Antojitos Recipe

If you’re looking for a party appetizer that disappears faster than you can set it on the table, let me introduce you to Antojitos—a cheesy, spicy, and oh-so-irresistible Mexican-inspired snack. Picture this: warm flour tortillas stuffed with creamy cheese, colorful veggies, and a hint of spice, rolled up and baked until golden, then dipped into a cool basil pesto sour cream. It’s snack perfection.

The name “antojitos” literally translates to “little cravings” in Spanish, and honestly, that couldn’t be more accurate. These are bite-sized, flavor-packed little rolls of joy that are impossible to resist. One bite and you get creamy cheese, a little kick of chili, the crunch of peppers, and the soft tortilla wrapping it all together. Trust me, these will steal the show at any party—or even just your next movie night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one checks all the boxes for the perfect appetizer:

Flavor Explosion

Creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and totally satisfying—every bite is loaded with layers of flavor.

Quick and Easy

Simple steps, easy ingredients, and ready in no time. You’ll spend more time enjoying them than making them.

Crowd-Pleasing

Who can resist cheesy baked tortilla rolls? Exactly—no one. They’re a guaranteed hit with kids, adults, and everyone in between.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Prep them earlier in the day, pop them in the fridge, and bake just before serving. Stress-free entertaining at its finest.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Game nights, potlucks, holiday parties, or just a cozy evening snack—antojitos fit right in.

Recipe Origin

In Mexican cuisine, antojitos are traditional street foods and snacks meant to satisfy cravings. While classic versions often include tacos, tamales, or tostadas, this Tex-Mex spin takes the concept into a fun appetizer format. Flour tortillas filled with cream cheese, chilies, and veggies create an irresistible finger food that pairs beautifully with dips and sauces.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Small bowl (for dipping sauce)

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Soften the cream cheese: This makes it easier to mix and spread evenly.
• Don’t overfill: A thin, even layer of filling makes rolling easier and prevents overflow during baking.
• Chill before slicing (optional): If you want clean, neat cuts, refrigerate rolled tortillas for 15–20 minutes before baking.
• Use fresh veggies: Crisp peppers and onions add texture and color that make these really pop.
• Serve warm with dip: The dipping sauce takes these over the top—don’t skip it!

Ingredients in Antojitos

Here’s why these simple ingredients come together into something so crave-worthy:

Flour Tortillas

Soft, chewy, and the perfect wrap to hold all that cheesy goodness.

Cream Cheese

The creamy base of the filling. Smooth, rich, and slightly tangy.

Diced Green Chilies

Bring mild heat and depth of flavor without overpowering spice.

Cheddar Cheese

Melts into gooey perfection, balancing sharpness with the creaminess of the filling.

Red Onion

Adds crunch, color, and just a touch of bite to the mix.

Bell Pepper

Sweet, fresh, and colorful—balances the richness of the cheese.

Sour Cream

Makes the filling silky and extra creamy.

Paprika

Adds smokiness and a warm pop of flavor.

Garlic Powder

For that savory punch we all crave.

Onion Powder

Enhances the flavors and complements the red onion.

Cayenne Pepper

A little heat to keep things interesting—adjust to taste.

Basil Pesto Sour Cream Dipping Sauce

A simple mix of sour cream and basil pesto creates the dreamiest, herb-packed dip. It’s cool, creamy, and the perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy rolls.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these crave-worthy bites:

Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, green chilies, shredded cheddar, red onion, bell pepper, sour cream, and spices. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.

Fill and Roll

Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly, starting from one edge, until you have a log shape.

Slice and Arrange

Cut each rolled tortilla into slices (about 1–2 inches thick) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are lightly golden.

Make the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and basil pesto until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the warm antojitos straight from the oven with the cool pesto sour cream dip on the side. Watch them disappear in minutes!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8 (as an appetizer)
Calories per serving: Approx. 250–280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Antojitos

• Classic Party Platter: Arrange slices on a large platter with the dipping sauce in the center.
• With Drinks: These pair perfectly with margaritas, sangria, or even just a cold beer.
• As a Snack Dinner: Serve with guacamole, salsa, and chips for a fun, casual meal.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Skip the cayenne for a milder version kids will love.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the rolled tortillas for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to revive the crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls tightly wrapped in foil. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños for more heat.
• Meaty Twist: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon or sausage.
• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or corn for extra texture.
• Different Cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a fun twist.
• Southwest Flair: Add black beans, corn, and cilantro for bold flavors.

Additional Tips

• Serve Immediately: Antojitos taste best fresh out of the oven while warm and gooey.
• Use Fresh Tortillas: Soft tortillas roll better and won’t crack.
• Garnish the Dip: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley makes the dipping sauce extra pretty.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A1: You can, but flour tortillas roll and hold their shape much better.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: It already is! But you can add extra veggies if you’d like to bulk it up.

Q3: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A3: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 8 minutes until crispy and golden.

Q4: What’s the best way to slice the rolls?
A4: Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts without squishing the filling out.

Q5: Can I make a bigger batch for parties?
A5: Absolutely—this recipe doubles or triples easily.

Q6: What dips go well besides pesto sour cream?
A6: Salsa, guacamole, queso, or ranch are all great options.

Q7: Can I serve them cold?
A7: They’re best warm, but they’re still tasty at room temp.

Q8: Are these kid-friendly?
A8: Yes! Just adjust or omit the cayenne for little ones.

Q9: Can I freeze baked antojitos?
A9: Yes, but they’re best unbaked. If freezing baked ones, reheat in the oven to crisp them back up.

Q10: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A10: Yes, but the filling may be slightly less creamy.

Conclusion

There you have it—Antojitos, the ultimate party snack. Warm, cheesy, spicy, and paired with that dreamy basil pesto sour cream dip, these little bites will quickly become everyone’s favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a big gathering, a cozy family night, or just whipping up a fun snack for yourself, one thing’s certain: these will disappear fast.

So the next time you’re craving something cheesy and irresistible, skip the store-bought appetizers and make these instead. Trust me, they’re the kind of snack people remember—and ask for again and again.

Watch how to make Antojitos – a cheesy Mexican appetizer: