Spicy Bacon Cheese Pinwheels

Spicy Bacon and Cheese Pinwheels are my top pick whenever I want to wow a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. The soft pizza dough holds ribbons of smoky bacon three melty cheeses and just enough spicy kick from green chilies. These come together fast and always disappear quickly at parties.

My family loves pulling these apart straight from the baking dish. I first made them for a football night and now they have become my must-bring appetizer for every casual gathering.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza crust: ensures quick assembly and a fluffy base look for one without too many additives for the best taste
• Melted butter: helps the cheese blend stick and turns the crust golden brown use real butter for that rich flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty tang and forms a crisp layer use freshly grated for the best results
• Mozzarella cheese: brings gooey stretch and mild creaminess choose low moisture for less sogginess
• Shredded cheddar cheese: gives an extra punch and color pick sharp cheddar for more flavor
• Diced green chilies: supply mild spice look for fire-roasted if you like extra smokiness
• Crumbled cooked bacon: delivers salty crunch and savory depth thicker bacon gives you bigger bites of bacon goodness

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees and allow it to fully preheat so your pinwheels bake up golden all over

Roll and Butter the Dough:

Unroll the pizza crust onto a clean surface pressing gently to remove air pockets and form an even rectangle. Brush melted butter over the entire surface getting right to the edges for even browning

Add Parmesan:

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the butter it will help create a flavorful crust layer

Mix the Filling:

In a bowl combine mozzarella cheddar green chilies and bacon thoroughly so every bite will get an even mix

Spread the Filling:

Scatter the cheese and bacon blend evenly across the dough all the way out to the corners so no spot is left uncovered

Roll Up the Dough:

Starting from the long side gently roll up the dough tightly do this slowly to keep the filling from spilling out and keep the roll even

Slice and Arrange:

Carefully use a serrated knife to cut the roll into twelve one-inch slices wiping the knife after each cut to keep the slices neat. Place slices cut side up and nestled together in a buttered 9x13 baking dish so they help each other hold their shape

Bake:

Place dish in the preheated oven and bake for about twenty minutes until golden on top and the cheese is bubbling

Serve:

Let the pinwheels cool just a couple minutes then serve hot for the best melty cheese pull

I am especially fond of the touch of green chili in these pinwheels. I remember letting my kids sprinkle the chilies and cheese and how proud they felt rolling up the dough themselves. These always remind me of fun kitchen messes and lots of laughter.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to crisp up the edges and remelt the cheese best at 325 degrees for about ten minutes. They can be frozen before or after baking just wrap tightly and label.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not eat bacon try turkey bacon or a smoky plant-based option. Switch up the cheeses with what you have on hand as long as you keep a oozy melter like provolone or gouda. For less heat use mild canned green peppers instead of chilies.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot from the oven as an appetizer or snack. Pair with ranch or blue cheese dip for creamy contrast. They also make a fun brunch addition with scrambled eggs on the side.

Cultural Context

Pinwheels like these are popular in many American kitchens thanks to their speedy prep and crowd-pleasing flavors. Cheese rolls and bacon bread snacks also have cousins in British and Australian party snacks. They are a modern play on stuffed breads but with a punchy spicy American twist.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use roasted red peppers in place of chilies for a sweeter flavor. Add a few spoonfuls of caramelized onions in the fall for extra depth. Fresh chopped spinach can be added in spring for a pop of green.

Enjoy these pinwheels hot and melty for the best experience. They are sure to disappear first at any gathering.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cheeses work best for these pinwheels?

A combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan delivers the ideal blend of meltiness and flavor. Mozzarella keeps them gooey, cheddar adds sharpness, and Parmesan provides a savory kick.

→ How spicy are these pinwheels?

The diced green chilies provide a mild to moderate heat. For even more spice, opt for spicier chilies or add a dash of crushed red pepper.

→ Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble and slice the pinwheels ahead of time. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

→ What is the best way to serve these pinwheels?

Serve them hot from the oven for the gooey cheese effect. They're great on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo.

→ Can I substitute the bacon?

Absolutely! Try cooked sausage, pepperoni, or a vegetarian alternative like sautéed mushrooms for a tasty twist.