Cheesy Baked Antojitos

Cheesy Baked Antojitos are a warm, spicy, and melty indulgence made for sharing. These creamy tortilla roll-ups combine zesty jalapeños, sharp cheddar, and soft cream cheese into a perfectly baked snack that’s crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey inside. They’re simple to make but full of flavor, and they deliver that satisfying mix of heat and richness with every bite.

Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a treat-yourself moment, these pinwheels are highly customizable and always crowd-pleasing. You can dial up the spice with extra jalapeños or switch it up with pepper jack, bacon, or diced bell peppers for a twist. Served warm with cool sour cream or a bold dipping sauce, these antojitos are a surefire way to spice up any appetizer platter.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup finely chopped green onions

• 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

3. Lay out each tortilla and evenly spread a quarter of the cheese mixture onto each, spreading to the edges.

4. Roll each tortilla tightly into a log and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil or melted butter for extra crispness.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and edges begin to crisp.

7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing into 1-inch pinwheels.

8. Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or ranch dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Antojitos, which literally means “little cravings” in Spanish, are a beloved category of Mexican street food that has made its way into kitchens and party platters all across North America. These cheesy, spicy, and flavor-packed bites are designed to satisfy your savory snack cravings, and this baked version takes the classic up a notch by adding a healthier twist—no deep frying required.

Traditionally, antojitos can refer to a range of foods, from tacos and sopes to quesadillas and tamales. However, in many households and popular restaurant menus across Canada and the U.S., the term has become synonymous with baked tortilla pinwheels filled with seasoned cheese mixtures. They are often served as a bar-style appetizer or a party snack, similar to nachos or potato skins.

This Cheesy Baked Antojitos recipe brings together the comforting richness of cream cheese and sharpness of cheddar cheese with the subtle heat of jalapeños and the freshness of green onions. Wrapped in a soft tortilla, then baked to golden perfection, each pinwheel delivers a crispy edge and a creamy, gooey center that’s bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple, Everyday Ingredients
   You won’t need to search far and wide to create this recipe. All the ingredients—cream cheese, cheddar, tortillas, green onions, and jalapeños—are pantry or fridge staples. The flavors are bold but familiar, and they come together in perfect harmony with minimal effort.
2. Quick and Easy Preparation
   From mixing the filling to rolling up the tortillas and slicing the baked results, everything about this recipe is straightforward and accessible, even for beginner home cooks. You’ll only need 25 minutes from start to finish.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
   Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual dinner with friends, or looking for something fun for family movie night, these antojitos are the ultimate finger food. They also make a great starter for a Mexican-themed dinner menu or potluck.
4. Oven-Baked – Not Fried
   While many cheesy snacks are deep-fried, this baked version delivers a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. The outer layer crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving you that golden, slightly crunchy exterior while keeping the inside rich and creamy.
5. Easy to Customize
   You can make it your own by adding cooked bacon bits, switching to pepper jack cheese for more kick, or adding minced red bell peppers for sweetness. This recipe is forgiving and endlessly adaptable based on your pantry and taste preferences.
6. Vegetarian-Friendly
   It’s a satisfying vegetarian appetizer that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With the creamy cheese base and the umami depth from cheddar and spices, you won’t even miss the meat.
7. Freezer-Friendly
   These roll-ups can be prepped ahead and frozen before baking, making them an excellent choice for busy weeks or unexpected guests. Just thaw slightly and bake until bubbly and golden.

The Story Behind Cheesy Baked Antojitos

This particular variation of antojitos became popular in Canada as a restaurant-style appetizer—often served with cool sour cream or spicy ranch dip. Unlike their traditional Mexican counterparts, these are less about street food heritage and more about comfort food fusion. Think of it as the delicious child of quesadillas and pinwheel sandwiches, reimagined with a creamy filling and crispy baked shell.

The flavor profile is intentionally bold—sharp cheddar complements the mellow cream cheese base, while jalapeños bring that essential spark without overpowering the dish. Green onions cut through the richness, adding a fresh bite to each roll. When baked, the cheese melts into the tortilla, crisping the edges and creating a pull-apart texture that’s truly addictive.

It’s not uncommon to see variations on bar menus, but what sets the homemade version apart is freshness. No pre-frozen rolls, no processed cheese blends—just a warm, gooey, made-from-scratch delight.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm, straight from the oven with your favorite dip—cool sour cream is the traditional choice, but spicy chipotle mayo, avocado crema, or a zesty tomato salsa all work wonderfully. They pair beautifully with:

• Fresh margaritas or lime spritzers
• A simple black bean and corn salad
• Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
• Pico de gallo or guacamole on the side

If you’re entertaining, consider serving them as part of a larger appetizer spread that includes nachos, taquitos, and a DIY taco bar. They’re also ideal as a snack board centerpiece—stacked high, drizzled with dip, and garnished with sliced jalapeños or chives.

Nutritional Benefits (Yes, really!)

While “cheesy baked snacks” might not scream nutritious, there are some surprising upsides:

• Portion control: These are sliceable, sharable, and portioned just right for snacking or entertaining.
• Calcium-rich: Thanks to the cheddar and cream cheese, each bite provides a small boost of calcium for bone health.
• Vegetarian protein: Cheese offers a modest amount of protein, perfect for rounding out a carb-heavy meal.
• Customizable for health goals: Use low-fat cream cheese, whole wheat tortillas, or add in finely chopped spinach for a nutrient boost.

Tips for Perfect Antojitos Every Time

• Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing and spreading. Cold cream cheese will clump and tear the tortillas.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause your tortillas to split or leak. A thin, even layer works best.
• Let them cool slightly: After baking, wait 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes cleaner cuts.
• Use parchment paper: This keeps the rolls from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Baked Antojitos are the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. They’re fun to make, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to bring people together around the table. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for a casual dinner, or just indulging a late-night craving, this recipe checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, adaptable, and crowd-approved.

Once you try these homemade antojitos, you’ll never go back to the restaurant version. You’re in full control of the spice, the richness, and the presentation. Plus, they taste even better fresh out of your oven, with that gooey cheesy filling and perfectly golden tortilla shell. Little cravings? This dish satisfies them all.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Antojitos are more than just a quick appetizer—they’re a flavorful fusion of creamy, spicy, and crispy textures that satisfy every craving. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for entertaining, snacking, or even indulging in a comfort food moment after a long day. With its rich cheese filling, hint of heat from jalapeños, and perfectly golden tortilla wrap, each bite delivers a warm, melty experience that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a party or enjoying them as a family treat, these antojitos are guaranteed to impress. Once you try them homemade, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.