Taco Pinwheels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco Pinwheels are quick, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly versatile. They deliver all the savory, spicy goodness of tacos in a portable, mess-free package. You can serve them warm or cold, customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, and even prep them ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a creative dinner idea, these pinwheels are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or turkey
• Taco seasoning
• Onion, finely chopped
• Cream cheese, softened
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough or flour tortillas
• Salsa (optional, for serving)
• Green onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, cooking for 2–3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked taco meat, cream cheese, and shredded cheese until evenly mixed.
5. Roll out the crescent dough or lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Spread the taco mixture evenly over the dough or tortillas.
6. Roll up tightly from one end to the other, then slice into 1-inch pieces.
7. Place the pinwheels cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes (crescent dough) or until golden brown and bubbly.
9. If using tortillas, bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges start to crisp.
10. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 pinwheels.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the meat with black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers.
• Cheesy deluxe: Mix in pepper jack or queso fresco for a creamier texture.
• Breakfast twist: Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese instead of taco meat.
• Chicken version: Swap the beef for shredded cooked chicken and use ranch or chipotle seasoning.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or heat in an air fryer for a few minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may make them soggy. You can also freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to 2 months—bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cook time.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

What type of dough works best?

Crescent roll dough gives a flaky, buttery finish, while tortillas make them lighter and crispier.

Can I use store-bought taco meat?

Absolutely, pre-cooked taco meat is a great time-saver.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes, tortilla-based pinwheels taste great chilled as a cold appetizer.

What dips go well with Taco Pinwheels?

Salsa, guacamole, queso dip, or sour cream pair perfectly.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill and make sure the dough or tortilla edges are sealed well before slicing.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortillas or crescent dough alternatives.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, diced peppers, onions, or corn add great texture and flavor.

How spicy are these pinwheels?

They’re mild by default, but you can adjust the heat with extra taco seasoning or hot sauce.

Can I air fry Taco Pinwheels?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Conclusion

Taco Pinwheels are the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and convenience. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and loved by both kids and adults alike. Whether served as a party appetizer, game day snack, or casual dinner, these cheesy, savory bites deliver all the taco goodness you crave in a simple, irresistible form.

Taco Pinwheels

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Taco Pinwheels are savory, bite-sized rolls filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and creamy taco flavors, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough or tortillas. Perfect for parties, game day, or quick family dinners, these pinwheels deliver all the fun and flavor of tacos in one easy-to-eat snack.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 20 pinwheels
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or 4 large flour tortillas
• Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream (for serving)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned and tender. Drain excess fat.
3. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water; cook for 2–3 minutes until combined. Let cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, mix the cooked taco meat with cream cheese and shredded cheese until evenly combined.
5. Roll out crescent dough or lay out tortillas on a flat surface. Spread the taco mixture evenly over the surface.
6. Roll tightly from one end to the other, then slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
7. Place pinwheels cut-side down on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes (crescent dough) or until golden brown and bubbly. For tortillas, bake 8–10 minutes until edges crisp.
9. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Use tortillas for a lighter version or crescent dough for a flakier texture.
• Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for quick prep.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
• Freeze unbaked pinwheels and bake directly from frozen.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg