Cheeseburger Pinwheel Bites

Cheeseburger pinwheel pizza bites deliver all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger transformed into a fun, shareable snack. Seasoned ground beef combined with onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese is rolled inside pizza dough then baked in a muffin tin until golden and melty. The filling packs a tangy punch from Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce while sesame seeds on top give a playful nod to traditional burger buns. Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners these bites are easy to make and always a hit.

My family lights up whenever I bring these to the table. I still remember the first time I made them for a gathering and everyone immediately wanted the recipe.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: adds hearty flavor and protein. Opt for lean beef for less grease and look for fresh meat bright in color.
• Diced yellow onions: provide sweetness and a balancing flavor. Choose onions that feel heavy and firm for best results.
• Minced garlic: deepens the flavor profile. Fresh garlic is best but refrigerated minced garlic saves time and still works.
• Canned diced tomatoes: keep the filling juicy and add a subtle tang. Low sodium versions with vibrant color are ideal.
• Worcestershire sauce: brings signature umami notes reminiscent of a classic burger. Pick brands with minimal additives for purity.
• Dijon mustard: adds bright tanginess that livens up the filling. Real Dijon offers the best flavor punch.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper brings fresher aroma.
• Pizza dough: creates a chewy soft crust to hold everything. Both fresh or refrigerated dough work so choose one that is elastic and not sticky.
• Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese: delivers bold cheesy flavor that melts beautifully. Shred your own for best melting and taste.
• Olive oil: ensures a golden shiny finish on top. Extra virgin olive oil gives a richer flavor.
• Sesame seeds: provide a crunchy playful nod to classic burger buns. Use freshly opened seeds to avoid bitterness.

Instructions

Brown the Beef and Aromatics:

Cook the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic over medium high heat in a large skillet for seven to nine minutes. Stir frequently and break up the beef to ensure even browning and no pink spots remain. This step builds the rich savory base that defines the flavor.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:

Add in the drained canned diced tomatoes Worcestershire sauce Dijon mustard kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and any excess liquid evaporates. If there is still liquid at the end carefully drain it to avoid soggy pinwheels.

Prep the Muffin Tin and Dough:

While the filling cools slightly preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a twelve cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray so the dough won’t stick later. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly twelve by fifteen inches. Aim for an even thickness throughout to ensure uniform baking.

Assemble and Roll:

Spread the cooled hamburger filling evenly across the dough leaving about a half inch border along the edges free of filling. Sprinkle three quarters of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Starting from one of the shorter edges tightly roll the dough into a log shape keeping the roll snug to produce a neat spiral effect after slicing.

Slice and Arrange in Tin:

Using a sharp serrated knife slice the log into twelve equal pieces. Place each piece cut side up into the prepared muffin tin cups showing off the pinwheel spiral.

Top and Bake:

Brush the tops of each pinwheel lightly with olive oil for a glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously on top to add texture and flavor. Bake in the oven for around eighteen to twenty minutes until the tops turn golden brown.

Finish with Cheddar:

Remove the tray from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pinwheel. Return the pan to the oven for an additional two or three minutes until the cheese melts completely.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the pinwheels to cool in the pan for a few minutes so they firm up making them easier to remove without falling apart. Serve warm for the best melty gooey experience.

Sharp cheddar cheese is hands down my favorite ingredient here. Its tangy sharpness cuts through the richness and elevates every bite of these pinwheels. I remember my youngest helping sprinkle the cheese on top once and somehow ending up eating almost all of it before baking. It’s those little moments that make this recipe a family favorite.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To revive the crispy crust and melty cheese reheat in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave. For longer storage freeze cooled pinwheels individually wrapped in freezer safe bags. Reheat from frozen at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken make a great leaner alternative to beef if you want to lighten up the recipe. Any sharp cheddar cheese works well if you cannot find Cabot Seriously Sharp just shred it fresh for the best melt. Store bought pizza dough is convenient and reliable but homemade dough adds an extra layer of flavor if you have the time. Switching canned diced tomatoes for sun dried tomatoes introduces a pleasant sweetness and different texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pinwheels with crunchy pickles on the side or offer small bowls of ketchup and mustard for dipping to enhance the cheeseburger theme. A fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness. At parties arrange the pinwheels on a platter with mini skewers so guests can grab easily.

These cheeseburger pinwheel pizza bites are a crowd pleaser and easy to make ahead. Serve warm for the best melty experience.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and speeds up preparation without compromising texture.

→ What cheese is best for these pinwheels?

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and melts beautifully, but any good melting cheese can be used.

→ How do I prevent pinwheels from sticking in the muffin tin?

Spray the muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray before adding pinwheels to ensure easy removal.

→ Can pinwheels be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and chill the unbaked pinwheels, then bake when ready for best texture and flavor.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely, freeze cooled pinwheels individually in airtight containers and reheat in the oven for best results.