Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels

These bacon cheeseburger pinwheels pack all the familiar flavors of a classic burger into a convenient, bitesized snack. Ground beef is seasoned simply and cooked tender, then mixed with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. This rich filling is spread over soft crescent dough, rolled up, sliced, and baked until golden and flaky. These pinwheels are perfect for a party appetizer or a quick snack that satisfies a craving without fuss. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces for casual gatherings or quick bites.

I first made these for a friend’s birthday party and they vanished instantly. Since then, they’ve become my goto for any casual gettogether because everyone loves having that classic burger taste without the mess of a full sandwich.

Ingredients

• Crescent dough sheet: for an easy and flaky crust if you can’t find sheets, use crescent rolls but pinch seams well to seal
• Ground beef: for authentic burger flavor lean meat helps avoid excess grease
• Onion: finely diced to add classic savory richness and blend well as it cooks
• Minced garlic: to boost flavor without overpowering
• Salt and pepper: to season and bring out the best in all the ingredients
• Cooked bacon pieces: for smoky crunch baking bacon until crisp then chopping works best
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: for melty, gooey bites that hold everything together

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the dough will brown nicely while the cheese melts just right inside.

Cook the Beef Mixture:

In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks and stir often until no longer pink. Drain excess grease carefully so the pinwheels don’t get soggy.

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a large cutting board and smooth out any folds so you have a single, even layer to work with.

Add Fillings:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough first. Scatter the cooked bacon pieces on top next. Then spread the warm beef mixture evenly over everything, pressing gently so the filling sticks to the dough.

Roll and Slice:

Starting at one short end, roll the dough carefully but firmly into a tight log to enclose all the filling. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 evenly sized 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 approximately 15 minutes or until the dough is golden and fully cooked.

Serve:

Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes and serve warm. Offer ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, or any favorite burger sauce to dip.

My favorite part is definitely the crunchy bacon pieces mixed with the gooey cheddar. One family gathering turned into a challenge to see who could eat the most pinwheels. The familiar burger taste combined with this fun presentation always makes for a happy table.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350degree oven for about ten minutes until crisp and heated through. This method brings back the fresh baked texture beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner meat option while keeping similar flavors. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a bit of spice and a different twist. Puff pastry works as a replacement for crescent dough if you prefer a flakier pastry but watch baking time closely as it cooks faster. Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a gentle kick of heat.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are perfect finger foods when paired with dipping sauces like ranch, secret sauce, or spicy mustard. Serve alongside a simple green salad or crispy fries for a fuller meal. They also make great companions for cold beer or soft drinks during game day or casual gatherings.

These bacon cheeseburger pinwheels are an easy crowd pleaser that capture all the flavors of a classic burger in bite sized form. Serve them warm and watch them disappear.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What dough works best for these pinwheels?

Crescent dough sheets provide a flaky, golden crust, while puff pastry offers a lighter, crispier texture.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with other meats?

Ground turkey or chicken make leaner alternatives, keeping similar flavor and texture.

→ How can I ensure even baking of the pinwheels?

Slice the rolled dough into even pieces and bake on a flat sheet at 375°F for about 15 minutes until golden.

→ Which cheeses pair well in these pinwheels?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but American, mozzarella, or pepper jack can add varying textures and flavor.

→ How should leftover pinwheels be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

→ Can I add spices or heat to the filling?

Diced jalapeños or hot sauce can be added to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.