Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels bring together the smoky, cheesy goodness of a bacon cheeseburger and the melty, tangy charm of pizza in one fun handheld bite. These pinwheels are perfect for quick dinners, game day snacks, or party appetizers, offering a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy two favorite comfort foods at once.

I first baked these at a backyard BBQ when I needed something fun yet filling and quickly found everyone asking for more. Now they are a go to recipe for both weeknight meals and parties.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: these come soft and flaky creating a buttery crust that holds all the fillings seamlessly. Choosing unperforated sheets can make for easier rolling without breaks
• Shredded cheddar cheese: this sharp cheese packs the classic cheeseburger flavor. Opt for sharp cheddar to get the fullest taste
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: mozzarella melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey texture. Whole milk varieties work best for creaminess
• Lean ground beef: provides hearty, savory bites without excess grease. Fresh, lean beef preserves a clean flavor and ideal texture
• Slices of bacon: thick cut bacon is best here for a smoky salty kick. Cook it fully crisp then crumble for perfect distribution
• Pizza sauce: adds the classic tang and tomato flavor without sogginess. Use a thicker sauce to keep the fillings stable inside the roll

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Open the crescent roll dough and unroll it on your work surface. Join all the perforated seams carefully by pinching them together to form one solid rectangle. This prevents gaps so the filling does not escape when rolled.

Add the Cheese:

Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the entire dough surface then layer the mozzarella on top spreading it out to the edges. The cheese helps everything stick together and adds rich flavor.

Layer the Meat:

Evenly scatter the cooked ground beef and crispy bacon crumbles over the cheese layer. Use your fingers gently to distribute these toppings so each bite will have a perfect balance of meat and bacon.

Sauce It Up:

Lightly drizzle or spread the pizza sauce over the layers. Use just enough to flavor the filling but not so much that it seeps out during rolling. A thick sauce works best here to keep things tidy.

Roll and Slice:

Starting at one edge of the dough rectangle carefully roll it into a tight log similar to making cinnamon rolls. Take your time to keep the filling contained. Once rolled use a sharp knife or waxed floss to cut the log into eight equal slices. Clean cuts help maintain pretty spiral pinwheels.

Bake the Pinwheels:

Arrange the pinwheel slices in a greased baking dish or pie pan leaving space between them to allow puffing. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about eighteen to twenty minutes or until the tops turn golden and the cheese bubbles. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.

I love the crisp smoky bacon bits scattered throughout and remember how my kids carefully picked out every bacon crumb the first time they tried them.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best texture reheat in a toaster oven. Baked pinwheels freeze beautifully when wrapped tightly and can be stored for up to one month. Thaw gently and re crisp in the oven before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can switch up the cheeses using pepper jack or Colby for different flavors. Vegetarians might enjoy crumbled soy chorizo as a tasty meat substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm pinwheels with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or burger style dips for dunking. Adding a big leafy salad or some fresh pickles on the side helps balance the richness. Toothpicks are perfect for serving them up on appetizer trays.

These pinwheels are an easy crowd pleasing snack that reheats well for quick meals. They also freeze great for make ahead entertaining.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do I keep pinwheels from unrolling during baking?

Pinch the dough seams tightly and place rolls seam-side down. Chilling them before baking helps maintain shape.

→ Can I use other cheeses in this dish?

Yes, Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack can be substituted to vary the flavor profile.

→ Can pinwheels be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble and slice then refrigerate covered up to 8 hours before baking for convenience and freshness.

→ How can I enhance the flavor of these pinwheels?

Add diced pickles, sautéed onions, or burger seasoning to boost the classic taste.

→ What dipping sauces complement these pinwheels?

Ketchup, mustard, ranch, or extra pizza sauce pair well to complement the rich flavors.