Get ready to discover your new go-to appetizer. These Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels pack all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic bacon cheeseburger into a perfect, bite-sized spiral. They are incredibly easy to make, ridiculously delicious, and guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any party, game day, or family gathering. You simply can’t beat the combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese wrapped in a tender, flaky crust.
We’re keeping this recipe straightforward and fuss-free, focusing on big flavor without the big effort. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels
If you’re looking for a reliable and impressive appetizer, this is it. These pinwheels are a certified crowd-pleaser that brings a fun twist to a classic American flavor profile.
- Incredibly Flavorful: We layer seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and two kinds of cheese for an irresistible taste experience.
- Simple to Prepare: With just a few common ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time. It’s the perfect recipe for both novice cooks and seasoned pros.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, a Super Bowl gathering, or a simple weeknight dinner, these pinwheels fit right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prep these ahead of time, making party day a total breeze. Just slice and bake when you’re ready!
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Pinwheels
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these savory bites:
- Ground Beef: We recommend an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Bacon: Cook it until it’s nice and crispy. The texture is a fantastic contrast to the soft filling.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret binder that makes the filling rich, creamy, and easy to spread.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides that classic cheeseburger tang. Shred your own for the best melt!
- Crescent Roll Dough: A can of refrigerated crescent roll dough makes this recipe quick and easy, creating a buttery, flaky crust.
- Dill Pickles: Finely diced dill pickles add a crucial zesty crunch that cuts through the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash adds a deep, savory, umami flavor that elevates the beef.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper is all you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels
Follow these simple steps to create golden, cheesy pinwheels that will vanish in minutes. It’s a fun and easy process!
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s browned. Be sure to drain off any excess grease. While the beef cooks, fry your bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, diced pickles, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This savory mixture is the heart of your Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels.
Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels
Next, unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press the seams together to form one large rectangle. Spread the cheeseburger filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small half-inch border along one of the long edges. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. For the cleanest cuts, wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This little trick makes slicing a breeze!
Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 16 even ½-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and melted. For an extra touch, you can brush the tops with a little melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking to get that true cheeseburger bun effect. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—they’re best enjoyed warm!
Pro Tips for a Flawless Batch
Want to make sure your pinwheels are absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips to guarantee success every time.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overload the dough with filling, as it can spill out during baking. A thin, even layer is all you need.
- Chill Before Slicing: Seriously, don’t skip this step! Chilling the log makes the dough firm, allowing for clean, uniform slices without squishing.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own from a block makes a huge difference. For a similar cheesy appetizer, check out these amazing ham and cheese roll-ups.
- Ensure Bacon is Crispy: To avoid a chewy texture, cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp before crumbling it into the filling.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a winner, it’s also a fantastic base for creativity. Try one of these simple twists:
- Spicy Kick: Add finely diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for some extra heat.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack, Colby, or a smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Mushroom Swiss: Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese can replace the bacon and cheddar for a different burger-inspired twist.
- Add Onions: Finely diced sautéed onions or a sprinkle of green onions can add another layer of flavor. If you love cheeseburger flavors, you’ll love this unique Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna.
Serving and Storage Solutions
Knowing how to serve and store your pinwheels will make your life much easier, especially when planning for a party.
What to Serve with Your Pinwheels
These Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce! Serve them alongside a bowl of ketchup, mustard, burger sauce (a mix of mayo, ketchup, and relish), or even ranch dressing. They are a great addition to a larger appetizer spread with other bites like Honey Garlic Lil' Smokies.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
To make ahead, assemble the log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just slice and bake as directed. Leftover baked pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the pinwheel log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice the log and bake as directed. This makes them perfect for party planning.
The best way to prevent soggy bottoms is to ensure you’ve thoroughly drained the grease from the cooked ground beef. Also, using a parchment-lined baking sheet helps absorb any excess moisture and promotes even baking for a crispier crust.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them in an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.
These pinwheels are delicious on their own but are even better with a dipping sauce. Classic choices include ketchup, mustard, or a special burger sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish.
Refrigerated crescent roll dough is the easiest and provides a wonderfully flaky, buttery crust. You can also use refrigerated pizza dough for a slightly chewier, breadier texture if you prefer.
Your New Go-To Party Snack!
That’s all there is to it! With this simple recipe, you’re ready to create the ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels. They are the perfect, no-fuss appetizer that delivers big on flavor and is sure to be a hit with everyone. Give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more delicious ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease. While the beef is cooking, cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy, then crumble.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, diced pickles, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface and press the seams together to form a single rectangle. Spread the cheeseburger filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long side.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side opposite the clean border. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Remove the chilled log and use a sharp knife to slice it into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm.
Notes
Chilling the log before slicing is key to getting clean, perfectly round pinwheels.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or a classic burger sauce.
