Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels Recipe

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels are the ultimate party snack, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick lunch. Combining the savory goodness of bacon, the sharp bite of cheddar cheese, and the creamy tang of ranch dressing, all wrapped in a soft tortilla, these pinwheels are easy to make and bursting with flavor. They can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient choice for busy days. Whether you’re hosting a game day event, packing a picnic, or just craving something delicious, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Start by placing your cream cheese out on the counter to soften. This step is crucial because it makes the cream cheese easier to mix with the other ingredients. Leave it out for about 30 minutes before you start preparing the recipe. If you’re in a hurry, you can soften it in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
2. Combine the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed to blend the two ingredients until smooth and creamy. This forms the base of the filling.
3. Add the Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix into the cream cheese mixture. Mix until the seasoning is fully incorporated and evenly distributed. The ranch seasoning will give the filling its tangy, savory flavor.
4. Fold in the Cheese: Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Use a spatula to fold the cheese into the cream cheese mixture. The sharp cheddar will add a cheesy, savory depth to the filling.
5. Add the Bacon: Once your bacon is cooked and cooled, crumble it into small pieces. Add the bacon crumbles to the cream cheese mixture, folding them in gently. Make sure the bacon is distributed evenly throughout the filling.
6. Mix in the Green Onions and Parsley: Finally, add the chopped green onions and parsley to the filling. These ingredients will add a bit of freshness and color to the otherwise rich filling. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels

1. Lay Out the Tortillas: Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Make sure the tortillas are soft and pliable. If they feel a bit stiff, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make them easier to roll.
2. Spread the Filling: Using a spatula, spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla. You want to cover the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll them up. Don’t make the layer too thick, as this can make the pinwheels harder to slice.
3. Roll the Tortillas: Starting at one edge, tightly roll up each tortilla, making sure the filling stays inside. As you roll, press gently to ensure the pinwheel holds its shape. The tighter you roll, the better the pinwheels will hold together when sliced.
4. Wrap in Plastic Wrap: Once all the tortillas are rolled up, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. This helps the pinwheels hold their shape and prevents them from drying out. Place the wrapped tortillas in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling the pinwheels makes them easier to slice and helps the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Slice and Serve

1. Slice the Pinwheels: After the pinwheels have chilled, remove them from the refrigerator and unwrap them from the plastic wrap. Using a sharp knife, slice each tortilla roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should get about 8-10 pinwheels per tortilla, depending on how thick you slice them.
2. Arrange on a Platter: Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter in a single layer. If you like, you can garnish the platter with additional chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
3. Serve with Ranch: These Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels are delicious on their own, but serving them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping takes them to the next level. You can also offer fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumbers to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pinwheels.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to spread evenly on the tortillas.
• Cook Bacon Until Crispy: For the best texture, cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch to the soft cream cheese filling. Let the bacon cool completely before crumbling it into the filling.
• Roll Tightly: When assembling the pinwheels, be sure to roll the tortillas tightly to keep the filling inside. Loose rolls may cause the filling to spill out when you slice the pinwheels.
• Chill Before Slicing: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the rolled-up tortillas helps the filling firm up, making it easier to slice the pinwheels without them falling apart.
• Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Add a bit of heat with diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers, or throw in some finely chopped veggies for extra crunch and color.

Variations

While this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels recipe is delicious as is, you can easily modify it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

1. Turkey Bacon Pinwheels

For a slightly healthier version, swap out the regular bacon for turkey bacon. Turkey bacon has less fat and calories but still delivers that smoky, savory flavor. You can also use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to lighten up the recipe even further.

2. Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Pinwheels

If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture. The spicy kick pairs well with the creamy ranch filling and smoky bacon.

3. Veggie Lovers Pinwheels

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add more vegetables. Finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots make excellent additions to the ranch filling. You can also add black olives for an extra burst of flavor.

4. BBQ Chicken Pinwheels

For a BBQ twist, swap out the bacon for shredded BBQ chicken. Spread a thin layer of your favorite BBQ sauce over the cream cheese mixture before rolling up the tortillas.

5. Southwest Pinwheels

Add some Southwest flair by mixing in diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the cream cheese mixture. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels are a great make-ahead dish. Here’s how to store them:

Make-Ahead:

• You can prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap the rolled tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Slice just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortillas may soften slightly over time, but they’ll still taste delicious.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the uncut rolled tortillas for up to 1 month. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and slice just before serving.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and customize. With crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch all wrapped up in a soft tortilla, these pinwheels are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a snack for game day, or just looking for a quick and easy lunch, these pinwheels are sure to satisfy your cravings. Follow the recipe and tips above for perfectly rolled and flavorful pinwheels every time. Enjoy!

Yield: 24 Pinwheels

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels Recipe

Print

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels are the ultimate party snack, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick lunch. Combining the savory goodness of bacon, the sharp bite of cheddar cheese, and the creamy tang of ranch dressing, all wrapped in a soft tortilla, these pinwheels are easy to make and bursting with flavor. They can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient choice for busy days. Whether you're hosting a game day event, packing a picnic, or just craving something delicious, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6-8 slices)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)

Instructions

1. Make the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix.
• Stir until smooth and well combined.
• Fold in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.

2. Assemble the Pinwheels:

• Lay out one tortilla on a flat surface.
• Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Roll the tortilla up tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside.

3. Chill:

• Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
• Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

4. Slice and Serve:

• Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch pinwheels.
• Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: These pinwheels can be made a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, tightly wrapped, until ready to slice and serve.
• Additions: Feel free to add extras like chopped jalapeños, black olives, or diced bell peppers for additional flavor.
• Tortilla Tip: Use large, soft tortillas to make rolling easier. Make sure they are fresh to prevent cracking.