
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to add a new star to your snack rotation! These Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels aren’t just a recipe; they’re a revelation. Here are four irresistible reasons why they’re about to become your go-to:
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Lightning-Fast Prep
Seriously, 10 minutes is all you need! From unrolling the dough to spreading the cheesy goodness, these pinwheels come together in a flash, making them perfect for unexpected guests or sudden cravings.
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Irresistibly Delicious Flavor
Imagine warm, flaky crescent dough wrapped around creamy chive and onion cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and salty, crispy bacon. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite that’s both comforting and exciting.
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Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual Sunday brunch, a game day spread, a sophisticated cocktail party, or just a quick after-school snack, these Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels fit right in. They’re universally loved!
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Seriously Simple Ingredients
No obscure items here! You probably have most of these pantry staples already, proving that incredible taste doesn’t require a complex shopping list. Simple, accessible, and utterly delicious.
The Ultimate Snack Sensation: Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels!
Ever had one of those moments? You’re scrolling through recipes, craving something utterly delicious, easy, and sure to impress, but everything seems too complicated. Or maybe the doorbell rings unexpectedly, and you realize you have precisely five minutes to conjure up a magical appetizer. Fear not, dear snack enthusiast, because your culinary superhero has arrived!
Prepare to meet the magnificent Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels! These aren’t just any pinwheels; they’re tiny spirals of happiness packed with the dream team of cheddar, bacon, and creamy chive and onion goodness, all nestled in flaky crescent dough. They’re so simple to make, you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life, and so incredibly savory, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “more, please!” Get ready to roll up some serious flavor without breaking a sweat. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your simple yet mighty ingredients to create these delightful Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels:
- 1 (8-ounce) package refrigerated crescent dough sheets (or regular crescent rolls, pinched together)
- ¼ cup chive and onion cream cheese spread
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Them
Let’s get those irresistible Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels from your kitchen to your plate with these easy steps:
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Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for super easy cleanup – trust us, you’ll want easy cleanup after these disappear!
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Prep the Dough:
Gently unroll the crescent dough sheet onto your prepared baking sheet. If you’re using regular crescent rolls, simply pinch the seams together well to form a solid sheet. Stretch it just a little if needed, being careful not to tear it.
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Layer the Goodness:
Evenly spread the creamy chive and onion cream cheese over the entire surface of the dough. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon generously all over the cream cheese layer. Don’t be shy with the flavor!
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Roll ‘Em Up:
Now, cut the dough sheet in half lengthwise. Starting from one long edge of each half, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a snug log. Make sure to pinch the edges closed securely, just like you would with a delicious cinnamon roll!
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Slice & Bake:
Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled log into ½-inch thick spirals. Gently place these adorable pinwheels on your baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one so they have room to puff up beautifully.
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Golden Perfection:
Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they turn beautifully golden brown and the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary!
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Serve Fresh:
Enjoy these warm, savory pinwheels right away! For an extra touch of freshness and color, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Dig in!
Creative Ways to Present and Serve Your Pinwheels
These Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels are delicious straight off the baking sheet, but a little presentation can elevate them from a simple snack to a show-stopping appetizer! Here are some fun ways to serve them:
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Elegant Appetizer Platter:
Arrange the pinwheels artfully on a large platter. You can stack them in small pyramids, create a circular pattern, or alternate them with fresh fruit like grapes or berries for a pop of color and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory notes.
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Dipping Delights:
Serve your pinwheels with a selection of dips! Classic ranch dressing, a spicy sriracha aioli, honey mustard, or even a simple marinara sauce can add an extra layer of flavor and fun. Small ramekins of dip scattered around the platter make it easy for guests to grab and dip.
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Brunch Board Brilliance:
Integrate these into a larger brunch spread. Place them alongside mini quiches, fruit skewers, and other breakfast bites. Their savory profile makes them a fantastic addition to any morning gathering.
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Kid-Friendly Snack Attack:
For the little ones, arrange a few pinwheels on a plate with some carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and a small dollop of their favorite dip. The fun spiral shape is always a hit with kids!
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Game Day Go-To:
On game day, pile these high in a rustic basket lined with a checkered napkin. They’re easy to grab while cheering on your team and pair perfectly with other finger foods like mini hot dogs or sliders.
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Garnish for Glamour:
Always consider a fresh garnish! A sprinkle of vibrant fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions not only adds color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the rich flavors of the cheddar and bacon.
Storing and Shelf Life
Even though these Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels tend to disappear quickly, it’s good to know how to store any leftovers or prepare them ahead of time!
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Refrigeration:
Once cooled, store any leftover cooked pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Perfect for grabbing a quick snack throughout the week!
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Reheating Cooked Pinwheels:
The best way to reheat them to restore their crispiness is in a toaster oven or conventional oven. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy again. You can also microwave them for 15-30 seconds, but they might be a little softer.
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Freezing Unbaked Pinwheels:
Want to prep ahead? After slicing the logs into pinwheels but before baking, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place them frozen on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (they will take a bit longer from frozen).
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Freezing Baked Pinwheels:
You can also freeze fully baked and cooled pinwheels. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs About Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels
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Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the logs, slice them, and store the unbaked pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Yes, both baked and unbaked pinwheels can be frozen! See the “Storing and Shelf Life” section above for detailed instructions.
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What if I don’t have crescent dough sheets?
No problem! Regular crescent rolls work perfectly. Just unroll them and firmly pinch together all the seams to form a solid rectangular sheet before spreading your fillings.
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, a sharp provolone, or even a pepper jack for a spicy kick. Freshly shredded cheese always melts best!
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What can I substitute for chive and onion cream cheese?
Plain cream cheese mixed with a teaspoon of onion powder and a tablespoon of fresh chopped chives or green onions works well. You could also use a garlic & herb cream cheese spread for a different flavor profile.
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How do I know when they are done baking?
The pinwheels are ready when they are beautifully golden brown on the outside and the cheese is visibly melted and bubbly. The crescent dough should be fully puffed up and flaky.
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Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Get creative! A sprinkle of finely diced bell peppers, a dash of smoked paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat would all be delicious additions to your Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels.
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Are these good for meal prep?
They make fantastic savory snacks or a light lunch component for meal prep! Store them in individual containers for easy grabbing throughout the week.
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What’s the best way to reheat them?
For the crispiest results, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but will yield a softer texture.
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Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon. You could add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to replicate a smoky flavor, or add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

Simple & Savory Cheddar Bacon Pinwheels 🧀
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated crescent dough sheets (8-ounce) (or regular crescent rolls, pinched together)
- 1/4 cup chive and onion cream cheese spread
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for super easy cleanup.
- Gently unroll the crescent dough sheet onto your prepared baking sheet. If you're using regular crescent rolls, simply pinch the seams together well to form a solid sheet. Stretch it just a little if needed, being careful not to tear it.
- Evenly spread the creamy chive and onion cream cheese over the entire surface of the dough. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon generously all over the cream cheese layer.
- Now, cut the dough sheet in half lengthwise. Starting from one long edge of each half, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a snug log. Make sure to pinch the edges closed securely, just like you would with a delicious cinnamon roll!
- Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled log into ½-inch thick spirals. Gently place these adorable pinwheels on your baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they turn beautifully golden brown and the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and melted.
- Enjoy these warm, savory pinwheels right away! For an extra touch of freshness and color, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions.
Notes
Calories: 162 kcal
Total Carbs: 8g
Net Carbs: 8g
Fats: 13g
Protein: 5g