Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels
These pinwheels feature crispy crescent dough wrapped around layers of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, savoury beef, smoky bacon and a hint of pizza sauce. This playful take on classic comfort food brings together all the familiar flavours of cheeseburgers and pizza, baked to create an irresistible flavour in every bite. Perfect as a hearty appetiser or casual meal, these golden pinwheels are easy to make and ideal for sharing at gatherings or family dinners. Enjoy the delicious blend of melted cheese, tender beef and crunchy bacon in this irresistible dish.
These Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels combine all the flavours you crave from a classic bacon cheeseburger with the gooey goodness of pizza. Rolled into crescents and baked to golden perfection, these pinwheels are always the first thing to disappear at game-day gatherings or family parties. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, this fun recipe has you covered.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
– Easy to assemble using a can of crescent rolls
– Big cheesy bacon burger flavour in every bite
– Kid- and adult-approved for parties or quick meals
I first baked these for a backyard BBQ when I needed something both playful and filling, and everyone kept coming back for seconds and thirds!
Ingredients:
– Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: The soft, flaky dough bakes up buttery and holds everything together. Look for unperforated sheets for easier rolling.
– Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, classic cheeseburger taste. Use sharp cheddar for the most flavour.
– Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey pull. Choose whole milk mozzarella for the creamiest finish.
– Lean ground beef: Provides savoury, hearty bites. Aim for fresh beef with minimal fat so your pinwheels do not become greasy.
– Slices of bacon: Adds smoky, salty notes. Look for thick-cut bacon, cook it crispy, then crumble it.
Pizza sauce: Gives that classic pizza tang. Use a thick sauce so the rolls do not get soggy.
Step-by-step instructions:
Prepare the dough:Open the crescent rolls and unroll them onto your work surface. You want to form a single long rectangle, so pinch the seams tightly to avoid gaps when rolling. Later, when you slice the log, tighter seams will ensure that the filling stays put.
Add the cheese:Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough, followed by the mozzarella. Spread it to the very edges for a gooey finish. The cheese forms a sticky base, ensuring the toppings cling.
Layer the meat: Scatter the cooked minced beef and bacon crumbles over the cheese. Use your hands to distribute them evenly, ensuring every bite is balanced. Press lightly to nestle them into the cheese.
Add the sauce:Drizzle or gently spread the pizza sauce over the filling. You just need enough to flavour it, but not so much that it leaks when rolling. Thick sauce makes the next steps easier.
Roll and slice:Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, just like making cinnamon rolls. Go slowly to keep the filling inside. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or floss to slice into eight even pinwheels. Clean cuts help preserve the pretty spiral.
Bake the pinwheels:Arrange the slices in a lightly greased baking dish or pie pan, leaving space between them. They will puff up and expand during baking, so it is important to leave enough room. Bake at 190°C for about 18–20 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes to avoid overbaking.
What you need to know:These pinwheels are high in protein, making them extra filling.
The recipe freezes well before or after baking, so they are great for preparing in advance.
Freshly cooked bacon truly makes all the difference here. I love folding in thick, smoky pieces and remembering my kids’ faces the first time they took apart the spirals just to pick out the bacon!
Storage tips:
– Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
– Reheat in a toaster oven for the best texture.
– You can also freeze baked pinwheels, wrapped tightly, for up to one month.
– Thaw and re-crisp in the oven as needed.
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap in cooked ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you like. For a twist on flavour, try using pepper jack or Colby cheese. If you need a vegetarian option, crumbled soy chorizo is a fun alternative to meat.
Serving suggestions
Serve the pinwheels warm with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing or burger-style dips on the side. I sometimes add a big leafy salad or some crisp pickles to the table for contrast. For appetiser trays, stick a toothpick in each one for easy grabbing.
Cultural context
This recipe embraces the popular American trend of combining different foods to create new and exciting flavours. It is a modern twist that is perfect for potlucks and family movie nights. Both bacon cheeseburgers and pizza are iconic dishes in their own right, but here they come together in a delicious new way.
Pro tips:
– Pinch the crescent dough seams together securely to prevent the rolls from unravelling when sliced.
– Crisp the bacon fully before adding it to achieve the best texture.
– If the dough is too soft, let the pinwheel log chill in the fridge for ten minutes before slicing to help it keep its shape.
Recipe FAQs:
How do I keep pinwheels from unrolling during baking?
Make sure you pinch the dough seams together securely and place the rolls seam-side down in your baking dish. Chilling the prepared rolls for a few minutes before baking can also help them hold their shape.
Can I use other types of cheese in this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby or Pepper Jack to create a different flavour profile.
Is it possible to prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and slice the pinwheels, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best results.
How can I make these pinwheels more flavourful?
Add diced pickles, sautéed onions or a sprinkle of your favourite burger seasoning to enhance the classic cheeseburger flavour.
What dipping sauces pair well with these pinwheels?
Serve with ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing or pizza sauce for dipping to complement the savoury flavours.
