Name: Pizza Pinwheels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough; 2 cups marinara sauce (divided); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan; 32 pepperoni slices; 2 tsp parsley

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There’s something wonderfully comforting about the aroma of freshly baked pizza wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: golden, puffy pinwheels rolling from the oven, with melted cheese oozing from each bite, and a hint of garlic teasing your senses. These Pizza Pinwheels are not just food; they’re little bundles of joy that bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. They remind me of cozy evenings gathered with family, indulging in cheesy delights while the game plays in the background.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pizza Pinwheels
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pizza Pinwheels

Whether it’s a bustling game day, a lively party, or simply a Saturday night craving, these cute little bites make everything more fun. They’re quick to whip up and disappear even faster, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser. So grab your rolling pin and a big appetite, because you’re going to want to make these Pizza Pinwheels again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking; you’ll be enjoying these in less than an hour!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and savory marinara creates a taste explosion that you can’t resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Roll them up into swirls, and watch as everyone reaches for a piece — they’re not just delicious, they’re fun to eat!
Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer at parties, a movie night snack, or even a light lunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust for dairy-free or gluten-free needs by swapping out the cheese or dough.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough: This simplifies the preparation; you can also use homemade pizza dough, but this saves time.
2 cups marinara sauce (divided): A rich, flavorful base; feel free to swap in your favorite pasta sauce or make your own for a fresh twist.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: This adds a punch of flavor; fresh minced garlic works too if you prefer more texture.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs ties everything together, but you could substitute with fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the overall flavor, adjustable to your taste.
Pinch of red pepper flakes: For a subtle kick; skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melty and stretchy cheese is key here; try blending with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for extra flavor.
1/3 cup grated Parmesan: This adds a nutty, salty contrast to the mozzarella. Pecorino Romano can be substituted for a sharper flavor.
32 pepperoni slices: The classic topping for a reason! You can swap with turkey pepperoni or even veggies for a lighter version.
2 tsp parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. Dried parsley works as well if fresh isn’t available.

How to Make Pizza Pinwheels

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Take your tube of refrigerated pizza dough and get it ready on a large cutting board. Gently roll it out until it reaches about ¼–⅓ inch thick. Aim for an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Spread the Marinara: Once your dough is rolled out, it’s time to add that marinara sauce. Use a spatula to spread a generous layer across the entire dough, leaving about an inch along one long edge clear. This edge will help seal your roll, so don’t skip this part.

Season and Layer: Sprinkle in your garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes right on top of the sauce. Then, grate a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce, allowing the cheeses to mingle. Now, cover the whole masterpiece with pepperoni slices. You can layer them closely for a hearty bite or scatter them lightly, depending on your preference.

Roll It Up: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, keeping all those delicious fillings secure. Use one hand to hold the pepperoni in place while rolling. Once it’s tightly rolled, slice it in half, and then slice each half into two sections, giving you four sections. Finally, cut each section into three pinwheels, making a total of twelve bite-size pieces.

Bake to Perfection: Place your pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to puff up. Slide them into the oven and let them bake for about 22–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and watch for that beautiful golden brown color and the cheese bubbling at the edges.

Garnish and Serve: Once they’ve reached that perfect golden hue, remove your pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with fresh parsley for that added burst of color and flavor. Now you’re ready to enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your delicious Pizza Pinwheels, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer-term storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week in the same type of container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze your pinwheels in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a quick reheat brings back that delightful warmth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When rolling the dough, make sure it’s tight to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Room temperature dough makes it easier to roll; if it feels too cold, let it sit for a bit before working with it.
For a crispier bottom, place the baking sheet on a preheated pizza stone.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses — mixing cheddar or gouda can add a unique flavor.
If you have leftover filling, try using it as a dip for your pinwheels!
You can prepare pinwheels ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Take a moment to savor these Pizza Pinwheels before they vanish from the plate. These bites of cheesy goodness are sure to be a hit at any gathering, with their fun swirls and robust flavors bringing joy to any occasion. You could even try adding your favorite toppings or dipping sauces for a personalized touch. The next time you’re in the mood for something mouthwatering and simple, remember these pinwheels — they’re perfect for sharing or a delightful solo treat. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creations!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate them for a day or two. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of pepperoni?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try using cooked sausage, turkey pepperoni, or even sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie twist. The choice is yours – let your taste buds guide you!

Can the dough be frozen?

Yes! Unused pizza dough can be frozen for future use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight the day before you plan to make your pinwheels.

How do I know when my pinwheels are done baking?

You’ll know your Pizza Pinwheels are ready when they’re puffed up and golden brown around the edges. You’ll see the cheese bubbling and both the dough and toppings are invitingly aromatic — that’s your cue to take them out!