Cheeseburger Pinwheel Pizza Bites

Cheeseburger pinwheel pizza bites bring all the mouthwatering flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a fun, handheld snack. These bites feature seasoned ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, combined with tangy Dijon and Worcestershire sauce, then rolled with sharp cheddar inside soft pizza dough. Baked in a muffin tin until golden and topped with sesame seeds, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish that’s always a hit at gatherings.

My family lights up every time these pinwheels come out of the oven. Even my picky eater asks for seconds and it has become our go to for casual get togethers.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and protein. Choose lean beef to keep the filling less greasy and pick fresh, bright red meat for the best taste
• Diced yellow onions: Offer sweetness and balance. Look for onions that feel heavy and firm to ensure freshness
• Minced garlic: Deepens the savory flavor. You can use fresh or the refrigerated kind for convenience without sacrificing taste
• Canned diced tomatoes: Help keep the filling juicy. Use low sodium versions with vibrant color for a fresher flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds signature burger umami. Pick brands with minimal additives for a clean, rich taste
• Dijon mustard: Brings tanginess. Use real Dijon mustard for the best punch and brightness
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Season throughout. Freshly ground black pepper adds more aroma and freshness than pre ground
• Pizza dough: Forms the chewy, soft casing. Fresh or refrigerated dough both work well. Choose dough that feels elastic and not sticky for easier rolling
• Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese: Delivers a bold cheesy flavor. Shred your own cheese for maximum meltiness and flavor
• Olive oil: Ensures a golden, shiny top. Use extra virgin olive oil for added richness
• Sesame seeds: Add a playful nod to classic burger buns. Fresh seeds avoid bitter tastes and enhance texture

Instructions

Brown the Beef and Aromatics:

Cook the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic over medium high heat in a large skillet for about seven to nine minutes. Stir frequently and break the meat into small pieces until it is fully browned with no pink left. This step forms the rich flavor base, so take your time to get a nice crust on the meat without burning the garlic or onions.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:

Stir in drained canned diced tomatoes along with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly and continue cooking until the liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens. If you see any excess liquid at the end, carefully drain it off to avoid soggy dough later.

Prep the Muffin Tin and Dough:

While the filling cools slightly, preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a twelve cup muffin tin evenly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly twelve by fifteen inches. Keep the thickness even to ensure uniform baking.

Assemble and Roll:

Spread the hamburger filling evenly across the dough, leaving about a half inch border all around. Sprinkle about seventy five percent of your shredded sharp cheddar over the filling. Starting with one of the shorter edges, roll the dough carefully and tightly into a log. Keeping it snug helps the pinwheels form neat spirals.

Slice and Arrange in Tin:

Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the rolled log into twelve equal pieces. Place each piece cut side up in the prepared muffin tin cups to display the spiral pattern beautifully.

Top and Bake:

Brush the tops of the pinwheels generously with olive oil to promote browning and shine. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over each for a bit of crunch and classic burger flair. Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes or until the tops start to turn golden brown.

Finish with Cheddar:

Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese on each warm pinwheel. Return the pan to the oven for two to three minutes to melt the cheese fully for that extra gooey, cheesy finish.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the pinwheels to cool in the tin for several minutes so they firm up and are easier to remove. Serve warm for the best melty and satisfying experience.

Cheddar cheese is my absolute favorite part of these pinwheels. Its sharp tang cuts through the richness and brings the flavors alive. I fondly remember the first time my youngest helped sprinkle the cheese on the warm pinwheels and ended up eating more than he put on.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheating in the oven or toaster oven revives the crispy edges and melty cheese better than a microwave. For freezing, wrap each pinwheel individually after they cool and place in a freezer safe bag. When ready to enjoy, warm them in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. Any sharp cheddar cheese works well if you cannot find the brand suggested. Using store bought pizza dough is convenient, but homemade dough adds extra flavor and a satisfying texture. Substitute canned diced tomatoes with sun dried tomatoes for a sweeter, more concentrated tomato flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cheeseburger pinwheels with crunchy dill pickles or small bowls of ketchup and mustard for dipping to enhance the burger vibe. A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly. For parties, arrange the pinwheels on a large platter and add toothpicks or mini skewers for easy grabbing.

These cheeseburger pinwheel pizza bites are great for feeding a crowd and easy to scale up for parties or weeknight dinners. Serve them warm for the best melty experience.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well and speeds up preparation while maintaining a chewy texture.

→ What cheese is best for these pinwheels?

Sharp cheddar offers robust flavor and melts smoothly, but any good melting cheese can be used.

→ How do I prevent pinwheels from sticking to the muffin tin?

Thoroughly spray the muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray before placing the pinwheels inside.

→ Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and chill the unbaked pinwheels ahead, then bake when ready for best texture and flavor.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely, freeze baked pinwheels in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to restore crispness and melty cheese.