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Easy Smoky Bacon Ranch Pinwheels: Best Tailgate Appetizer

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These Smoky Bacon Ranch Tailgate Pinwheels are creamy, smoky, and packed with ranch flavor. They’re quick to make, perfect for tailgating, and always disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon until crispy. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay bacon slices in a single layer and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble into small pieces.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sour cream with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides.
  3. Add ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Beat until evenly incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and pale orange.
  4. Fold in crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Lay flour tortillas flat on a clean work surface. If stiff, microwave for about 10 seconds to make pliable. Spread about 1/2 cup of filling evenly over each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
  6. Starting at one edge, roll each tortilla tightly but gently, like rolling a burrito. Place seam-side down on a cutting board.
  7. Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to firm up the filling.
  8. When ready to serve, unwrap the rolls and place on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces using a gentle sawing motion. Arrange on a serving platter cut-side up.

Notes

Chill the rolls for at least 2 hours for clean slicing. Overnight chilling enhances flavor. Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts. Keep pinwheels cold until serving. Make ahead for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon ranch pinwheels, tailgate appetizer, easy appetizer, party food, game day snack

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