Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels in 5 Easy Steps

Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels are the ultimate party appetizer that disappears from the platter in minutes. These delightful spirals of flaky puff pastry are loaded with a rich and savory filling of creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. They are incredibly simple to make yet look elegant enough for any occasion, from holiday gatherings and game day parties to casual get-togethers.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a buttery crunch from the pastry, followed by the warm, gooey, cheesy bacon filling. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love, and they’re just as delicious served warm from the oven as they are at room temperature, making them a perfectly convenient and versatile snack.

I first made these Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels for a New Year’s Eve party a few years ago. I wanted something impressive but easy, an appetizer that wouldn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen all night. I stumbled upon the idea of pinwheels and decided to fill them with everyone’s favorite ingredients: cheese and bacon. As soon as I pulled the first golden, bubbly batch from the oven, the aroma filled the house and drew everyone to the kitchen.

They were gone in less than ten minutes, with guests asking if I had another batch ready. Since then, these pinwheels have become my go-to recipe for any event that calls for a delicious, shareable snack. They’ve never failed to be the star of the appetizer table, and the recipe is one of the most requested from my friends and family.

What Makes These Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels Special

What truly sets these pinwheels apart is the incredible contrast of textures and the depth of flavor packed into each small bite. The magic starts with the puff pastry, which bakes up into countless buttery, flaky layers, creating a light and airy yet satisfyingly crisp exterior. This delicate pastry encases a luxuriously creamy and robust filling. The softened cream cheese acts as the perfect rich binder, while the sharp cheddar cheese melts into gooey pockets of goodness.

The salty, smoky crunch from the crumbled bacon cuts through the richness, and the fresh, mild bite of green onions adds a necessary brightness that balances the entire profile. It’s a carefully balanced combination that hits all the right savory notes, making each pinwheel an addictive and memorable experience.

Key Ingredients for Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: This is the key to the flaky, buttery layers. Store-bought puff pastry is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly. While puff pastry gives a crispier, flakier result, you could also use crescent roll dough for a softer, more bread-like pinwheel. Thaw it according to the package directions before using.
• Cream Cheese: Use a full-fat block of cream cheese for the richest flavor and best texture. It should be softened to room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients without any lumps.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese works, but shredding your own from a block will result in a better melt and creamier texture, as it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.
• Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy so it crumbles easily and provides a great textural contrast to the creamy cheese. Be sure to drain it well on paper towels to remove excess grease.
• Green Onions: These add a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of color. Chives are also a great substitute.

How to Make Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine the Filling Ingredients

Start by mixing your softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, green onions, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix until everything is well combined into a thick, spreadable filling.

Step 2: Spread and Roll

Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet and spread the filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border on one long edge to help seal the roll. Roll it up tightly into a log.

Step 3: Chill the Log

This is the most important step for success! Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. This firms everything up, which is how you get your pinwheels to hold their shape perfectly during slicing. Don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with an egg wash for a golden finish and bake until puffed and brown. You’ll know they are done when the pastry is a deep golden color and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.

Storing Your Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels

Storing your Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels is simple. Once they have cooled completely, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are still delicious when eaten cold or at room temperature, but to bring back their freshly-baked crispness, you can reheat them. The best way to do this is in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the puff pastry soft and chewy. For longer storage, these pinwheels freeze wonderfully, making them an excellent make-ahead appetizer for any future event.

Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. For a spicy version, mix in finely diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the cream cheese filling. You can easily switch up the cheese; pepper jack, Colby, or a smoked gouda would all be delicious alternatives to cheddar. For an extra layer of savory flavor, add a tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning mix to the filling. If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough is a common substitute that yields a softer, more bread-like pinwheel. You can also add other ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, or even a different protein like crumbled sausage instead of bacon for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions for Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels

These Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels are a star appetizer that can be served on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. A simple side of ranch dressing is a classic and crowd-pleasing choice. Sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt with fresh chives also complements the savory flavors perfectly. For a bit of a kick, serve them with a spicy aioli or your favorite hot sauce. They are an excellent addition to a larger appetizer spread for parties, pairing well with fresh veggies and dip, fruit platters, and other classic finger foods like chicken wings or mozzarella sticks.

For more quick recipes, check out our fast meals page.

The History of Pinwheels

Pinwheel appetizers, also known as roll-ups, became a staple of American party food in the mid-20th century. Their popularity soared with the rise of home entertaining, cocktail parties, and bridge clubs, where easy-to-make, single-bite snacks were in high demand. Originally made with simple sandwich bread that was flattened, filled, and rolled, the concept evolved over time. The introduction of refrigerated doughs like crescent rolls and puff pastry in the latter half of the century made them even easier and more versatile. The Cheddar Bacon Pinwheel is a modern classic in this tradition, combining timeless, beloved flavors into a convenient and elegant form that continues to be a favorite at gatherings today.

Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or just need a delicious snack, these Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels are the perfect solution. With their flaky crust and savory, cheesy filling, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. Give this simple recipe a try, and watch them become your new go-to appetizer for any and every occasion. We hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as we do!

FAQs

Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels Recipe

Easy Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels are the perfect party appetizer, packed with cheese, bacon, and green onions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 155 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed about 10 oz
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
• Assemble the Pinwheels: Carefully unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out slightly to smooth any creases. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges.
• Roll and Chill: Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log. The clean border will help seal the edge. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap. For the best results and to ensure your pinwheels hold their shape, you must chill the log in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes, or in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for clean cuts.
• Slice the Pinwheels: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled log and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into rounds about 1/2-inch thick. You should get around 20-24 pinwheels. Arrange the slices cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart.
• Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush the tops and sides of each pinwheel with the beaten egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and shine. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. You’ll know the pinwheels are done when the cheese is bubbly and the edges are beautifully browned. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Notes

• Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the log before slicing is the secret to perfectly round pinwheels that don’t get squished. 30 minutes in the freezer works if you’re short on time.
• Use a Sharp Knife: A serrated knife often works best to cut through the pastry and filling without compressing the log.
• Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Ensure your bacon is well-drained of all grease before crumbling and adding it to the filling. Too much grease can make the bottoms of the pinwheels soggy as they bake.
• Golden Finish: An egg wash (one egg beaten with a splash of water) brushed on before baking gives the pinwheels a beautiful, shiny, golden-brown finish.