Print

Easy Bacon Ranch Pinwheels: Best Tailgate Appetizer

easy bacon ranch pinwheels - featured image
Print Recipe

These Easy Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are the ultimate tailgate appetizer. Creamy, smoky, and herby filling wrapped in a soft tortilla, perfect for grab-and-go snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 8–10 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1 oz ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4–5 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized, 8–10 inches)
  • Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, sour cream, jalapeño

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay bacon strips in a single layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble finely.
  2. Soften the cream cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft but not melted.
  3. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Mix with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until smooth and well combined.
  4. Prepare the tortillas: Lay tortillas flat on a clean cutting board. If cold, let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to make pliable.
  5. Spread the filling: Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among tortillas. Spread in a thin, even layer all the way to the edges using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
  6. Roll the tortillas: Starting at one edge, tightly roll each tortilla into a log shape, tucking the filling in as you go. Place seam-side down.
  7. Wrap and chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to firm up the filling.
  8. Slice the pinwheels: Unwrap the chilled rolls. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick rounds using a gentle sawing motion. Wipe the knife clean between cuts.
  9. Arrange and serve: Arrange pinwheels cut side up on a serving platter. Garnish with extra bacon crumbles or green onions. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Chill time is essential for clean slicing. Pat bacon dry to prevent sogginess. Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture. Can be made up to 24 hours ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon ranch pinwheels, tailgate appetizer, easy appetizer, cream cheese pinwheels, game day snack

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/easy-bacon-ranch-pinwheels-best-tailgate-appetizer/