Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels Snack

<p>These bacon cheeseburger pinwheels bring all the beloved flavors of a classic burger into a fun bitesized snack. Ground beef is seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, cooked until tender, then combined with crispy bacon pieces and sharp cheddar cheese for a filling that is rolled into crescent dough, sliced, and baked to golden perfection. The flaky dough wraps around the juicy, cheesy center creating an ideal appetizer or quick snack. Serve these warm with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite sauce for a satisfying bite anytime.</p> <p>I first made these at a friend’s birthday party and they disappeared so fast that I started making them for every gettogether since. Everyone loves having all the burger flavor compacted into a neat little bite.</p>

Ingredients

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

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Preheat the Oven:</strong></dt><dd>Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature perfectly browns the dough while melting the cheese inside.</dd><dt><strong>Cook the Beef Mixture:</strong></dt><dd>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.</dd><dt><strong>Prepare the Dough:</strong></dt><dd>Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a large cutting board smoothing out any folds to create one even layer.</dd><dt><strong>Add Fillings:</strong></dt><dd>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.</dd><dt><strong>Roll and Slice:</strong></dt><dd>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.</dd><dt><strong>Bake to Perfection:</strong></dt><dd>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.</dd><dt><strong>Serve:</strong></dt><dd>Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes and serve warm with your favorite burger sauces like ketchup mustard or BBQ sauce.</dd></dl>

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

Storage Tips

<p>Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. When reheating place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degree oven for about ten minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside. This keeps the pinwheels tasting just as fresh as when first baked.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

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

Serving Suggestions

<p>These pinwheels are fantastic as finger foods at parties paired with dipping sauces like secret sauce ranch or spicy mustard. Serve them with a fresh green salad or crispy fries if you want a meal. They also pair well with a cold beer or soft drink for game day fun.</p>

<p>These pinwheels are a crowd pleaser and easy to customize for different tastes. Serve them warm for the best gooey cheesy experience.</p>

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What dough works best for pinwheels?

Crescent dough sheets create a flaky, golden crust ideal for pinwheels; puff pastry can be a flakier alternative.

→ Can I use meats other than ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken make leaner substitutes while maintaining great flavor.

→ How do I ensure even baking?

Slice the rolled pinwheels evenly and bake at 375°F until the dough is golden and cooked through, about 15 minutes.

→ Which cheeses complement the filling?

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

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store 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 spice to the filling?

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a pleasant spicy kick.