If you love appetizers that pack a punch of flavor with every bite, then you’re going to absolutely adore my Spicy Cheesy Cream Cheese Antojitos Recipe. I’m talking about a perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and spicy rolled into warm tortillas and baked to bubbly golden perfection. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a favorite for both casual weekend snacks and party time — and trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or cravings.
- Balanced Flavors: The combo of spicy jalapeños with creamy cheese creates a taste explosion without being overwhelming.
- Great for Sharing: These bite-sized antojitos are perfect finger foods that basically disappear at any party.
- Versatile Ingredients: If you like, you can easily swap or add veggies and cheeses to fit your tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create that creamy, spicy kick we all crave. I like to use whole wheat tortillas for a bit of extra nuttiness, and fresh bell peppers add a nice crunch and color contrast.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature to mix easily and create a smooth filling.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the filling so it’s creamy but not runny when you spread it on the tortillas.
- Hot Sauce: You can adjust the heat here; I recommend a flavorful, not just fiery, hot sauce for depth.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: Fresh and crisp, they add color and subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
- Jalapeño Pepper: This brings the spicy punch! I remove seeds if you want it milder.
- Tortillas: Whole wheat or your favorite type works—just pick ones large enough to roll easily.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives that melty, gooey goodness everyone loves in antojitos.
Variations
I love how this spicy cheesy cream cheese antojitos recipe invites creativity — it’s one of those dishes where you can play with flavors and textures. Feel free to make it your own!
- Add Protein: I sometimes add cooked and crumbled chorizo or shredded chicken for a heartier appetizer that my family goes crazy for.
- Swap Cheeses: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of mozzarella work great if you prefer a different cheese profile or milder flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Try vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives with finely diced veggies for a plant-based version.
- Adjust the Heat: Use milder peppers or less hot sauce if you’re serving it to kids or spice-sensitive friends — trust me, the cheese balances the spice perfectly either way.
How to Make Spicy Cheesy Cream Cheese Antojitos Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this helps keep cleanup super easy, which I always appreciate! In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and hot sauce. Use a fork to mix everything until the cream cheese is soft and fluffy. Then stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers plus the jalapeño. This filling is where all the flavor magic happens, so make sure everything is evenly mixed for that perfect spicy-cheesy bite.
Step 2: Spread, Roll, and Slice
Take your tortillas and spread about a third of the cream cheese mixture evenly on each one — this part is fun because you’ll see the vibrant peppers peek through the creamy base. Then sprinkle a third of the shredded cheddar cheese over the filling. Roll each tortilla tightly to ensure the filling stays put, then slice into 1-inch pieces. I love how these little spirals look — they’re as pretty as they are delicious!
Step 3: Bake and Broil for Perfect Crispiness
Arrange your sliced antojitos on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 10 minutes at 350℉ to let the cheese melt and the flavors meld. Then, switch to the broiler for an additional 3 minutes to get that gorgeous golden-brown finish on top. Just keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning — this step gives you the perfect crispy top that pairs beautifully with the soft, creamy filling inside.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Cheesy Cream Cheese Antojitos Recipe
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let it sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing so it’s easy to blend smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t Skimp on Broiling: That last few minutes under the broiler adds the perfect texture contrast with crispy edges and bubbling cheese.
- Seed Your Jalapeño: If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes — it really cuts the heat without losing flavor.
- Use Parchment Paper: This saves you from a messy pan and helps the antojitos bake evenly without sticking.
How to Serve Spicy Cheesy Cream Cheese Antojitos Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of serving these with a dollop of cool sour cream or fresh salsa on the side — the creaminess balances the heat beautifully. Sometimes I sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of brightness and a nice color pop. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a zesty lift, too.
Side Dishes
Pair these antojitos with a crisp green salad or a bowl of black bean soup to turn your snack into a satisfying meal. They also go great with Mexican street corn or some guacamole and chips on the side — a little fiesta on your plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging these antojito slices on a colorful platter in rows or spirals — it looks super inviting. I’ve even served them as a part of taco bars, letting guests pick their own toppings. If you want to get fancy, try stacking them skewered with toothpicks for a cute appetizer tower.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When stored properly, they retain their creamy texture and spicy flavor nicely. Just make sure they’ve fully cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead! I freeze the sliced antojitos on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time so they become hot and melty again.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in a 350℉ oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispy edges intact — it just doesn’t give you that same melty, crunchy finish.
FAQs
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Can I make the Spicy Cheesy Cream Cheese Antojitos Recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! Just reduce or omit the jalapeño and use a milder hot sauce, or remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño to lower the heat while still keeping the flavor. The cheddar cheese and cream cheese help mellow out the spiciness nicely.
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What’s the best type of tortilla to use?
Whole wheat or flour tortillas work best because they’re pliable for rolling and have a nice chewy texture when baked. Corn tortillas tend to be more brittle and don’t roll as easily, but if you want to use them, heat them properly to prevent cracking.
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Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolled tortillas and slice them in advance, then keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add the broiler step right before serving for that fresh, crispy finish.
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Are there any good dipping sauces to accompany this recipe?
I love serving these with sour cream or fresh tomato salsa. Guacamole or a cilantro-lime crema also pair beautifully and add an extra layer of freshness.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Spicy Cheesy Cream Cheese Antojitos Recipe brings people together — it’s the kind of dish that gets everyone grabbing more and asking for the recipe. I used to struggle finding quick appetizer recipes that tick all the boxes for flavor, texture, and ease, but this one has never let me down. So whether you’re making it for game day, a casual family night, or to impress unexpected guests, give these antojitos a try. I’m pretty sure they’ll become your go-to savory snack, just like mine.
Print
Spicy Cheesy Cream Cheese Antojitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Antojitos are spicy, cheesy, and creamy rolled tortillas filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, peppers, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, these bite-sized appetizers deliver a delightful combination of flavors with a slight heat from jalapeños, making them perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounce cream cheese (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- ½ red bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (chopped)
Tortillas and Topping
- 3 large tortillas (ancient grain whole wheat tortillas recommended)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and hot sauce. Use a fork to mix until the cream cheese softens and blends evenly. Then stir in the chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeño until well distributed.
- Assemble Tortillas: Spread one-third of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla. Next, sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the cream cheese layer on each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly to enclose the filling.
- Slice Tortillas: Cut the rolled tortillas into 1-inch slices, creating bite-sized pinwheels perfect for serving.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sliced tortilla pieces flat on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them at 350℉ for 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the rolls are warmed through.
- Broil for Finish: After baking, switch the oven to broil and broil the slices for an additional 3 minutes to achieve a golden and slightly crispy top layer.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your choice of salsa or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- These Antojitos offer a balanced kick of spice and creamy texture, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
- Don’t be intimidated by the jalapeños; their flavor blends beautifully with the cheeses to mellow the heat.
- Ancient grain whole wheat tortillas add extra texture and nutrition, but regular tortillas work well too.
- For a crispier texture, ensure even slicing and arrange the pieces spaced apart on the baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 266 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 894 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
