When you need a quick and delicious appetizer that will impress guests, Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites are the perfect pick. These flavorful little bites combine soft cream cheese, the bold savory notes of everything seasoning, and a crispy golden exterior that is simply irresistible.
In just a few minutes, you can transform simple tortillas into crowd-pleasing finger food, ideal for game days, parties, or even a fun snack. Whether cooked on the stove or air fryer, these bites deliver a satisfying blend of textures and tastes with minimal effort.
- Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy schedules or last-minute gatherings
- Uses simple pantry staples like tortillas and cream cheese
- Crunchy, savory bites seasoned with trendy everything bagel spice
- Versatile cooking methods: pan-fried or air fried for healthier options
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas (6, 8-inch): Soft, flexible tortillas that hold the creamy filling and crisp up beautifully when cooked.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Smooth, spreadable cream cheese to add rich and tangy flavor throughout each bite.
- Everything seasoning (2 tablespoons, divided): A zesty blend of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt for bold seasoning layered on the cream cheese.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Used for frying to achieve that golden, crispy exterior without overpowering the filling’s taste.
Instructions
- Spread cream cheese evenly over tortillas
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Place each tortilla flat on a clean surface and evenly spread cream cheese all the way to the edges. This ensures every bite has a creamy center that balances the crispy wrap.
- Sprinkle with everything seasoning and roll tortillas
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Lightly sprinkle 1 teaspoon of everything seasoning onto each cream cheese-covered tortilla, then carefully roll them up tightly. The seasoning adds a crunchy, flavorful punch that complements the richness.
- Cut rolled tortillas into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
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Trim the ends off the rolled tortillas if desired to create neat pieces. Then slice each roll into 6 even pieces, yielding approximately 36 easy-to-handle bites ideal for sharing.
- Melt butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat
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Use a skillet large enough to fit the bites in a single layer. Melt the butter gently to avoid burning, which helps create a crisp and golden crust while enhancing flavor.
- Fry tortilla bites until golden brown on each side
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Add the tortilla bites carefully to the hot butter and cook about 1 minute per side, flipping to ensure an even golden crisp. This cooking step seals in flavor and texture for the perfect bite.
- Serve the bites warm
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Enjoy these cream cheese tortilla bites fresh from the pan when they’re warm and crispy. They make delightful finger food for any occasion and are best eaten right away for maximum crunch.
- For an alternative cooking method, brush bites with melted butter and air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, for a crispy, less oily option.
- Handle tortillas gently during rolling to prevent cracking or tearing, ensuring well-formed bite pieces.
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading and even flavor distribution.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover tortilla bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or skillet to restore crispiness before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bites with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or chipotle mayo to complement the creamy richness and add brightness.
- Use high-quality everything seasoning or blend your own for a fresher, customized flavor.
- Experiment with flavored cream cheeses, such as chive or garlic, to add unique twists.
- Brush the skillet with butter between batches if cooking multiple to maintain crispiness and avoid sticking.
FAQs
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
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Corn tortillas are less flexible and more prone to cracking, so flour tortillas are recommended for rolling and frying these bites.
- Can I prepare these in advance and cook later?
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You can assemble and roll the bites ahead of time, store them wrapped in plastic wrap, then fry them fresh when ready to serve.
- What substitutions are there for everything seasoning?
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If you don’t have everything seasoning, a mix of garlic powder, sesame seeds, onion powder, and salt can mimic the flavor well.
- Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
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Yes! Place bites on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden, flipping halfway for even crisping.
- Are these bites kid-friendly?
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Absolutely! The mild flavors and fun size make them a great option for kid-friendly snacks or lunchbox treats.
Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites
Equipment
- 1 nonstick pan medium heat
Ingredients
- 6 flour 8-inch tortillas
- 1 package 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, divided
- 2 tablespoons everything seasoning divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Evenly spread the cream cheese over each tortilla.
- Sprinkle each tortilla with 1 teaspoon of everything seasoning.
- Roll up the tortillas and cut into 1-inch pieces, discarding or saving the ends as desired.
- Heat butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Add tortilla bites and cook for about 1 minute until golden brown on one side; flip and cook the other side until golden.
- Serve the bites warm.
Notes
- For air frying, brush bites with melted butter and air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Flip halfway through cooking if desired.
- Use ends of tortillas for fewer waste or other snacks.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
