Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Pizza pinwheels are a fun and tasty twist on classic pizza, perfect for parties or a snack. These bite-sized rolls are filled with marinara, cheese, and pepperoni, baked until golden and bubbly.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a large cutting board, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and gently roll it out until it’s about ¼–⅓ inch thick.
2. Step 2: Spread marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch along one long edge clean to help seal the roll later.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes evenly over the sauce. Add a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then cover it all with pepperoni slices.
4. Step 4: Carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, keeping a hand on the pepperoni so everything stays in place.
5. Step 5: Slice the log in half, then cut each half into two sections, giving you four. Cut each section into three pinwheels.
6. Step 6: Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 22–25 minutes, until they are puffed up and a deep golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a layer of thinly sliced bell peppers or olives before rolling the dough.
• Use spicy pepperoni or add extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Try swapping mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a different cheese texture.
• Brush the dough edges with a little water before rolling to help seal the pinwheels tightly.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to keep them crispy. You can also freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the tray tightly and bake within 24 hours.

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought dough works equally well. Just roll it out to the same thickness for best results.

Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 121 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Pinwheels featuring layers of marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni rolled in soft pizza dough, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for parties and gatherings.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
• Total Time: 32-35 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

Sauce and Seasoning

• 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

Cheese and Toppings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan
• 32 pepperoni slices
• 2 tsp parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a large cutting board, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and gently roll it out until it is about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick.
2. Spread Marinara Sauce: Spread most of the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch clear along one long edge to allow sealing the roll later.
3. Season Sauce and Add Cheese & Pepperoni: Sprinkle the sauce with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, then evenly distribute the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
4. Roll the Dough: Starting from the edge with sauce and toppings, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, holding the toppings in place as you roll. Use the clear edge without sauce to seal the roll together.
5. Slice the Log: Once rolled, slice the log in half, then cut each half in half again to create four sections. Then cut each section into three pinwheels, making a total of twelve pieces.
6. Arrange and Bake: Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute pepperoni with other toppings like cooked sausage or vegetables.
• For extra crispiness, brush the pinwheels with a little olive oil before baking.
• Make sure to leave the edge of the dough without sauce to seal the roll properly.
• Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: Pizza pinwheels, appetizer, party snack, pepperoni pizza, cheese roll-ups, easy pizza recipe