Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the perfect easy game day appetizer that’s a total crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pinwheels. They’re savory, creamy, and loaded with crispy bacon and gooey cheese – ideal for sports parties, potlucks, or any get-together. Best of all, you can whip them up in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Game Day Appetizer
- Quick to make – ready in 25 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Irresistibly cheesy, savory, and packed with bacon flavor.
- Crowd-friendly finger food, ideal for sharing and dipping.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or cheese blends.
- Prep ahead – these pinwheels hold up great in the fridge!
Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, finely chopped (about 4 slices)
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup finely sliced green onions
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How to Make This Easy Game Day Appetizer: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels
Unroll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the cheese and bacon mixture over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge for sealing. Gently roll up the pastry into a tight log, finishing at the exposed border. Pinch to seal.
Step 3: Slice and Arrange
Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place the pinwheels cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush each with beaten egg.
Step 4: Bake Your Easy Game Day Appetizer
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 13-16 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 3 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes for the Best Easy Game Day Appetizer
- For ultra-crispy pinwheels, chill the assembled log in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing.
- You can substitute turkey bacon or go meatless with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Learn more about working with puff pastry here.
Easy Game Day Appetizer Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: Replace bacon with shredded rotisserie chicken and 2 tbsp buffalo sauce.
- Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels: Swap bacon for chopped spinach and artichoke hearts, and use mozzarella cheese.
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels: Add 2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese.
Required Equipment for This Easy Game Day Appetizer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Easy Game Day Appetizer Storage & Shelf Life
Let pinwheels cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6-8 minutes, or until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become soggy.
Serving Recommendations for Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
- Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Pair with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple green salad.
- Great alongside cold drinks like beer or sparkling lemonade – perfect for a game day spread!
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Game Day Appetizer
- Use well-chilled puff pastry for the flakiest, crispiest results.
- Don’t over-stuff – a thin, even layer of filling keeps the pinwheels from unraveling.
- Get creative and explore more appetizer inspiration at Food Network.
FAQ: Easy Game Day Appetizer
- Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble and slice the pinwheels, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I use homemade ranch instead of bottled?
- Absolutely! Homemade ranch can amp up the flavor – find a great recipe here.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, easily double (or triple) the ingredients and bake in batches for larger gatherings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
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2Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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3In a small bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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4Spoon the cheese mixture evenly onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end, and tuck in the sides.
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5Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
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6Serve warm with sour cream for dipping.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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