Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

These classic Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are the undisputed champion of any game day party platter. Make them in under 15 minutes (plus rest time) with crispy bacon, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. Wrap the cream cheese filling in a soft flour tortilla then slice them into tasty bite-sized appetizers.

Got cream cheese? There are so many simple appetizer recipes you can make! Pair it with goat cheese, pistachios, and cranberries to make a classic cheese log or with sausage meat and a can of crescent roll dough to make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

My family has been making versions of this classic pinwheel appetizer for almost as long as I can remember. This appetizer recipe has stood the test of time because it’s so simple to make, requires no cooking, and tastes incredible. No one in my family can resist cream cheese anything.

While the ranch seasoning/cream cheese combination is incredibly tasty, there are many ways to make these pinwheels to your own taste. In fact, our kids would often make their own after school snack school version using tortillas rolled around some cream cheese, deli ham, and pickles.

This version is like the one my daughter in law makes, though she likes to serve hers warm. PS. I have included heating instructions in case you want to serve them hot.

What are Pinwheels?

Pinwheel appetizers are commonly called roll-ups, party wheels, or tortilla roll-ups when made with flatbreads, or finger sandwiches and party wraps depending on how they are prepared and where they are served.

While this no bake pinwheel recipe uses tortillas, other recipes may use puff pastry and require baking time. Want to go beyond chicken bacon ranch flavour? Here are some fun flavour ideas:

• Italian Antipasto: Thinly sliced salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, chopped banana peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a cream cheese spread whipped with Italian seasoning and a splash of red wine vinegar.
• Turkey Club: Sliced deli turkey, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, shredded lettuce, and finely diced tomatoes paired with a mayo-cream cheese spread on spinach tortillas.
• Ham & Swiss with Dijon: Honey ham, sharp Swiss cheese, and green onions mixed into a cream cheese base spiked with Dijon mustard and a touch of horseradish.
• Roast Beef & Horseradish: Thin deli roast beef, white cheddar or provolone, caramelized onions, and fresh arugula over a horseradish and chive cream cheese layer.
• Fig, Prosciutto & Goat Cheese: Creamy goat cheese (or brie), fig jam, thinly sliced prosciutto, and fresh arugula rolled on flour tortillas for an elevated, upscale option.

Ingredient in Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

For this recipe, you’ll need a mixing bowl, a cheese grater, a frying pan, a sharp knife, plastic wrap, and a cutting board.

• Cream Cheese
• Milk
• Ranch Seasoning
• Chicken
• Cheddar Cheese
• Bacon
• Tortillas

Unlike most recipes that feature cream cheese you can use either the low-fat or regular cream cheese. Buy a package of Ranch Seasoning or use a homemade ranch seasoning. Make the bacon crumbles at home instead of using store-bought as they tend to have better flavour.

Leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken works the best and choose from extra sharp, sharp, or mild cheddar. You can also use Colby-Jack cheese, Gouda cheese, or any hard cheese that can be grated.

Feel free to add fresh chopped chives or sliced green onions to the cream cheese mixture.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, milk, and ranch seasoning together until they are well combined and no lumps remain. Next, stir in the diced chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon crumbles.

Divide the mixture between the tortillas and spread it into an even layer, covering the whole surface of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas up, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour or more to allow the filling to set.

Remove the rolled tortillas from the refrigerator and slice into 1-inch pieces.

Serve chilled. These make a great midday snack, appetizers, or party favour. However, they pair well with chips or fresh vegetables to make a lunch or light dinner.

How to Avoid Soggy Pinwheels

The best way to prevent soggy pinwheels is to create a waterproof fat barrier on the tortilla before adding any wet or moisture-heavy ingredients. When you spread the cream cheese mixture directly onto the bare tortilla all the way to the edges, it acts as a sealant against liquid.

Additionally, avoid mixing liquid bottled ranch directly into your cream cheese. Instead, use dry ranch seasoning powder to reduce moisture. And finally, pat dry any ‘wet’ ingredients to avoid adding any unwanted moisture.

Recipe Variations

Add some heat by adding some diced pickled jalapenos, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.

To serve them hot and crispy, place Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes. Pro tip: Put parchment paper or an air fryer liner under pinwheels to keep the cheese from melting through the grates and for easier clean up. A mist of cooking spray also helps in getting the golden crispy colour.

Add some colour by using tomato, herb, cheese, or spinach tortillas.

Play with different flavour combinations like dill, smoked salmon, and capers or feta cheese, olives, and sundried tomatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels can be made up to 48 hours in advance of serving. Prepare them and refrigerate until ready to serve. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To freeze, place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag in a single layer, or in whole rolls, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Hi! I’m Bernice Hill, the heart and soul behind Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen. It is my pleasure to share easy to follow recipes that are delicious, nutritious, and approachable for the whole family.

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