Spicy Bacon Cheese Pinwheels

These spicy bacon cheese pinwheels bring together crispy, cheesy goodness with a kick from green chilies making them perfect for snacks or casual gatherings. The layers of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan combined with smoky bacon create a satisfying bite wrapped in buttery pizza dough. They come together quickly and are guaranteed to disappear fast once served.

I first made these pinwheels for a neighborhood potluck and they were the first dish gone. Now they are my go-to snack when I want something crispy and flavorful without fussing over complicated steps.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza crust: brings convenience and a tender base that crisps wonderfully in the oven choose a good quality crust for best texture.
• Butter: melted for brushing adds a rich golden crust and helps the Parmesan stick.
• Parmesan cheese: contributes a sharp nutty flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella and cheddar.
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully providing gooey, stringy texture that is a classic pizza favorite.
• Cheddar cheese: adds a bit of sharpness and color contrast so try to use freshly shredded if possible.
• Diced green chilies: give the pinwheels their spicy kick and a nice burst of flavor choose mild or hot depending on your preference.
• Cooked bacon: crumbled adds smoky crunch and savory depth that brings all the ingredients together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius so it is ready to cook the pinwheels evenly.

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a clean flat surface. Press it gently to even out any folds and shape it into a rectangle for an even roll.

Butter and Parmesan Layer:

Using a pastry brush, coat the entire surface of the dough with melted butter. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the butter to add flavor and help crisp the crust.

Combine Filling Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, stir together the mozzarella, cheddar, diced green chilies, and crumbled cooked bacon until well distributed.

Spread the Filling:

Evenly spread the cheese and bacon mixture across the buttered and Parmesan sprinkled pizza crust making sure to cover the whole surface for consistent flavor in every pinwheel.

Roll and Slice:

Carefully roll the dough up tightly starting from the longest side to form a log. Slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels approximately one inch thick to ensure even cooking and serving size.

Arrange and Bake:

Place each pinwheel cut side up in a buttered 9 by 13 inch baking dish, arranging them snugly side by side. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Serve Warm:

Remove the pinwheels from the oven and serve immediately to enjoy their crispy edges and gooey cheesy filling while hot.

Save

I love the smoky bacon in this recipe because it adds just the right amount of savoriness without overpowering the spices. Every family gathering where I served these has been met with requests for the recipe and repeat servings.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. They do not freeze well as the dough can become soggy when thawed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the refrigerated pizza crust for homemade pizza dough if you prefer a more artisanal feel though it adds some preparation time. For a vegetarian version omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to keep the savory richness. Pepper jack cheese can replace cheddar for a different spicy twist.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are great served alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal. They also work well with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or a creamy chipotle mayo. Perfect sized for party platters or game day snacks.

Cultural/Historical Context

The idea of rolling up ingredients in dough to create pinwheels traces back to various cultures but this American-style snack puts a fun spin on traditional pizza flavors making it easy to share and snack on with friends. It’s a modern twist that adapts well to different seasonings and fillings.

Pro Tips

• Roll the pizza crust slowly and tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
• Use freshly grated cheeses whenever possible because pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Do not skip brushing the dough with butter as it creates a golden crust and helps the Parmesan stick evenly.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough works best for these pinwheels?

Refrigerated pizza crust is ideal as it rolls easily and crisps nicely when baked, providing a sturdy base for the fillings.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses used?

Yes, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan add a balanced flavor and melt texture, but similar cheeses can be used based on availability and preference.

→ How spicy are the pinwheels?

The diced green chilies contribute a pleasant heat without overpowering the cheese and bacon flavors, creating a mild to moderate spiciness.

→ What’s the recommended baking temperature and time?

Bake the pinwheels at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.

→ How should the pinwheels be sliced before baking?

Roll the filled dough tightly and slice into 1-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and good portion size.

→ Can these pinwheels be prepared in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, preserving freshness and flavor.