Let me tell you about my secret weapon for last-minute parties and hungry after-school snack attacks – these irresistible taco tortilla roll ups! I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I needed something quick for a potluck, and now it’s my go-to. Seriously, these little flavor-packed rolls disappear faster than I can make them. The best part? No cooking required – just mix, roll, chill, and slice. My kids beg me to make them for playdates, and my book club members always ask for the recipe. Whether you need an easy appetizer or a fun lunchbox surprise, these taco roll ups never disappoint.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Taco Tortilla Roll Ups
Trust me, these little rolls are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Here’s why:
- Crazy quick: 15 minutes of prep (seriously, that’s it!) and your fridge does the rest of the work.
- No oven needed: Perfect for hot summer days when you can’t bear to turn on the stove.
- Party superstar: I’ve never brought these to a gathering without someone asking for the recipe.
- Totally yours: Swap in your favorite taco toppings—I’ve made at least a dozen variations!
See? Told you they were magic.
Ingredients for Taco Tortilla Roll Ups
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! I’ve made these so many times I could probably recite this list in my sleep. Here’s what you’ll need to gather (and yes, that cream cheese needs to be softened – take it from someone who’s tried to mix it cold and ended up with lumps!):
- Creamy base: 8 oz cream cheese (softened – don’t skip this!), ½ cup sour cream
- Flavor boosters: 1 packet taco seasoning (I use mild for kids, but spicy works too!)
- Cheesy goodness: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my favorite here)
- Fresh crunch: ½ cup diced tomatoes (pat them dry!), ¼ cup sliced black olives, ¼ cup chopped green onions
- The wrap: 4 large flour tortillas (fresh ones roll beautifully—stale ones crack!)
That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s turn this into magic.
How to Make Taco Tortilla Roll Ups
Alright, let’s get rolling – literally! I promise this is easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect taco roll ups every time. (Pro tip: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened – I leave mine out for at least 30 minutes before starting!)
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First, grab a big bowl and throw in that softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer (or a strong arm and whisk) to beat it until smooth and creamy – no lumps allowed! Then add the sour cream and taco seasoning. Keep mixing until everything is perfectly blended and dreamily smooth. This is the flavor base, so take your time here!
Step 2: Add Veggies and Cheese
Now the fun part – fold in all those colorful additions! I like to start with the shredded cheese first, then gently stir in the tomatoes (remember to pat them dry!), olives, and green onions. Don’t overmix – you want those pretty little veggie bits to stay intact. The mixture should be thick but spreadable, like a very happy taco-flavored cloud.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Lay out your tortillas and divide the filling evenly between them. Spread it almost to the edges, leaving about a half-inch border. Roll them up tight! If your tortillas crack a bit, don’t panic – just smoosh them back together. Wrap each roll snugly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling time is crucial – it firms up the filling so you get clean slices. I know the waiting is hard, but trust me!

Tips for Perfect Taco Tortilla Roll Ups
After making these dozens of times (and yes, learning from my mistakes!), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Temperature matters: Take that cream cheese out early! Cold cream cheese = lumpy filling = sad roll ups.
- Tortilla tricks: Microwave stale tortillas for 10 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel – they’ll roll like a dream.
- Slice smarter: Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion – no squished ends!
- Make it meaty: Stir in ½ lb cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for heartier roll ups.
Remember – the tighter you roll, the prettier your spirals will be!
Variations and Substitutions
One of my favorite things about these roll ups? You can tweak them to fit any taste or diet! Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you’re feeling fancy, or use gluten-free tortillas for friends with sensitivities. Spice lovers – toss in some diced jalapeños! For a lighter version, try reduced-fat cream cheese. The possibilities are endless, just like my appetite for these!
Serving and Storage
When it’s finally time to slice, aim for 1-inch thick pieces – perfect bite-sized portions that show off those pretty swirls! Arrange them on a platter with salsa, guacamole, or my personal favorite – a quick sour cream and lime dip. For storage, tuck any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days (though let’s be honest, they never last that long in my house!).

Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty roll ups (based on 2 pieces): about 120 calories, 8g fat, and 3g protein. Remember – these values are just estimates and will change if you tweak the ingredients (like I always do!).
FAQ About Taco Tortilla Roll Ups
I get asked about these roll ups all the time – here are answers to the burning questions from my friends and readers:
Can I make these ahead? Absolutely! That’s the beauty – they actually taste better after chilling overnight. Just slice right before serving.
How do I keep my tortillas from cracking? Fresh tortillas are key! If yours are stiff, microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10 seconds to soften.
Can I freeze them? You bet! Wrap the whole rolls tightly in plastic before slicing, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cutting.
What dips go best with these? My crowd loves them with chunky salsa, but ranch dressing or queso dip disappear just as fast!
Vegetarian options? They’re already veggie-friendly! Just double check your taco seasoning doesn’t contain beef powder.
For more recipe inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
Pair It With…
- A quick side of Little Bites Muffins makes for a fun and filling lunchbox combo
- Add a healthy dessert like these Homemade Lunchables for DIY-style meals
- Or try a warm option like these Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups for double crispy goodness
- Want something saucier? These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas offer melty, cheesy flavor
- Wrap fans will also love these Turkey Ranch Club Wraps and Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

15-Minute Taco Tortilla Roll Ups – Unbeatable Party Magic
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy taco tortilla roll ups are perfect for snacking or appetizers. Filled with a flavorful taco mix and cheese, they are quick to make and always a hit.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.
- Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly.
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Slice into 1-inch pieces before serving.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese soften for easier mixing.
- Use fresh tortillas to prevent cracking when rolling.
- Add cooked ground beef or chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg