Sweet, Spicy, Creamy & Crispy Appetizers Ready in 15 Minutes!
Warning: These irresistible pinwheels—loaded with pepper jelly, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar—will disappear faster than you can make them! Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or anytime you crave a sweet-heat bite.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✅ Sweet + spicy + savory – The ultimate flavor combo.
✅ Air fryer magic – Extra crispy without deep frying.
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Assemble ahead, air fry last minute.
📝 Ingredients
(Makes ~12 pinwheels)
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120g) pepper jelly (mild or hot)
- ½ cup (60g) cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup (25g) green onions, chopped
- ½ cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 large flour tortilla (10-inch)
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
(Optional: Extra pepper jelly for dipping!)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and pepper jelly until smooth.
- Stir in bacon, green onions, cheddar, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Roll & Chill
- Spread filling evenly over tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Roll tightly into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill 30+ mins (or freeze 10 mins).
3️⃣ Slice & Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut log into 1-inch slices (12–14 pinwheels).
- Spray with oil and air fry 5–7 mins until golden and crispy.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool 2 mins, then serve with extra pepper jelly for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
🔹 For extra crispiness: Spray pinwheels lightly with oil before air frying.
🔹 Spice control: Use mild pepper jelly or add ½ tsp chili flakes for heat.
🔹 No air fryer? Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 mins on parchment.
❓ FAQs + Variations
1. Can I use different jelly?
✅ Try apricot jam + diced jalapeños for similar sweet-heat.
2. How do I store leftovers?
🧊 Fridge: Up to 3 days (reheat in air fryer 2–3 mins).
❄️ Freeze unbaked: Wrap log tightly, freeze up to 1 month, slice & air fry frozen (+2 mins).
3. Gluten-free option?
🌾 Use GF tortillas and check jelly labels.
4. Vegetarian version?
🥓 Skip bacon, add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for depth.
5. Make smaller bites?
🍴 Use small tortillas and reduce cooking time to 3–4 mins.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- On a charcuterie board with cheeses & fruits
- With ranch or blue cheese dressing for cooling contrast
- As party appetizers (double the batch!)
⏳ Time & Nutrition
Prep: 10 mins | Chill: 30 mins | Cook: 7 mins | Total: 47 mins
Calories: ~90/pinwheel | Servings: 12
🌟 Final Thoughts
These Pepper Jelly Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleasing finger food—crispy outside, creamy inside, with a kick of sweet heat. Perfect for:
- Super Bowl parties
- Holiday gatherings
- Last-minute guests
Sweet, spicy, and impossible to resist! 🔥😋
(Tip: For festive flair, use red & green pepper jellies!)
