Pizza Pinwheels

Pizza pinwheels are a delightful and fun twist on traditional pizza, perfect for parties, snacks, or even a casual family dinner. Made by rolling pizza dough with your favorite toppings and cheese, then slicing and baking into spiral bites, they’re easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pizza pinwheels combine the comfort of pizza with the convenience of finger food. They are customizable, kid-friendly, and make an ideal appetizer or lunchbox treat. Whether you’re hosting a game night or looking for a quick dinner idea, these pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• Pizza sauce or marinara

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Pepperoni slices or other preferred toppings

• Italian seasoning

• Olive oil (optional, for brushing)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.

3. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough.

4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.

5. Add pepperoni slices or any toppings of your choice.

6. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for added flavor.

7. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log.

8. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch sections to form pinwheels.

9. Place pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.

10. Brush the tops with olive oil if desired.

11. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

12. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 pinwheels and serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and use mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives instead.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicier version.

• Cheese Lovers: Mix in cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan with the mozzarella.

• Pesto Base: Swap pizza sauce for pesto for a flavorful twist.

• Breakfast Style: Use scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheese for a morning treat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until heated through. For best results, avoid reheating in the microwave if you prefer a crispy texture.

FAQs

What type of dough should I use for pizza pinwheels?

You can use store-bought refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough. Both work well, but homemade can provide a richer flavor and better texture.

Can I make pizza pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can these be frozen?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked pinwheels in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes.

What sauces go well with pizza pinwheels?

Marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing are excellent dipping sauces for serving.

How do I prevent them from becoming soggy?

Avoid overloading with sauce or wet toppings. Use a light layer of sauce and blot vegetables if they contain a lot of moisture.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?

Yes, puff pastry creates a flakier, buttery alternative. Just watch the baking time as it may vary slightly.

Are they suitable for kids?

Yes, kids usually love these. You can customize the filling to include only ingredients they enjoy.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pizza dough available in stores or homemade to accommodate dietary needs.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to blend in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for added flavor.

How do I keep the pinwheels from unraveling?

Ensure you roll the dough tightly and place the seam side down on the baking sheet. Pressing gently after slicing also helps them hold shape.

Conclusion

Pizza pinwheels are a simple, tasty, and versatile recipe that brings the beloved flavors of pizza into a convenient, handheld snack. Whether you’re preparing a party appetizer, a fun family meal, or just looking for a new way to enjoy pizza, these pinwheels are sure to impress. Customize them to your taste and enjoy a crispy, cheesy treat any time of the day

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