Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels bring together the best parts of two comfort foods into one fun, shareable snack. Layers of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese mingle with savory ground beef and smoky bacon all rolled up in buttery crescent dough. These pinwheels bake to a golden finish with bubbly cheese and make an impressive appetizer or a kidfriendly dinner that disappears fast.

I first made these for a backyard barbecue and everyone kept coming back for more. It quickly became a recipe I turn to whenever I want something delicious and crowd pleasing without fuss.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: The soft flaky dough bakes light and buttery and holds the filling together well. For easier rolling, look for unperforated sheets
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds the sharp, classic cheeseburger taste. Choose sharp cheddar for the best flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey cheese stretches. Whole milk mozzarella works best for creaminess
• Lean ground beef: Provides hearty, savory bites. Pick fresh beef with little fat to avoid greasy pinwheels
• Slices of bacon: Bring smoky salty notes. Thick cut bacon crisped fully gives the best texture and flavor
• Pizza sauce: Offers tangy classic pizza flavor. Use a thick sauce to prevent sogginess when baking

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Open the crescent roll dough and unroll it flat on your workspace. Gently pinch all the seams together to create a single continuous rectangle. This tight seal keeps the fillings inside during rolling and baking.

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the dough first and then add the shredded mozzarella on top. Spread both cheeses edge to edge so the filling melts into every bite and helps the toppings stick.

Layer the Meat:

Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef and crisp bacon crumbles on top of the cheese. Use your hands to press them lightly into the cheese layer. This keeps everything nestled together and balanced in flavor.

Sauce It Up:

Drizzle or gently spread the pizza sauce over the meat. Use just enough to add flavor but not so much it leaks out while rolling. Thick sauce works best for stability.

Roll and Slice:

Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge, like a cinnamon roll. Take your time to keep the filling inside. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or unflavored floss to slice the roll into eight neat pinwheels. Clean cuts preserve the pretty spiral shape.

Bake the Pinwheels:

Arrange the pinwheel slices in a lightly greased baking dish or pie pan with some space between. They will expand while baking so giving them room helps them puff nicely and cook evenly. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for eighteen to twenty minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye near the end so they dont overbake.

I love the smoky bite bacon adds and how my kids get excited pulling apart the spirals to find those bacon bits.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a toaster oven for the best crispy texture. You can also freeze baked pinwheels wrapped tightly for up to a month. Thaw and reheat in the oven to bring back their freshbaked crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken work well in place of beef if you want a lighter option. Swap in pepper jack or Colby cheese for a different flavor twist. For vegetarian versions crumbled soy chorizo or plantbased meat works great to keep the savory profile.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are great warm on their own or dipped into extra pizza sauce ranch dressing or even mustard for a burger vibe. Pair with a big leafy salad or crunchy pickles for contrast. For party trays toothpicks make them easy to grab and enjoy without mess.

These pinwheels are a crowd pleasing snack that are easy to make ahead and perfect for parties.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep pinwheels from unrolling during baking?

Pinch the dough seams tightly and bake with rolls seam-side down. Chilling the rolled pinwheels briefly before baking helps maintain their shape.

→ Can I use other types of cheese in this dish?

Yes, substituting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack adds unique flavors while keeping the melty texture.

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

You can assemble and slice the pinwheels, refrigerate covered for up to 8 hours, then bake just before serving for fresh results.

→ How can I make these pinwheels more flavorful?

Add diced pickles, sautéed onions, or your favorite burger seasoning to intensify the savory profile.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these pinwheels?

Ketchup, mustard, ranch, or extra pizza sauce complement the smoky, cheesy flavors perfectly.