5-Ingredient Cheeseburger Pinwheels
Alright, picture this: you’re at a party, and everyone’s quietly munching on these little spirals of cheesy, meaty heaven. They’re bite-sized, but packed with all the nostalgia of a cheeseburger—without the mess or the bun. These 5-Ingredient Cheeseburger Pinwheels are seriously my go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. Plus, they’re so simple you’ll wonder why you’ve never rolled a cheeseburger into a spiral before. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be rolling (pun intended!) with joy!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sheet refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup ketchup
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Don’t forget to break it up into small pieces as it cooks, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove any excess grease once cooked.
Step 2:
On a clean surface, unroll the crescent roll dough into a rectangle. Use your hands to gently press seams together so it’s one solid sheet—no holes!
Step 3:
Spread the browned beef evenly over the dough, sprinkle over the chopped onions, then layer with the shredded cheddar. Finally, drizzle the ketchup in an even layer—this acts like the “sauce” that holds everything together.
Step 4:
Carefully roll the dough up from the long edge, making a tight spiral like a cinnamon roll. Pinch the ends shut so nothing spills out.
Step 5:
Slice the roll into about 1-inch thick pinwheels and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Step 6:
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbling. Let cool a few minutes before serving—these are hot, cheesy bites that melt in your mouth!
Variations & Tips
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a little heat.
- Add a teaspoon of mustard inside for a tangy twist.
- Use diced pickles for a classic cheeseburger crunch.
- If crescent dough feels tricky, puff pastry works great too!
- For extra crispiness, brush tops with a little melted butter before baking.
How I Like to Serve It
These pinwheels are perfect for game days or casual dinners paired with a crisp green salad or homemade fries. They also make fantastic finger food for backyard barbecues or potlucks—everyone loves a good handheld snack! When it’s chilly outside, serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup for ultimate comfort food vibes.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
- You can prep these ahead of time—just slice and refrigerate pinwheels before baking.
Closing: These cheeseburger pinwheels always deliver warm, cheesy goodness that’s impossibly easy to make and impossible not to love.