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These bacon cheeseburger pinwheels roll seasoned ground beef and bacon into a spiral, then grill until juicy. You spread beef over overlapping bacon, roll it tight, and cook it low. Grilling at 300°F cooks the beef to 165°F while the bacon renders. A slice of melted cheddar and a toasted brioche bun finish each one. This recipe makes 4 pinwheels for a fun cheeseburger twist. Top them with Sriracha mayo and sautéed onions.

What Are Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels

Beef Rolled in Bacon

Bacon cheeseburger pinwheels turn a burger into a spiral. You press seasoned beef over a strip of bacon. Then you roll the two together into a tight coil. The bacon wraps around the beef as it cooks. As a result, every slice shows a spiral of meat and bacon. It cooks like a fat burger with built-in bacon.

Burger Flavor in a Spiral

These bacon cheeseburger pinwheels taste like a loaded cheeseburger. The beef brings that classic burger flavor. Bacon adds smoky, salty richness. Then melted cheddar ties it together. You finish each one on a toasted brioche bun. As a result, you get burger flavor in a new shape.

Building the Pinwheels

The Bacon Base

Building bacon cheeseburger pinwheels starts with the bacon. Lay one slice of thick-cut bacon on your surface. Place a second slice in front, overlapping the ends slightly. This creates one long strip to roll. Then press a half-pound portion of beef over the bacon. As a result, you have an even base to roll up.

Rolling and Securing

Season the beef, then roll it into a tight pinwheel. Sprinkle your favorite burger seasoning over the beef. Starting from one end, roll the bacon and beef together. Roll it tightly so it holds its shape. Then secure it with 2 soaked toothpicks. As a result, the pinwheel stays coiled on the grill.

Grilling Low and Slow

Indirect Heat at 300°F

Grill the bacon cheeseburger pinwheels over indirect heat. Preheat your grill or smoker to 300°F. Place the pinwheels away from the direct flame. Then rotate them occasionally for even cooking. The lower heat renders the bacon without burning it. As a result, the beef stays juicy while the bacon cooks through.

Cooking to 165°F

Cook the pinwheels until the beef is fully done. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This takes about 40 to 50 minutes at 300°F. Check the center with an instant-read thermometer. The 165°F mark keeps the ground beef safe. As a result, the pinwheels cook through evenly.

Cheese and Buns

Melting the Cheddar

Add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Place a slice of cheddar on each pinwheel. Then let it melt over the top for 2 to 3 minutes. The cheddar softens into that classic cheeseburger layer. Close the lid to help it melt evenly. As a result, each pinwheel gets a melty, cheesy top.

Toasting the Brioche

Toast the buns while the cheese melts. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. Then toast them until golden and crisp. Toasting adds crunch and keeps the bun from going soggy. Brioche brings a soft, slightly sweet base. As a result, the bun holds up to the juicy pinwheel.

Serving the Pinwheels

Sriracha Mayo and Onions

Serve the bacon cheeseburger pinwheels on toasted brioche buns. Remove the toothpicks first so each one is safe to eat. Place a pinwheel on a buttered, toasted bun. Then top it with Sriracha mayo and sautéed onions. The spicy mayo and sweet onions balance the rich beef. As a result, each bun eats like a loaded burger.

Crisping the Bacon

You can crisp the bacon on these bacon cheeseburger pinwheels for more texture. After they hit 165°F, move them over direct heat. Sear them for 1 to 2 minutes per side. The direct flame crisps the outer bacon. Watch them closely so they do not burn. As a result, you get a crunchier bacon edge.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels

Step 1: Make the Bacon Strip and Spread the Beef

Preheat your grill or smoker to 300°F. Lay 1 slice of thick-cut bacon on your work surface, then place a second slice in front, overlapping the ends slightly to make one long strip. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and press one portion into a thin, even layer over the bacon, leaving a small border.

Step 2: Season and Roll the Pinwheels

Season the beef generously with your favorite burger seasoning. Starting from one end, tightly roll the bacon and beef together into a large pinwheel. Secure it with 2 soaked toothpicks to help it hold its shape.

Step 3: Grill at 300°F

Place the pinwheels on the grill over indirect heat and cook at 300°F, rotating occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, about 40 to 50 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheddar

During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each pinwheel and let it melt.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Butter and toast the brioche buns until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Remove the toothpicks and place each bacon cheeseburger pinwheel on a toasted brioche bun. Top with Sriracha mayo and sautéed onions, then serve.