Mexican Chili Roll

Prep: 15 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: Mexican

A spicy, cheesy Tex-Mex appetizer featuring Velveeta and pecans, rolled in chili powder. Perfect for parties and snack lovers seeking bold flavors and creamy textures.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. Velveeta cheese
  • 2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 2 c. chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • red chili pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the Velveeta cheese until soft.
  2. Mix the melted cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped pecans, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, and red chili pepper until well combined.
  3. Divide the mixture into 5 long rolls.
  4. Roll each log in chili powder until fully covered.
  5. Wrap each chili-coated roll in Saran Wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Serve chilled with crisp crackers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the mixture. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute half the Velveeta with a softer cheese like goat cheese. Make sure to chop the pecans finely for better distribution in the rolls. This recipe is perfect for parties and pairs beautifully with appetizers like Mama Sue'S Nacho Dip.

Serving Suggestions

These Mexican Chili Rolls are fantastic as a party snack or appetizer. Serve them on a platter with crisp crackers or fresh veggie sticks for dipping. For a complete spread, consider pairing with other Mexican recipes like Taco Dip(Great!) or layered dips to create a festive atmosphere at your gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain their texture, avoid freezing these rolls, as the cheese may become grainy upon thawing. When ready to serve again, simply slice and enjoy cold; no need to reheat as they are best served chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mexican Chili Roll contains roughly 181 calories, with 8g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

181 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 10.1g 13% DV
Carbs 27.4g 10% DV
Fiber 12.5g 45% DV
Sugar 5.9g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 231.8mg 10% DV
Potassium 963.9mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 5.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 958.9mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 36mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 137.6mg 11% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these chili rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These rolls can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly in Saran Wrap to keep them fresh, and store them in the refrigerator. This makes them a convenient option for parties, allowing you to prep ahead and enjoy your event.

What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?

If you're looking for a substitute, consider using a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor. Alternatively, you could use a processed cheese spread, but keep in mind the flavor profile may differ slightly.

How spicy are these rolls?

The spiciness of the rolls largely depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and red chili pepper you use. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne or omit the red chili pepper. For those who love heat, feel free to add additional spices or even hot sauce to the mixture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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