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Cheddar bacon ranch pinwheels are a quick, crowd-pleasing snack made with crescent dough, creamy cheese, Ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar. They bake up golden, cheesy, and perfect for parties, game days, or an easy appetizer anytime.
5 Things That Will Make or Break Your Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
- Keep the dough cold. Cold dough is easier to work with. Open the can right before you need it and unroll it gently so it doesn’t tear.
- Pinch the seams. Crescent dough comes in triangles, so press the seams together to make one solid sheet before adding the filling.
- Spread the filling evenly. Mix softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning, then spread a thin, even layer over the dough. Sprinkle on shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon. Keeping the layer even helps the pinwheels bake uniformly.
- Roll tightly. Roll the dough up from the long side into a log. Tuck in the ends if needed so the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Slice cleanly. Use a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss to cut into even slices. Aim for about 1-inch pieces so they bake evenly.
recipe walkthrough
How to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine softened cream cheese with Ranch seasoning mix.
- Use brick-style full-fat cream cheese for the best taste and texture. Make sure to set it out at least 30 minutes to soften.
Step 3: Roll out the crescent dough carefully, lightly pressing the seams together to for a sheet.
- If you can find the canned sheet of dough you can use that, or even the can of pizza dough.
Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the dough, leaving about an inch of space on one of the long sides. Sprinkle on shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon.
Step 5: Roll the dough lengthwise, as tightly as possible.
- At this point you can wrap the log in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and bake when you’re ready.
Step 6: Cut the log into 1-inch slices and place them 2-inches apart on the lined baking sheet. Top with some extra shredded cheddar or bacon.
Step 7: Bake the pinwheels for 9-11 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and beginning to brown. Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dips, like Ranch or BBQ sauce.
More Easy Pinwheels
Storage Tips
Make Ahead and Storage Guide
Make Ahead
- Assemble, Don’t Bake Yet: You can prep the dough log with filling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking.
- Freeze Before Baking: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked log. When you’re ready, let it thaw slightly in the fridge so it’s easier to slice, then bake as directed.
Storing After Baking
- Refrigerator (2-3 days): Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer (1 month): Freeze baked pinwheels in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 1 month.
Reheating
- Oven: Warm at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Microwave: Works in a pinch, but the dough will be softer.
More Easy Snacks
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning mix
- 2 Cans Pillsbury Crescents
- 1 pound Bacon diced and fully cooked
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix cream cheese and Ranch seasoning together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Working with one at a time, roll out crescent roll dough and lightly press seams together to form a sheet. Kep the other can in the fridge until you are ready to roll it out.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture onto the dough sheet, leaving an inch of space on one of the long sides. Sprinkle on half of the cheddar and half of the bacon.
- Cut into 1-inch slices and place 2-inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Top with extra shredded cheddar, if desired, and repeat with the second can of crescents.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until bread begins to brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before gently removing from the sheet with a spatula.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
The crescent dough is not easy to cut once filled. I would recommend chilling to firm it up before cutting. Otherwise it is tasty
Awesome feedback Christina! Thanks for stopping by.
Do they freeze well after baking them?