These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are a tasty treat! Filled with chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch, they wrap up perfectly for a fun snack or party food.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but sneak a few bites before serving. Who can resist that flavor combo? They’re super easy to whip up—just roll, slice, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour Tortillas: Regular flour tortillas work great, but you can use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a healthier option. They add extra flavor and color.
Cream Cheese: This brings creaminess to the pinwheels. If you prefer a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Ranch Dressing: You can use store-bought ranch for ease, but homemade ranch can add a special touch. If you’re calorie-conscious, a low-fat or yogurt-based ranch is a fine swap.
Bacon: For a healthier option, turkey bacon works well, or you can use crispy prosciutto for a gourmet twist. If avoiding meat, try crumbled feta or sun-dried tomatoes for texture.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar gives great flavor, feel free to substitute with pepper jack for a kick, or mozzarella for a milder taste.
How Do You Roll the Perfect Pinwheel?
Rolling the pinwheels tightly is key to achieving a good texture and presentation. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- When rolling, start from one edge and keep the filling tightly packed as you go. This helps prevent gaps.
- Once rolled, use plastic wrap to secure the shape. Refrigerating for an hour helps firm them up and makes slicing easier.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the pinwheels. This ensures clean cuts without squishing them!
These tips will help your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels look and taste fantastic every time!
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pinwheels:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 1 hour for chilling. You’ll be mixing, spreading, rolling, and slicing these delicious pinwheels—simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing together until it’s smooth and well combined. This creamy base is important for holding all those delicious flavors!
2. Season the Mixture:
Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and the freshly chopped parsley (or dried parsley). Stir everything together so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the Tortillas:
Lay out each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Using a spatula or knife, evenly spread the creamy ranch mixture over each tortilla. Make sure to leave about 1/2 inch of space around the edges for easy rolling.
4. Layer the Fillings:
Next, sprinkle the diced chicken evenly over the cream cheese spread. Follow this with the crumbled bacon and then top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using green onions or chives, sprinkle them on last. Yum!
5. Roll It Up:
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Be gentle to make sure none of the filling spills out!
6. Chill the Pinwheels:
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps them firm up, making them easier to slice.
7. Slice and Serve:
Once chilled, take the pinwheels out of the fridge and unwrap them. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each log into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange your pinwheels on a serving platter and, if you’d like, garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color.
8. Enjoy!
Serve these delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels chilled or at room temperature. They make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or party food that everyone will love!
Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Can I Use Another Type of Tortilla?
Absolutely! Whole wheat, spinach, or even gluten-free tortillas work well. Feel free to choose your favorite type to add a unique flavor and color!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace the chicken with diced vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado, and use a meat alternative in place of bacon, if desired.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a convenient snack to grab on the go!
Can I Freeze Pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
