Bacon cheeseburger pinwheels

These bacon cheeseburger pinwheels bring all the familiar flavors of a classic burger into one tasty, handheld snack. Ground beef seasoned with onions, garlic, salt, and pepper is cooked to tender perfection, then mixed with crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese. This savory filling is spread onto crescent dough, rolled tightly, sliced into bite sized rounds, and baked until golden brown. The flaky dough wraps around the juicy, cheesy center, making these pinwheels an ideal choice for parties or quick snacks.

I first made these for a friend’s birthday party and they vanished almost immediately. Since then, I’ve brought them to every gettogether, and they always steal the show with their perfect burger taste in a neat little package.

Ingredients

• Crescent dough sheet: which makes rolling and slicing pinwheels easy. If you cannot find sheets, crescent rolls work but be sure to pinch the seams to seal them
• Ground beef: for that authentic burger flavor. Choose lean meat to avoid excess grease
• Onion: adds that classic burger savory kick. Finely diced so it cooks evenly
• Minced garlic: enhances flavor without overpowering the rest
• Salt and pepper: season and bring out all the savory notes
• Cooked bacon pieces: add smoky crunch. Cooking your own bacon in the oven then chopping it ensures crispiness
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: provides gooey, melty goodness in every bite

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for browning the dough while melting the cheese inside perfectly.

Cook the Beef Mixture:

In a medium skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Break up the beef as it cooks and stir frequently until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep your pinwheels from getting soggy.

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a large cutting board. Smooth out any folds to create one even layer for easy spreading.

Add Fillings:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough first. Follow with scattered cooked bacon pieces. Then spread the warm cooked beef mixture evenly across the dough pressing lightly so everything sticks together well.

Roll and Slice:

Starting at a short end of the dough, carefully roll it tightly but gently into a log keeping all the fillings inside. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 equal pinwheels.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the pinwheels flat side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for around 15 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Serve:

Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes and serve them warm with your favorite burger sauces like ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.

My favorite part of these pinwheels is definitely the crispy bacon pieces mingling with gooey cheddar. At one family gathering, we made it a friendly contest to see who could eat the most. The familiar burger taste combined with the fun presentation always creates smiles all around the table.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to enjoy them again, reheat on a baking sheet in a 350degree oven for about ten minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. This way they taste just as fresh as when first baked.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef for a leaner version. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar if you want a bit of spice and extra flavor. Puff pastry can swap for crescent dough if you prefer a flakier texture but watch the baking time closely as it will cook faster. Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture if you like heat and a spicy kick in your pinwheels.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels shine as finger food at parties and pair well with dipping sauces like secret sauce, ranch, or spicy mustard. For a more filling meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or crispy fries. They also match perfectly with a cold beer or soft drink for game day gatherings.

These bacon cheeseburger pinwheels are an easy crowd pleaser that bring burger flavors to a handy appetizer. Serve them warm for best results.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What dough works best for these pinwheels?

Crescent dough sheets provide a flaky, golden crust ideal for pinwheels. Puff pastry can be used as a lighter, flakier alternative.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken make leaner options while preserving similar flavors.

→ How do I ensure even baking of the pinwheels?

Slice the rolled dough into equal parts (about 12), arrange flat on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F until golden, roughly 15 minutes.

→ Which cheeses work well in these pinwheels?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but American, mozzarella, or pepper jack also add tasty variations.

→ How should leftover pinwheels be stored and reheated?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispness.

→ Can I add spices or heat to the filling?

Diced jalapeños or hot sauce can be mixed into the beef filling to add a spicy kick.