Mexican Pinwheels

Mexican Pinwheels Recipe - Red Chile, Black Olives, Corn, and More!

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 24-26 minutes | Servings: 32 pinwheels

Introduction

Mexican Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering. These pinwheels are filled with a flavorful mixture of red chile peppers, black olives, cheese, and bean dip, all rolled up in crescent roll dough and baked to perfection. They are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

History

The exact origins of Mexican Pinwheels are unclear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican flavors and ingredients. The combination of spicy chile peppers, savory black olives, and creamy bean dip is a classic Mexican flavor profile that has been adapted into a convenient and portable appetizer.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped red chile pepper
0.5 cup chopped pitted black olives
2 tbsp corn meal
2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls
9 oz (255 g) bean dip
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
salsa and sour cream

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a bowl, combine the green and red peppers with the cheese.
Lightly sprinkle cornmeal onto the surface of a 18x12" cutting board.
Unroll the crescent roll dough into eight rectangles and firmly press the perforations to seal.
Spread bean dip evenly to the edges of each rectangle.
Top each rectangle with 2 tbsp of cheese and the vegetable mixture.
Starting with the shortest side, roll up the rectangles and pinch the edges to seal.
Cut each roll into four 1" slices.
Place the sliced rolls, cut side down, on a baking sheet or baking stone.
Bake for 24–26 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm with salsa and sour cream, if desired.

Variations

Add cooked and shredded chicken or ground beef to the filling for a heartier version.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes, green onions, or jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to firmly press the perforations of the crescent roll dough to seal them properly.

- Be sure to spread the bean dip evenly to the edges of each rectangle to ensure that each pinwheel is filled with flavor.

- When rolling up the rectangles, be gentle but firm to prevent the filling from spilling out.

- Serve the pinwheels warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Pinwheels can be served as an appetizer at parties, game days, or any gathering. They pair well with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use green chile peppers instead of red chile peppers for a milder flavor.

- Use sliced green olives instead of black olives for a different taste.

- Use refried beans instead of bean dip for a creamier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Pinwheels can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply slice and bake when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the baked pinwheels on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Mexican Pinwheels pair well with a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. They also go well with a cold beer or a margarita.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mexican Pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Pinwheels contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Pinwheels contains approximately 18 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Pinwheels contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Pinwheels contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Pinwheels are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the red chile peppers. They also contain calcium from the cheese.

Alergens

Mexican Pinwheels contain dairy (cheese) and wheat (crescent roll dough). They may also contain soy (bean dip).

Summary

Mexican Pinwheels are a flavorful appetizer that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of protein and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mexican Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Filled with a flavorful mixture of red chile peppers, black olives, cheese, and bean dip, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve them warm with salsa and sour cream for a tasty and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. She was busy chopping vegetables and mixing spices, creating a beautiful spread of Mexican dishes for a family gathering later that evening. I watched in amazement as she effortlessly rolled out the dough, filled it with a delicious mixture of beans, cheese, and spices, and then carefully rolled it up into a perfect pinwheel shape.

As I sat there, mesmerized by the process, Maria noticed my fascination and invited me to join her in making the pinwheels. She patiently guided me through each step, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together. I could feel the love and care she put into her cooking, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about those delicious Mexican pinwheels. I begged Maria for the recipe, promising to cherish it and pass it on to future generations. She smiled warmly and handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions. I tucked it away in my recipe box, knowing that it would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Maria's Mexican pinwheels countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and parties. Each time, they are met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I take great pride in sharing this dish with others, knowing that it carries with it a piece of Maria's legacy and the love and friendship we shared.

I have also added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices, cheeses, and fillings to create unique variations of the classic pinwheels. I have passed down this recipe to my children and grandchildren, teaching them the importance of tradition, family, and good food.

One summer, my granddaughter Emily asked to learn how to make the Mexican pinwheels. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to pass on this family recipe to the next generation. We spent a sunny afternoon in the kitchen, rolling out the dough, filling it with a savory mixture of black beans, corn, peppers, and cheese, and watching as the pinwheels baked to perfection in the oven.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I saw the same sense of awe in Emily's eyes that I had felt so many years ago. She marveled at the flavors, the textures, and the love that went into making the pinwheels. I knew in that moment that this recipe would continue to be a cherished part of our family for years to come.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover Maria's Mexican pinwheels, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships, experiences, and memories that have shaped my love for cooking. Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of the joy of sharing food with others, of passing on traditions, and of the simple pleasures that come from a well-cooked meal.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, pondering what to make for dinner, I urge you to try your hand at making Mexican pinwheels. Let the flavors transport you to a sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen, where the aroma of spices and the warmth of friendship fill the air. And remember, as you roll out the dough and fill it with love, that the recipe you hold in your hands is more than just a collection of ingredients – it is a story, a tradition, and a legacy waiting to be shared with those you hold dear.