Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels Snack

<p>These bacon cheeseburger pinwheels capture all the flavors of your favorite burger in a neat, handheld snack. Ground beef seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, and pepper is cooked until tender, then mixed with crispy bacon pieces and sharp cheddar cheese. This filling gets spread onto crescent dough, rolled up, sliced, and baked to golden perfection. The result is flaky dough wrapped around a juicy, cheesy center making them perfect for parties, quick snacks, or casual get togethers. Serve warm with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for a bite everyone will love.</p> <p>I made these for a friend’s birthday once and they vanished almost instantly. Since then, they have become my go to appetizer for any gathering because everyone loves having all the classic burger flavors in one easy bite.</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Crescent dough sheet:</strong> which makes rolling and slicing the pinwheels easy and flaky if you cannot find sheets, use crescent rolls but pinch the seams well to seal</li><li><strong>Ground beef:</strong> chosen lean to keep the filling juicy without excess grease for that true burger taste</li><li><strong>Onion:</strong> finely diced to add a savory layer that mimics the burger flavor profile</li><li><strong>Minced garlic:</strong> adding depth without overpowering the other ingredients</li><li><strong>Salt and pepper:</strong> to bring out the natural savory notes of the beef and cheese</li><li><strong>Cooked bacon pieces:</strong> for smoky crunch, cooking your own bacon in the oven and chopping it yourself guarantees crispy bits that hold up well in the pinwheels</li><li><strong>Shredded sharp cheddar cheese:</strong> for melty, gooey goodness that binds everything together in every bite</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Preheat the Oven:</strong></dt><dd>Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will bake the dough to a beautiful golden brown and melt the cheese perfectly inside.</dd><dt><strong>Cook the Beef Mixture:</strong></dt><dd>Place ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium skillet over medium heat. Break apart the beef as it cooks, stirring frequently until the meat has lost its pink color. Drain off any excess grease so the pinwheels don’t turn soggy later.</dd><dt><strong>Prepare the Dough:</strong></dt><dd>Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a large cutting board. Smooth out any folds carefully so you have one flat, even layer to work with.</dd><dt><strong>Add Fillings:</strong></dt><dd>Start by evenly sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the dough. Next, scatter the crispy cooked bacon pieces on top. Finally, spread the warm beef mixture evenly across, pressing slightly to help it adhere to the cheese and dough.</dd><dt><strong>Roll and Slice:</strong></dt><dd>Beginning at one short edge, gently but tightly roll the dough into a log shape, keeping all the filling inside. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 evenly sized pinwheels.</dd><dt><strong>Bake to Perfection:</strong></dt><dd>Place the pinwheels flat side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake them for about 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.</dd><dt><strong>Serve:</strong></dt><dd>Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, or whatever sauce you prefer.</dd></dl>

<p>The crispy bacon combined with melty sharp cheddar is my favorite part of these pinwheels. At one family gathering, these turned into an unofficial contest to see who could eat the most. The classic burger taste in a fun new form always sparks laughter and happy memories around the table.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Keep any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within two to three days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them on a baking sheet in a 350degree oven for about ten minutes until warm and crunchy again.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option without losing much flavor. Pepper jack cheese makes a great substitute for cheddar if you want a little spicy kick. Puff pastry can be swapped with crescent dough for a flakier texture but watch the baking time since it cooks faster. Add diced jalapeños into the beef mixture if you enjoy a touch of heat.</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>These pinwheels are perfect finger foods alongside dips like ranch, spicy mustard, or special sauce. Serve them with a fresh green salad or crispy fries for a meal. They also pair wonderfully with a cold beer or soda on game day or casual get togethers. Burgers are an iconic staple in American cuisine and these pinwheels put that classic flavor into a convenient shareable form, transforming simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer everyone enjoys.</p>

<p>These pinwheels are an easy, crowd pleasing appetizer that come together quickly. Serve them warm with your favorite sauces and enjoy.</p>

Common Recipe Questions

→ What dough works best for these pinwheels?

Crescent dough sheets provide a flaky, golden crust, while puff pastry can be used for a lighter, flakier texture.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that still keep similar flavors.

→ How can I ensure even baking of pinwheels?

Slice the rolled dough evenly into about 12 pieces and bake at 375°F until golden brown, roughly 15 minutes.

→ What cheeses pair well with these pinwheels?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but American, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese offer different textures and flavor notes.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

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

→ Can I add spices or heat to the filling?

Yes, adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture adds a pleasant spicy kick.