makes an amazing dip just add extra mayo and sour cream to thin it out. They stay good in the fridge for about a day but I try to serve them within a few hours for the best texture. Skip the freezer though it changes the texture completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the filling before spreading?
Chilling firms up the mixture, making it easier to spread and slice. It also allows flavors to develop and blend together.
- → Will the tortillas get soggy?
Tortillas resist absorbing liquid well, but you can chill filling separately first if concerned. Either method works well.
- → Why use whipped cream cheese?
Whipped cream cheese is easier to stir and spread. Regular cream cheese works but may need mixer to blend smoothly.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prepare up to a day ahead. The chilling time actually improves both texture and flavor.
- → What can I do with leftover filling?
Add extra mayo and sour cream to create a dip. Perfect for vegetables or chips.