Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels bring together all the best parts of a cheeseburger and pizza rolled into one fun and flavorful snack or meal. Tender crescent dough wraps around layers of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, savory ground beef, crispy smoky bacon, and a tangy pizza sauce to deliver bite after bite of irresistible comfort food. They bake up golden and bubbly, perfect for sharing at casual dinners or lively get togethers.

I first made these pinwheels for a backyard BBQ and was amazed how quickly they disappeared. Now they are a regular request from family and friends for game days and potlucks.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury crescent rolls: A soft flaky dough that bakes buttery and holds the filling together well Look for unperforated sheets for easy rolling
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds rich classic cheeseburger flavor Sharp cheddar works best for deep taste
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly to create gooey cheesy pulls Whole milk mozzarella gives the creamiest texture
• Lean ground beef: Provides the hearty savory filling Choose fresh beef with minimal fat so pinwheels dont get greasy
• Slices of bacon: Adds smoky salty crunch Use thick cut bacon cooked crisp then crumbled
• Pizza sauce: Gives the pinwheels the familiar pizza tang Use a thick sauce to avoid sogginess

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Open the crescent rolls and unroll them onto your work surface Form one long rectangle by pinching seams together tightly This prevents gaps and keeps the filling inside when rolled A tightly sealed dough log is easier to slice and holds shape better when baked

Add the Cheese:

Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dough surface Follow with the mozzarella spreading it right to the edges This layer of cheese acts like glue to hold your toppings in place and creates that perfect melted center

Layer the Meat:

Scatter cooked ground beef and crisp bacon crumbles evenly over the cheese Use your hands to spread the meat so every slice has balanced flavor Lightly press them into the cheese for stability

Sauce It Up:

Drizzle or spread the pizza sauce gently over the meat You only need enough to add tang without leaking when rolled Thick sauce is easier to manage in this step

Roll and Slice:

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log Similar to making cinnamon rolls Go slowly to keep the filling inside Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice into eight even pinwheels Clean cuts maintain the pretty spiral look

Bake the Pinwheels:

Place the slices in a lightly greased baking dish or pie pan Leave space between each to allow puffing during baking Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about eighteen to twenty minutes until tops are golden and cheese is bubbling Watch carefully near the end to prevent overbaking

Using freshly cooked thickcut bacon makes all the difference I love remembering my kids’ happy surprise when they picked apart the spirals just to savor the smoky bacon bits

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat, a toaster oven works best for crisp edges You can also freeze baked pinwheels tightly wrapped for up to one month Let thaw and warm in the oven to recrisp

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option Try pepper jack or Colby cheeses to add new flavor layers For a vegetarian version, crumbled soy chorizo makes a tasty meat alternative

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy warm pinwheels with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or burger style dipping sauces on the side I often serve them with a big green salad or crunchy pickles to balance the richness For parties, toothpicks make these easy finger foods everyone loves

These pinwheels are best served warm and make great party snacks. Store leftovers properly for easy reheating and enjoy within three days.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I prevent pinwheels from unrolling while baking?

Pinch the dough seams firmly and place rolls seam-side down. Chilling the assembled pinwheels before baking helps maintain their shape.

→ Can I use different types of cheese in these pinwheels?

Yes, cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack work well for varied flavors and textures.

→ Is it possible to prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

Assemble and slice pinwheels, then refrigerate covered up to 8 hours before baking to save time.

→ How can I enhance the flavor of these pinwheels?

Add diced pickles, sautéed onions, or burger seasoning to boost the savory notes.

→ What dipping sauces complement these pinwheels?

Ketchup, mustard, ranch, and extra pizza sauce pair well to highlight the rich flavors.