Pioneer Woman Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe: Easy & Delicious Appetizer

Looking for a fuss-free, flavorful appetizer that’s always a hit? Dive into the delightful world of Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups! These zesty, cheesy bites are incredibly easy to make ahead of time, making them the perfect snack for parties, potlucks, or even a simple afternoon treat. If you’re a fan of creamy dips and quick recipes, this tortilla roll ups recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Close-up of sliced Mexican tortilla roll ups arranged on a white plate, showcasing their vibrant filling.

These Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups are not only incredibly simple to assemble, even more so than classic veggie or taco versions, but they are also packed with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its make-ahead nature. Prepare them a few hours in advance, or even the night before, and let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Just like a fine wine, these cheesy roll ups get better with time, allowing the creamy filling to fully infuse the tortillas. This makes them an ideal choice when you need a stress-free appetizer that can be prepared ahead of the party rush.

What Goes into Pioneer Woman Tortilla Roll Ups? – Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these Pioneer Woman inspired tortilla roll ups so irresistible. For the full list of measurements, be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post.

Key Ingredients at a Glance:

Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: The creamy base that holds everything together and provides a tangy richness.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, familiar cheesy flavor – feel free to experiment with other cheese blends!
Diced Green Chilies: For a mild kick and a hint of Southwestern flavor.
Black Olives: Lending a salty, buttery counterpoint to the creamy filling.
Green Onions: Bringing a fresh, mild oniony bite.
Garlic Powder & Seasoned Salt: Simple seasonings that amplify the overall flavor profile.
Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas are the perfect canvas for rolling up all these delicious fillings.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese is a classic and widely loved choice, especially in Midwestern cuisine, don’t hesitate to explore other cheese options. For a more authentic Mexican flavor, consider using a Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even Oaxaca cheese if you can find it. These cheeses will add a slightly different but equally delicious dimension to your roll ups.
Olives – Love them or Leave them: Black olives contribute a unique salty and buttery texture that complements the creamy filling beautifully. However, olives can be a divisive ingredient. If you’re not a fan, or are serving a crowd with mixed preferences, feel free to omit them entirely. The roll ups will still be delicious!
Seasoned Salt – Homemade Option: Seasoned salt is a convenient way to add a blend of flavors. Lawry’s is a popular brand, but you can easily make your own seasoned salt at home. Simply combine salt, sugar, paprika, turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, and cornstarch. A small batch of homemade seasoned salt can be stored and used in various recipes, from Chex mix to baked potato skins.
Tortilla Tips: Eight-inch flour tortillas are the standard size for this recipe, yielding a good balance of filling to tortilla ratio. If you prefer larger, 10-inch tortillas, you may need to adjust the number of tortillas used, as you will be able to use less tortillas for the same amount of filling. Ensure your tortillas are fresh and pliable for easy rolling without tearing. If they seem a bit stiff, you can warm them slightly in the microwave or a dry skillet to soften them up.

Step-by-step image showing the process of spreading the cream cheese mixture onto a flour tortilla on a wooden cutting board.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tortilla Roll Ups

Making these Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

Prepare the Creamy Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chilies, black olives, sliced green onions, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
Fill the Tortillas: Lay out one tortilla at a time on a flat surface. Spread approximately ½ cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
Roll and Wrap: Roll the filled tortilla tightly, starting from one edge and rolling towards the opposite edge, just like you would roll a burrito. Once rolled, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap.
Repeat and Refrigerate: Continue filling, rolling, and wrapping the remaining tortillas until all the filling is used up. Place the wrapped roll ups in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the roll ups to firm up and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Slice and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, take the roll ups out of the refrigerator. Trim off any unfilled ends of the tortillas for a neat appearance. Slice each roll up into approximately 8 equal-sized pieces. Arrange the slices on a platter and they are ready to be enjoyed!

Image of Mexican tortilla roll ups being sliced into pinwheel shapes on a wooden cutting board, ready to serve.

Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations

Yield and Serving Suggestions: This recipe yields approximately 16 servings, with each serving consisting of four roll up pieces. This makes it perfect for a party appetizer for a medium-sized gathering.
Make-Ahead Marvel: These roll ups are truly a make-ahead dream! They are best served chilled and can be made up to 3 days in advance. In fact, the flavor actually improves as they sit in the refrigerator, making them ideal for party planning.
Storage Solutions: Leftover roll ups can be stored, covered tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer-Friendly: Surprisingly, these tortilla roll ups freeze exceptionally well! For longer storage, wrap them tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. This is a great tip for prepping ahead for future events.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese filling. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier cheese flavor.
Protein Power-Up: Want to make these roll ups a bit more substantial? Add some shredded cooked chicken, deli turkey, drained and rinsed black beans, refried beans, or thinly sliced grilled steak to the filling. This will make them even more satisfying and closer to a light meal.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or corn into the cream cheese mixture for added texture and nutrients.
Preventing Sogginess: These roll ups are less likely to get soggy as they don’t contain overly wet ingredients. However, if you are concerned about sogginess, especially if making them further in advance or in a humid environment, you can line the tortillas with a thin layer of lettuce or spinach leaves before spreading the filling. This creates a moisture barrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these roll ups vegetarian? Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure all your ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Are tortilla roll ups gluten-free? As written, this recipe is not gluten-free because it uses flour tortillas. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free tortillas.
What dips pair well with tortilla roll ups? While these roll ups are delicious on their own, you can serve them with salsa, guacamole, or ranch dressing for dipping if desired.
How do I transport these to a party? The best way to transport them is to prepare them as instructed, slice them just before leaving, and arrange them on a platter. Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can keep the rolled and wrapped tortillas whole and slice them at your destination.

Platter of sliced Mexican tortilla roll ups garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to be served as an appetizer.