Mexican Tortilla Rollups are a fun and tasty way to enjoy all the classic flavors of Mexican food in a neat, handheld package. They’re usually filled with ingredients like seasoned meat or beans, cheese, and fresh veggies, all wrapped up in soft flour tortillas. The best part is the mix of textures—you get a little crunch from the veggies, gooey melted cheese, and that satisfying chew from the tortilla itself.
I love making these because they’re so easy to customize. Sometimes I add a bit of spicy salsa or a dollop of sour cream inside, and other times I throw in some avocado for extra creaminess. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and everyone usually asks for seconds—or even thirds. I find they’re best assembled just before serving so the tortillas stay nice and soft without getting soggy.
When I serve them, I like to cut the rollups into bite-sized pinwheels—it makes them perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings. Plus, they look colorful and cheerful on a platter. These rollups bring back memories of casual get-togethers and easy dinners where everyone can grab a few and dig in. They’re simple, tasty, and always a hit in my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Flour tortillas
- Use large, soft flour tortillas to make rolling easier. If you prefer a gluten-free option, corn tortillas can work, but they’re less flexible and may crack.
- Cream cheese & sour cream
- These create the creamy base. You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. Make sure cream cheese is softened—that makes spreading smooth and quick.
- Cheese
- Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend are great for melting. Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be good alternatives. Feel free to adjust cheese type and amount to your taste.
- Fresh veggies
- Bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro add crunch and freshness. If you want, try adding finely chopped jalapeños for a little heat or avocado slices for creaminess.
- Black beans
- These add protein and texture. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or refried beans work well too.
- Spices
- Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder bring classic Mexican flavor. Adjust seasoning to your liking—add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky note.
How Can I Roll the Tortillas Without Filling Falling Out?
Rolling tortillas tightly is key to neat rollups. Here’s how to do it:
- Spread the filling evenly but keep it away from the edges (about ½ inch border) so the filling doesn’t squeeze out.
- Start rolling from one edge firmly, but don’t press too hard or you’ll squish out the filling.
- Once rolled, wrap the tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This helps the roll hold together better.
- Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to keep pinwheels looking tidy.
Chilling is my favorite tip—it really helps the rollups slice cleanly and keeps fillings from falling apart. This way, serving looks great and eating is less messy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – to combine all the creamy filling ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or spoon – perfect for spreading the filling evenly on the tortillas.
- Sharp knife – helps you cut clean, neat rollups without squishing the filling.
- Plastic wrap – to tightly wrap the rolled tortillas and chill for easier slicing.
- Cutting board – a stable surface to roll and slice the tortillas safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap black beans for cooked shredded chicken or turkey for a protein-packed version.
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Mix in corn kernels or chopped avocado for extra texture and creaminess.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for a change in flavor.
How to Make Mexican Tortilla Rollups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
- ½ cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Salsa, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. If you chill the rollups for easier slicing and better flavor melding, allow an extra 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheese, black beans, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, green onions, and drained tomatoes. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, leaving about a ½ inch space around the edges. This keeps the filling from spilling out when you roll.
3. Roll and Slice:
Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape. Repeat for the remaining tortillas and filling. Using a sharp knife, cut each rolled tortilla into 1 to 1½ inch slices to create neat pinwheel rollups.
4. Serve:
Arrange the rollups on a platter and serve right away or chill them for about 30 minutes to help them hold together better. Offer salsa on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Corn Tortillas Instead?
Yes! Whole wheat tortillas add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, while corn tortillas offer a more traditional taste. Just be gentle when rolling corn tortillas since they’re less flexible and can crack.
How Long Can I Store the Rollups?
Store leftover rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but chilling helps them stay firm for easy servings later.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the rollups a few hours ahead and refrigerate them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Chilling helps the filling set, making them easier to slice and serve cold or at room temperature.
What Are Good Dipping Sauces for These Rollups?
Salsa is a classic choice, but you can also serve them with guacamole, sour cream, or a creamy chipotle sauce for extra flavor and variety.