Antojitos Recipe

The Antojitos Recipe is a Mexican-inspired appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavour. Rolled in flour tortillas, sliced into bite-sized pieces, and baked until golden, these little pinwheels make a perfect party snack. The filling combines cream cheese, cheddar, chilies, onion, bell pepper, and spices for a satisfying kick.

Served with a basil pesto sour cream dipping sauce, they strike a balance of boldness and freshness. Like Tater Tot Appetizer Cups, they prove that appetizers don’t need to be complicated to steal the spotlight. Let’s dive into what makes them irresistible.

Why Antojitos Are Crowd Pleasers

Layers of Flavour in Every Bite

Antojitos pack flavour thanks to their creamy and spicy filling. The cream cheese base makes everything smooth, while cheddar sharpens the taste. Green chilies provide gentle heat without overwhelming. Onion and bell pepper add crunch, while paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne create savoury depth.

When baked and broiled, the edges turn crisp, contrasting with the gooey filling. This mix of textures keeps every bite interesting. The tortilla acts as a neutral wrapper, holding everything together and allowing the flavours to shine.

A Party Food That Works Anywhere

These rolls are made for sharing. Their small size makes them easy to pick up, dip, and enjoy without utensils. They look vibrant thanks to the peppers and chilies in the filling, so they bring colour to platters. Because they’re baked, they don’t feel heavy, but they’re still filling enough to satisfy guests.

Whether you serve them at game nights, family gatherings, or holiday spreads, they fit in seamlessly. Their versatility makes them a reliable go-to appetizer for any event.

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Ingredients in Detail

Flour Tortillas

Ten-inch flour tortillas give structure without overpowering. They’re soft enough to roll tightly but sturdy enough to slice and bake without falling apart. You can also swap in whole-wheat or gluten-free tortillas if needed.

Cream Cheese

Softened cream cheese acts as the glue for the filling. It creates a creamy base that tempers the spice of chilies and balances the sharpness of cheddar. Make sure it’s room temperature to avoid lumps.

Diced Green Chilies

Canned diced chilies are mild and tangy. They provide flavour without making the dish overwhelmingly hot. Jalapeños can be substituted for more heat.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar brings bite and richness. It melts smoothly into the cream cheese, creating gooey texture and bold taste.

Vegetables

Red onion and bell pepper add crunch, freshness, and colour. They also balance the creaminess of the cheese with lightness.

Spices

Paprika adds smokiness, garlic and onion powders deepen flavour, and cayenne brings gentle heat. Together, they keep the filling lively and balanced.

Sour Cream and Pesto

Sour cream lightens the filling and doubles as the base for the dipping sauce. Pesto gives the dip fresh, herby notes, creating contrast against the baked rolls.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Combine cream cheese, cheddar, chilies, onion, bell pepper, sour cream, and spices in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or spatula until smooth and evenly blended.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Spread the filling evenly across each tortilla, covering the surface completely. Roll each tortilla tightly from one side to the other.

Step 4: Slice and Arrange

Using a serrated knife, slice each rolled tortilla into five angled pieces, discarding ends. Arrange pieces flat on the lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake and Broil

Bake for 8 minutes. Switch the oven to high broil and broil for about 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. The edges should crisp while the filling becomes bubbly.

Step 6: Make the Dip

Mix sour cream with basil pesto in a bowl. Stir until combined and smooth.

Step 7: Serve

Cool slightly before serving. Place rolls on a platter with the dip in the centre for easy sharing.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Plating and Presentation

Presentation makes antojitos stand out. Arrange them in neat circles on a large platter or stack them in a pyramid shape for height. Add small bowls of the pesto dip or alternate with salsa for variety. Bright garnishes like cilantro sprigs or lime wedges enhance colour. For buffets, serve them alongside nachos, sliders, or stuffed peppers to create a Tex-Mex spread. Their golden, crispy edges and colourful filling make them naturally eye-catching, so they rarely need extra dressing up.

Drinks and Side Dishes

These rolls pair well with a wide range of drinks. Crisp lagers and wheat beers complement the spice without overwhelming. Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé wines balance creaminess with acidity. Non-alcoholic pairings like sparkling water with lime or sweet iced tea refresh between bites. As part of a meal, they work well with soups like tortilla soup or light salads with citrus dressing. Their versatility means you can slot them into almost any menu without clashing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepping in Advance

Antojitos are great for planning ahead. Assemble and roll the tortillas up to 24 hours before serving. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready, slice and bake as directed. This approach makes them perfect for busy hosts, as most of the work is done beforehand. You can also prepare the pesto sour cream dip early, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge until serving.

Leftovers and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the tortillas. For freezing, slice the rolled tortillas and place the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time. This makes them a handy snack to keep on hand for future cravings.

Nutrition and Benefits

What Each Bite Offers

Antojitos deliver a balance of macronutrients. Tortillas provide carbohydrates, cheeses supply protein and calcium, and vegetables add vitamins and fibre. While indulgent, the presence of onions and peppers adds nutritional value. Portion control is simple since each roll is sliced into individual pieces. One or two make a satisfying snack, while a plateful works as a filling appetizer.

Adjustments for Different Diets

To lighten the recipe, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar. Whole-wheat tortillas increase fibre content, while gluten-free tortillas make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests. For extra heat, swap cheddar for pepper jack. The recipe is naturally vegetarian, but vegan alternatives exist for cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream. This adaptability ensures everyone can enjoy the dish regardless of dietary needs.

FAQs

Can I make antojitos spicier?
Yes. Increase cayenne, add diced jalapeños, or use pepper jack cheese for more heat. Adjust spice levels to suit your crowd so everyone can enjoy the balance of flavour without overwhelming heat.

Can I freeze them?
Yes. Roll, slice, and freeze unbaked pieces on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time. They maintain texture and flavour well when reheated.

What dips work best besides pesto sour cream?
These rolls pair with salsa, guacamole, ranch, or chipotle mayo. Offering multiple dips adds variety, letting guests customize their bites.

Can they be made vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based tortillas, cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream. The flavour remains bold, and vegan pesto can replace the dip.

Conclusion

The Antojitos Recipe is proof that appetizers can be simple yet packed with flavour. With a creamy, cheesy filling, fresh vegetables, and a hint of spice, these tortilla rolls bake into golden bites that never last long on a platter. Paired with basil pesto sour cream, they’re a hit at any event.

Like Tater Tot Appetizer Cups, they highlight how small, shareable dishes can leave big impressions. Whether you’re planning a casual game night, a family dinner, or a festive party, antojitos deserve a place on your menu.