Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites
Hola! There’s something so comforting about quick, creamy, and crispy snacks that come together in minutes. These Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites remind me of those cozy family nights when my mama and I would fry up tortillas until golden, spreading them with whatever delicious filling we could find in the fridge. Now, this easy appetizer has become one of my go-to party favorites: creamy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and bursting with the irresistible flavor of everything seasoning. Whether you’re planning a game-day spread, tailgate, or casual get-together, these little bites are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 minutes |
| Total Time | 14 minutes |
| Servings | 36 bites |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American / Mexican Fusion |
| Best Season | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for last-minute snacks.
- Crispy and creamy: Buttery golden tortillas wrap around a soft, flavorful cream cheese center.
- Crowd-pleaser: These bite-sized appetizers vanish fast at parties, game days, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings or fillings for a fun twist.
- Two cooking methods: Fry them in a pan or pop them in the air fryer—both turn out delicious.
Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 36 tortilla bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites are the ultimate easy appetizer! Crispy, buttery tortillas filled with smooth cream cheese and everything seasoning make the perfect finger food for parties, game days, or quick snacks.
Ingredients
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature, divided
- 2 tablespoons everything seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Spread softened cream cheese evenly over each tortilla.
2. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon of everything seasoning.
3. Roll up the tortillas tightly and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 per tortilla).
4. In a large nonstick pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
5. Add the bites and cook for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dip.
Notes
*Air Fryer Instructions:*
Assemble the tortilla bites as directed and brush with melted butter.
Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier spreading.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in an air fryer or skillet for best crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American / Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla bite
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0.3
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 8
Ingredients
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature, divided
- 2 tablespoons everything seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Flour tortillas | Use fresh tortillas for easy rolling and best texture. |
| Cream cheese | Let it soften at room temperature for smooth spreading. |
| Everything seasoning | Mix your own with sesame seeds, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and salt if you don’t have store-bought. |
| Unsalted butter | Gives the bites a golden, crispy crust when fried. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the tortillas: Spread softened cream cheese evenly over each tortilla.
- Season and roll: Sprinkle each tortilla with 1 teaspoon of everything seasoning. Roll them tightly and cut into 1-inch pieces. (You can discard the ends or keep them as chef’s snacks!)
- Fry to perfection: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the bites and cook for about 1 minute per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately while the cream cheese is soft and melty.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Assemble the bites as above and brush them lightly with melted butter.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it spreads evenly and doesn’t tear the tortillas.
- Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Keep cooked bites warm in the oven (200°F) until serving.
- These taste amazing with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Cut evenly: Use a sharp knife to make clean, uniform bites for even cooking.
- Don’t overfill: A thin layer of cream cheese ensures the bites stay rolled and crisp.
- Flip gently: Use tongs to avoid unrolling or crushing the bites.
- Add cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack into the cream cheese.
Recipe Variations
- Jalapeño Popper Style: Mix chopped jalapeños into the cream cheese for a spicy twist.
- Sweet Version: Swap the seasoning for cinnamon sugar and drizzle with honey.
- Garlic Herb Bites: Add minced garlic and Italian herbs to the cream cheese for savory depth.
- Breakfast Bites: Add scrambled eggs and bacon bits for a morning-friendly version.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
Prepare and refrigerate rolled tortillas up to 24 hours before frying. Store leftover cooked bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or skillet for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites on a rustic wooden platter with a sprinkle of extra everything seasoning on top. Pair them with creamy dips like sour cream, ranch, or avocado crema for an irresistible snack spread.
If you’re building the ultimate party snack lineup, you have to try my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe That Everyone Loves. It’s creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy—pair it with these crispy Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites for the perfect game-day appetizer combo that everyone will rave about!
Pairing Ideas
Pair these crunchy bites with margaritas, cold beer, or sparkling water with lime. They also make a perfect starter before tacos, nachos, or quesadillas on game day.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to bring back that crispy edge. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, roll and refrigerate the tortillas in advance, then fry just before serving.
2. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely! Brush with melted butter and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.
3. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes! Chive, jalapeño, or garden veggie cream cheese work great for added flavor.
4. How do I prevent the rolls from unwrapping?
Roll tightly and place seam side down when cooking to help them hold shape.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortillas—just handle carefully, as they can be more delicate.
6. What dips go well with these bites?
Try ranch, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard for a fun variety.
7. Are they good served cold?
They taste best warm, but you can enjoy them chilled as a quick snack.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | 1 tortilla bite |
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugar | 0.3 g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites are the ultimate easy appetizer—crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a football party or a casual night in, these little bites will steal the show. Fry, air fry, or bake them—either way, they’re dangerously good!
