Pizza Pinwheels
Imagine this: fresh dough, warm and inviting, as it willingly rolls out before you. The aroma of bubbling marinara, combined with the savory scent of melting cheese and zesty pepperoni, dances in the air, beckoning you to dive in. Just the sight of these golden, gooey Pizza Pinwheels makes your mouth water, filling you with anticipation. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family movie night or a lively game day gathering, these pinwheels are sure to steal the spotlight and disappear faster than you can say “delicious.”
Table of Contents
I can still remember the first time I made these beauties. It was a rainy Saturday, and the kids and I decided to create our own mini pizza masterpieces. The laughter and creativity flowed as we unraveled the dough and layered our favorite toppings. Those warm pinwheels fresh out of the oven were devoured almost instantly, and I was left with happy, satisfied faces all around. The joy of crafting and sharing this snack is a memory I cherish! Now, let’s bring some of that excitement to your kitchen. Get ready to make Pizza Pinwheels that will surely delight your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You’ll whip these up in just 15 minutes, plus another 25 for baking.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These pinwheels are not only fun to eat but also look so festive on any platter.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or as a delicious snack anytime.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap the pizza dough for gluten-free dough or use vegan cheese for dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This is the star of the show. Using pre-made dough saves time and ensures great texture. Feel free to choose whole wheat or gluten-free varieties if desired.
- Marinara sauce: This provides the classic pizza flavor. Opt for your favorite brand but ensure it’s robust and flavorful. If you’re feeling creative, try a homemade version!
- Garlic powder: The little pinch adds zesty flavor and complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth to the entire dish. You can also use oregano or basil if that’s what you have on hand.
- Salt and pepper: These staples elevate the overall flavors of your pinwheels; don’t skip them!
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch gives a nice kick! Adjust based on your heat preference.
- Shredded mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully and pulls apart like no other, giving your pinwheels that classic pizza oozy goodness.
- Grated parmesan: This adds a sharp, nutty flavor that lifts the overall profile of the dish.
- Pepperoni slices: The quintessential pizza topper, lending smoky and savory notes.
- Parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a lovely pop of color.
How to Make Pizza Pinwheels
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze! Meanwhile, take the refrigerated pizza dough and unroll it on a large cutting board. Gently roll it out until it’s about ¼–⅓ inch thick, ensuring an even surface to work with.
Spread the Sauce: Once rolled out, grab your marinara sauce and spread a generous layer over the dough, leaving an inch of clean edge along one long side. This edge is crucial for sealing your pinwheels later, so keep it clear. Feel free to slather on more sauce if you adore that tomato flavor!
Season & Layer: Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes evenly over the marinara. Next, shower the entire surface with a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, creating layers of cheesy goodness. Then, cover it completely with pepperoni slices, ensuring each bite will burst with flavor.
Roll the Dough: Now, gently and carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge opposite the clean inch. Use one hand to steady the pepperoni as you roll, ensuring everything stays nice and snug. Just think of it as creating a giant pepperoni and cheese burrito!
Slice with Care: Once you have your log, slice it in half, then cut each half into two again, resulting in four sections. From there, cut each of those sections into three pinwheels. Aim for about one-inch thick slices to achieve bite-sized perfection!
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between them to puff up as they bake. Pop them in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes. You know they’re done when they’re puffed up and golden brown, with the delightful scent of melty cheese wafting through your kitchen!
Finish & Serve: Let your pinwheels cool for a few minutes, then give them a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. Trust me, they’re so flavorful and irresistible, you might want to keep them to yourself!
Storing & Reheating
To preserve your delicious Pizza Pinwheels, store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If planning to keep them longer, pop them in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where they’ll last for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in foil or in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For reheating, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, just until heated through. While the texture may be a touch different, reheating in the oven helps retain some crispy edges and warm centers.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid unrolling the dough too quickly to prevent tearing; take your time!
- If your pizza dough is cold, let it sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Make sure your pinwheel slices are uniform for even cooking — too thick and they won’t cook through; too thin and they’ll get crispy.
- Consider mixing in some extra ingredients like bell peppers or olives to jazz up the flavor profile!
- These pinwheels can be made ahead of time—simply prepare them, refrigerate, and bake when your guests arrive for fresh, warm bites.
When it comes to the deliciousness of Pizza Pinwheels, you’re in for quite a treat! These bite-sized delights are not only simple to make but also versatile for any occasion. You can experiment with different sauces or toppings based on your cravings. Remember, whether you’re preparing them for a gathering or treating yourself, they are bound to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy the cheesy goodness, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for these pinwheels?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the same thickness as store-bought dough for even cooking. The flavor of fresh dough can take your Pizza Pinwheels to the next level!
Are these pinwheels freezable?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked pinwheels tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready for a quick snack; there’s no need to thaw them first—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Can I customize the toppings?
Of course! Feel free to swap out the pepperoni for your favorite toppings like cooked sausage, veggies, or even a layer of pesto. The beauty of Pizza Pinwheels lies in their adaptability; get creative and make them your own!
How do I know when my pinwheels are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when they are puffed up and golden brown. Also, the cheese should be bubbling around the edges. If you see an inviting golden color, they’re most likely perfect—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
More Dinner Recipes
- Classic Homemade Pumpkin Pie
- Honey Mustard Pork Chops
- Lobster Tail in Irresistible Garlic Butter
- White Bolognese (Ragù Bianco)
- Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Pizza Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Pizza Pinwheels are a delightful treat with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a quick prep time. Perfect for a cozy night or party snack!
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Shredded mozzarella
- Grated parmesan
- Pepperoni slices
- Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough until about ¼–⅓ inch thick.
- Spread marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a one-inch clean edge.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over the sauce.
- Layer shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and pepperoni slices evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, ensuring ingredients stay in place.
- Slice the rolled dough into one-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place pinwheels on the baking sheet with space between each.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
- Let cool, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For easy handling, allow cold pizza dough to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
Pinwheel slices should be uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
Feel free to customize toppings based on preferences!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
