Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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The Comfort of Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving something cozy yet sophisticated in those chilly holiday months, these Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels hit every note perfectly. I love how the buttery, flaky puff pastry wraps around a golden, velvety filling of sharp cheddar and smoky bacon, creating little bite-sized treasures that almost melt in your mouth.

When I first made this recipe, it quickly became a go-to for festive gatherings. You’ll notice that crisp bacon bits combined with creamy cheese balance the textures beautifully, while the gentle garlic powder and green onions add that subtle lift without overpowering. They’re perfect served warm with a cup of mulled cider or your favorite holiday cocktail, making any casual get-together feel special.

What’s more, these pinwheels are remarkably simple to prepare, so whether you’re a kitchen novice or seasoned pro, you’ll enjoy the straightforward steps and satisfying results. Let’s dive into why this Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe becomes an instant favorite.

Ingredient Guide

• Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The golden, flaky base that gives the pinwheels their light, crisp exterior. If you’re short on time, store-bought works wonders.
• Bacon (5–6 strips, cooked & crumbled): Adds smoky crunch and savory allure. You can swap for turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option.
• Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Sharp and melty, it lends that irresistible cheesy punch. Feel free to try gouda or fontina for a twist.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates a velvety, rich filling that binds everything together. Softened ensures easy mixing and smooth spread.
• Green onions (2–3, finely chopped, optional): A mild, fresh note that lifts the flavors with gentle bite.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth without overpowering the bacon and cheese.
• Egg (1, beaten): For brushing on top to achieve that beautiful golden, glossy finish.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.

Prep Before You Begin

Timing is key here. I recommend thawing the puff pastry overnight in your fridge so it’s pliable but still cool. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready right when you finish assembling. Gathering and prepping all ingredients upfront — like cooking and crumbling the bacon, softening the cream cheese, and finely chopping your green onions — makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

How to Make Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking, letting those pinwheels brown evenly.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and fragrant. This gives that satisfying crunch and deep smoky flavor. Once done, transfer to paper towels to cool and then crumble finely.
3. Mix the filling: In a bowl, gently combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I love how this mixture stays creamy yet packed with bold hit of flavor.
4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface. Smooth out any creases to form a neat rectangle about 1/8 inch thick—thin enough for delicate puffing but thick enough to hold the filling securely.
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Expert Tips to Nail It

Small adjustments that make a big difference in texture, timing, and flavor so your Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe turns out reliably amazing.

5. Spread the filling evenly across the puff pastry, leaving about a ½-inch border along the edges. This prevents the filling from oozing during baking but keeps every bite delicious.
6. Roll tightly from one short edge to the other, making a firm log. Press the edge to seal well—this helps the pinwheels hold their shape and puff nicely.
7. Slice the log into roughly ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. I find that letting the log chill for 10 minutes before slicing makes cleaner cuts and prevents squishing.
8. Arrange the pinwheels on the parchment-lined baking sheet with a one-inch space between each, giving them room to puff up to golden perfection.
9. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This step is the secret to that shiny, irresistible gold crust that will have your guests reaching for more.
10. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and glowing with color. The aroma during baking is one of my favorite parts—it’s cozy and inviting, filling your kitchen with holiday cheer.
11. Cool slightly on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. The pinwheels are best enjoyed warm—this lets the filling set just enough while remaining deliciously gooey.

Creative Variations for Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe



• Swap cheddar for gruyère or smoked gouda to deepen the richness.
• Add finely diced sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a tangy twist.
• For extra herbaceous flair, stir in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme.
• Make a vegetarian version by replacing bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
• Try sprinkling a bit of parmesan on top before baking for an extra crisp crust.
• Serve with a brush of honey mustard or sriracha mayo to elevate the flavor profile.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Cool completely before storing pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For freezing, place sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheat frozen or refrigerated pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to regain crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving as it softens the pastry; a quick oven warm-up preserves that flaky texture.

Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe FAQs

• Can I use homemade puff pastry? Absolutely! If you have the time and love making pastry, homemade puff will add extra buttery layers to your pinwheels.
• What if I don’t have green onions? No worries, you can omit them or substitute with finely chopped chives or shallots for a similar mild onion flavor.
• How do I prevent soggy bottoms? Baking on parchment paper and giving space between pinwheels helps. Also, make sure bacon is well-drained and pastry is not rolled too thick.
• Can I prepare these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the roll and slice the pinwheels in advance, then store them in the fridge until baking time.
• Are these suitable for parties? Perfect for parties! They’re easy to eat with fingers and pair beautifully with dips or festive drinks.
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Savory Christmas Bacon & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe



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4.5 from 145 reviews

These Savory Christmas Pinwheels with Bacon & Cheese are perfect festive appetizers featuring crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and a flaky puff pastry base. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they are a crowd-pleasing snack for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 12-15 pinwheels
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 5–6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2–3 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Cook Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Remove from skillet and let cool, then crumble into small pieces for the filling.
3. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
4. Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet, smoothing out any creases. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch for even puffing and structure.
5. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese mixture over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving roughly a 1/2 inch border around the edges to allow for sealing.
6. Form Log: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log shape. Press and seal the edge with your fingers to keep the roll intact during baking.
7. Slice Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into 1/2-inch thick slices, resulting in approximately 12 to 15 pinwheels.
8. Arrange & Brush: Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish once baked.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown on top.
10. Cool & Serve: Remove from oven and allow the pinwheels to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Make sure puff pastry is fully thawed but cold to prevent it from tearing while rolling.
• Use a sharp knife to ensure clean pinwheel slices that hold their shape.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.