Oh my goodness, you HAVE to try these cream cheese tortilla bites! Seriously, they’re my go-to when I need something super easy and ridiculously tasty for a last-minute get-together or even just a cozy night in. I first whipped these up years ago when I was totally swamped and needed an appetizer that looked fancy but took absolutely no time. They were a HUGE hit, and now they’re a staple in my recipe rotation. They just have that perfect melty, cheesy goodness wrapped up in a crispy little package. Trust me, your friends (and your future self!) will thank you for making these.
Gather Your Ingredients for CREAM CHEESE TORTILLA BITES
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped for these amazing cream cheese tortilla bites! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday things you probably already have. We’re talking basic pantry staples that come together to make something truly special. Fresh ingredients are key here – especially that soft cream cheese and bright chives. They’re the dynamic duo that makes these bites sing!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 10 Small flour tortillas: The softer, the better for rolling!
- 1 cup Cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft so it spreads like a dream.
- 1/4 cup Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds that classic cheesy flavor we all love.
- 2 tablespoons Chives, finely chopped: For a pop of fresh oniony goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder: Just enough to give it a little savory punch.
- Salt: To taste, of course!
- Black pepper: A pinch really wakes up the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil: For brushing on top to get that perfect golden crunch.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
The cream cheese is the star here, making everything wonderfully creamy and rich. The cheddar adds a familiar, comforting flavor, and the chives bring a fresh, mild oniony note that cuts through the richness. If you’re not a fan of chives, finely chopped green onions or even a little parsley would work just fine! You could also swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or a pepper jack if you like a little heat. Just keep the cream cheese as the base – it’s what holds it all together!
Simple Steps to Make CREAM CHEESE TORTILLA BITES
Okay, now for the fun part – putting these little flavor bombs together! It’s seriously so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them before. We’re going to mix up a quick filling, roll it into tortillas, slice ’em up, and bake them until they’re golden and delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Preparing the Filling
First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your softened cream cheese, the shredded cheddar, those lovely chopped chives, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Now, get in there with a spoon or a spatula and mix it all up until it’s nice and smooth. You want it to be a uniform color with no big lumps of cream cheese hiding anywhere. It should look creamy and inviting!
Assembling the Bites
Lay out one of your small flour tortillas. Now, spoon about two tablespoons of that glorious cream cheese mixture right onto the center. Gently spread it out a bit, leaving a small border around the edges so it doesn’t all squish out when you roll it. Then, just roll up that tortilla nice and tight, like you’re tucking it into bed. Repeat this with all your tortillas and filling. Try to keep the rolls snug!
Cutting and Baking Your CREAM CHEESE TORTILLA BITES
Once all your tortillas are rolled, it’s time to turn them into bite-sized wonders. Grab a sharp knife and cut each rolled tortilla into pieces that are about 1 inch thick. You want them to stand up nicely. Lightly grease a baking dish – I like to use a little cooking spray or brush on some olive oil. Arrange your cut tortilla bites cut-side down in the dish, snug but not squished. Now, brush the tops of each bite with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pop them into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color on the edges, and you’ll know they’re ready when they’re heated all the way through and smell amazing!
Tips for Perfect CREAM CHEESE TORTILLA BITES
You know, these little bites are pretty forgiving, but a few tricks can make them absolutely perfect every single time. For starters, don’t overstuff those tortillas! If you pile on too much filling, they can get a bit soggy or hard to roll neatly. Also, make sure you’re rolling them up nice and tight – that helps them hold their shape when you cut them. And when you’re baking, keep an eye on them towards the end; ovens can be so different! If you want to make these ahead, just assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time if they’re going in cold, but they’ll still be fantastic!
Serving and Enjoying Your Appetizer
Honestly, these cream cheese tortilla bites are best served warm, straight from the oven when the cheese is all melty and gooey! They make the most incredible appetizer for any party, or they’re just perfect for a satisfying snack when you need a little pick-me-up. I love putting them out on a platter and watching them disappear in minutes. They’re so easy to grab and pop in your mouth while you’re mingling or just relaxing on the couch.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any of these delightful cream cheese tortilla bites left over (which is rare in my house!), don’t worry. Just let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. To reheat, I like popping them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they’re warm and slightly crispy again. Microwaving works too, but they might lose a bit of that lovely crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions about CREAM CHEESE TORTILLA BITES
Got questions about these yummy cream cheese tortilla bites? I’ve got answers! These are super versatile, so let’s dive into some common queries.
Q1. Can I make these cream cheese tortilla bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake them a few minutes longer when you’re ready to serve, maybe 15-17 minutes, to make sure they get nice and hot all the way through.
Q2. What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
You bet! Monterey Jack is a fantastic choice for extra meltiness, or if you like a little kick, pepper jack is awesome. A mild Colby or even a bit of mozzarella could work too. Just aim for a good melting cheese!
Q3. Are these cream cheese tortilla bites suitable for a party?
Oh, 100%! They are the *perfect* party appetizer. They’re easy to eat standing up, they look pretty on a platter, and everyone loves them. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly!
Q4. How do I make them spicier?
Easy peasy! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper right into the cream cheese mixture along with the other seasonings. Or, for a bit more flavor, swap the cheddar for a spicy pepper jack cheese. A little dash of hot sauce in the filling works wonders too!
Nutritional Information Estimate
Now, let’s talk numbers! While every kitchen is a little different and brands can vary, these estimates give you a good idea of what you’re getting with these delicious cream cheese tortilla bites. Remember, these are approximate values per serving, and they’re a pretty reasonable snack or appetizer!
Estimated Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a peek at the estimated nutrition for about 3-4 bites:
- Serving Size: 3-4 bites
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 2g
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Delicious Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites: 15 Mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30-40 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious cream cheese tortilla bites perfect for snacks or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 10 Small flour tortillas
- 1 cup Cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Chopped chives
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla.
- Roll up each tortilla tightly.
- Cut each rolled tortilla into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch thick).
- Place the bites cut-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Notes
- You can add other seasonings like paprika or onion powder.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- These can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
