Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels

These easy bacon cheeseburger pinwheels bring all the beloved flavors of a classic burger into a fun, handheld appetizer. Perfect for game day or a casual party, they combine seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese rolled up in soft crescent dough. The result is a crispy, cheesy snack that's just the right size for sharing or enjoying solo.

I first made these for a friend’s birthday gathering and they disappeared so quickly that I started making them for every get-together since. Everyone loves having all the burger flavor in a neat little bite.

Ingredients

• Crescent dough sheet: which makes rolling and slicing pinwheels easy you can use crescent rolls if sheets are unavailable just pinch the seams to seal them
• Ground beef: for that authentic burger base lean meat is best to avoid excess grease
• Onion: for that classic burger savory kick finely diced to cook evenly
• Minced garlic: that boosts flavor without overpowering
• Salt and pepper: to season bringing out all the savory notes
• Cooked bacon pieces: adding smoky crunch cooking your own bacon in the oven then chopping ensures crispy bits
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: for gooey, melty goodness in every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature perfectly browns the dough while melting the cheese inside.

Cook the Beef Mixture:

In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Break up the beef as it cooks and stir frequently until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the pinwheels from getting soggy.

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a large cutting board, smoothing out any folds to create one even layer.

Add Fillings:

Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the dough first, then scatter the cooked bacon pieces on top. Spread the warm cooked beef mixture evenly across the dough, pressing lightly to help everything stick.

Roll and Slice:

Starting at one short end, carefully roll the dough tightly but gently into a log, keeping the fillings inside. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 equal pinwheels.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the pinwheels flat side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Serve:

Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes and serve warm with your favorite burger sauces like ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Save

My favorite part of these pinwheels is definitely the crispy bacon pieces mixed in with gooey cheddar. One family gathering I made these for turned into an unofficial contest to see who could eat the most. The familiar burger taste paired with the unexpected presentation always brings smiles around the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350-degree oven for about ten minutes until heated through and crispy again on the outside. This keeps them tasting just as fresh as when first baked.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Try ground turkey or chicken as a lighter swap for ground beef.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar if you want a little spice.
• Puff pastry can replace crescent dough for a flakier texture but will bake a bit faster so watch closely.
• Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a nice heat boost.

Serving Suggestions

These make fantastic finger foods at parties paired with dipping sauces like secret sauce, ranch, or spicy mustard. Pair with a fresh green salad or crispy fries if you're serving as a meal. They also work great alongside a cold beer or soft drink for game day fun.

Save

Cultural Context

Burgers have been an American staple for generations and these pinwheels bring that all-American classic into a convenient, shareable form. They combine convenience food with homemade elements which is perfect for casual entertaining. The crescent roll dough is a versatile ingredient born from mid-century baking innovation that helps transform simple fillings into impressive appetizers.

Recipe FAQs

→ What dough works best for these pinwheels?

Crescent dough sheets work perfectly for a flaky, golden crust. Puff pastry can also be used for a lighter, flakier texture.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative while keeping similar flavor profiles.

→ How do I make sure the pinwheels bake evenly?

Cut the roll into even slices (about 12), place flat on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F until golden brown, usually around 15 minutes.

→ What cheeses pair well in these pinwheels?

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

→ How should leftover pinwheels be stored and reheated?

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

→ Can I add spices or heat to the filling?

Adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture can give a pleasant spicy kick to the pinwheels.