Award-Winning Loaded Potato Pinwheels: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer with Flaky Crescent Dough, Bacon & Cheese

Get ready to impress your guests with these unbelievably easy and incredibly delicious Loaded Potato Pinwheels! Imagine all the comforting flavors of a fully loaded baked potato – creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese – all nestled within a light, flaky crescent roll crust. This appetizer is not just tasty; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for any gathering, from casual game nights to elegant holiday parties.

My excitement is practically bubbling over! I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the 47th Pillsbury Bake-Off in Nashville, Tennessee. While I wasn’t competing myself – the pressure would be far too intense for my stress-averse self – I was there to soak in all the culinary genius and, of course, enjoy some amazing food! Baking for me is a pure joy; it’s about the love of creation and the delicious results I get to share (and eat!). This event was a dream come true, allowing me to witness firsthand some of the newest and most innovative creations from incredibly talented home bakers across the country.

It was fascinating to sample some of the finalists’ dishes and, even more thrilling, to discover live who would take home the coveted $1 million prize! Having browsed many of the recipes beforehand, I can confidently say I was glad not to be one of the judges. The sheer number of brilliant (and surprisingly easy) ideas submitted this year was truly astounding. The Pillsbury Bake-Off is always a fantastic showcase of how simple ingredients can be transformed into culinary masterpieces.

For those who love behind-the-scenes glimpses and real-time updates, make sure you’re following me on Instagram. That’s where I shared all the fabulous moments and creations from these remarkable bakers. And, as an added bonus, I got to spend quality time with some of my dearest blogging friends, making the experience even more memorable!

It was during a visit to Pillsbury’s Test Kitchens last year that I first encountered the magic of these Loaded Potato Pinwheels. They were the winning recipe for the 2013 Bake-Off, and for good reason! What struck me most was how incredibly simple and quick they were to assemble, yet the taste was absolutely divine. The concept is pure genius: taking the comforting, savory essence of a loaded baked potato and ingeniously wrapping it in a tender, flaky crescent roll. This combination creates an appetizer that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for satisfying cravings and delighting guests.

These pinwheels are a testament to the power of simple ingredients and clever execution. The creamy potato filling, rich with cheese and smoky bacon, perfectly complements the buttery, light crescent dough. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor and a delightful texture contrast that will have everyone reaching for more. They’re more than just an appetizer; they’re a miniature comfort food experience that proves why this recipe earned its prestigious award.

Unleash Your Creativity: Customization & Variations

One of the best things about these Loaded Potato Pinwheels is their incredible versatility. While the base recipe is award-winning, you can absolutely make them your own with a few simple tweaks, ensuring they perfectly suit your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Cheese Choices: While sharp Cheddar offers a classic, robust flavor, consider swapping it for Colby Jack for a milder, creamier melt, or Swiss for a nutty undertone. For a bit of a kick, try using Pepper Jack, or for a sophisticated touch, smoked gouda. A blend of cheeses can also add complexity and depth.
Bacon Bonanza: Love bacon? Pile it on! You can increase the amount of bacon bits in the filling or sprinkle extra on top before baking. If you prefer, render your own fresh bacon and chop it for an even richer flavor. For a healthier alternative, turkey bacon bits work wonderfully.
Veggie Boost: Craving more vegetables? Finely chopped steamed broccoli is a fantastic addition, pairing perfectly with cheese and potato, just like a classic broccoli-cheese baked potato. Sautéed onions or chives can also add a fresh, aromatic note to the filling. For those who enjoy a little heat, a small amount of finely diced jalapeño can provide a delightful zing.
Herb & Spice Enhancement: Elevate the flavor profile with fresh or dried herbs. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley in the potato mixture, or a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder, can deepen the savory notes. A dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle warmth and color.
Potato Perfection: While the recipe calls for frozen grilled potatoes for convenience, you can certainly use freshly mashed potatoes. Just ensure they are well-seasoned and not too wet. Russet potatoes typically yield the fluffiest mash, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture.

There’s truly no wrong way to personalize these pinwheels. Your family and friends will undoubtedly adore you forever (or at least until the very last pinwheel is devoured!) for bringing such a delicious and adaptable appetizer to the table. These savory spirals are destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Tips for Pinwheel Perfection

To ensure your Loaded Potato Pinwheels turn out perfectly every time, here are a few simple tips:

Potato Consistency: When mashing the potatoes, aim for some small chunks rather than a completely smooth puree. This adds a lovely texture to the filling. Ensure the mixture isn’t too wet, as this can make the crescent dough soggy.
Even Spreading: Spread the potato mixture evenly to within 1/4-inch of the long edges of the crescent dough. This ensures a consistent filling in every bite and helps with rolling.
Tight Roll: Roll the dough tightly from one long side. A tight roll will help the pinwheels hold their shape better during baking and give them that appealing spiral appearance.
Seal the Seams: After rolling, pinch the seams of the dough firmly to seal. This prevents the filling from escaping while baking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give your pinwheels space on the baking sheet. Placing them too close together can lead to uneven baking and prevent them from browning properly.
Serve Warm: These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, when the crescent dough is flaky and the filling is perfectly gooey. If you have leftovers, they can be gently reheated in a toaster oven or microwave.

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Yield: 28 pinwheels

Loaded Potato Pinwheels

Ingredients

1 bag (11.8 ounces) Green Giant Steamers frozen backyard grilled potatoes
1-1\/4 cups finely shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese
1\/2 cup cooked real bacon bits, divided
3 tablespoons milk
1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough sheet or crescent dinner rolls
1\/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion tops

Instructions

Microwave frozen potatoes 3 to 4 minutes to thaw.
Transfer potatoes to a mixing bowl and, using a fork, mash potatoes leaving some small chunks.
Stir in cheese, 1/3 cup of bacon bits, and the milk; stir until well blended.
Unroll crescent dough on cutting board; press into a rectangle. (If using crescent dinner rolls, unroll dough and press seams together to seal.) If needed, use a floured rolling pin to stretch dough to about a 14×8 inch rectangle. Cut into 2 rectangles, 14×4-inches each.
Spread half of the potato mixture on one rectangle to within 1/4-inch of long edges. Starting at one long side, tightly roll up dough; pinch seams to seal. Cut roll into 14 slices.
Place slices, cut side up, on a lightly greased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven 17 to 21 minutes, or until golden brown.
Immediately remove from cookie sheets to serving plate.
Top each pinwheel with sour cream, remaining bacon bits and the green onions. Serve warm.

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Craving More Easy Crescent Roll Delights?

Crescent dough is a true kitchen hero, offering endless possibilities for both sweet and savory treats. If you love the simplicity and deliciousness of these Loaded Potato Pinwheels, you’ll be thrilled to explore more innovative and easy recipes that utilize this versatile ingredient. From breakfast pastries to savory bites, crescent rolls make baking a breeze. Here are some fantastic ideas to keep your culinary creativity flowing:

Cream Cheese Bacon Bites

Strawberry Sweet Rolls

Easy Cheese Danishes

Spinach Dip Bites

Mini Caramel Rolls from Julies Eats and Treats

Country Apple Dumplings from Butter with a Slice of Bread

48 Recipes Using Crescent Rolls from Crazy for Crust