Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Say hello to the ultimate party-starter or after-school snack: Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels. These bite-sized swirls are everything you love about classic pepperoni pizza, but conveniently rolled up into handheld morsels with gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and a golden crust. Whether you’re wowing guests, packing lunchboxes, or looking for an easy, kid-approved treat, these pinwheels bring pizza-night magic to every occasion. Get ready for every last one to disappear fast — they’re irresistibly delicious and so much fun to make and eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels is how just a few familiar ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential part, from the doughy base to the cheesy topping, making these pinwheels as memorable as any homemade pizza.
- Pizza Dough: The foundation of your pinwheels—refrigerated pizza dough is convenient and gives you that chewy, classic pizza crust after baking.
- Pizza Sauce: Adds tangy, herby flavor and keeps every bite moist; use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For those melty, stretchy cheese pulls that everyone loves with pizza.
- Sliced Pepperoni: Brings a touch of spice, smokiness, and that irresistible savory kick. Stack or slightly overlap for full coverage!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A finishing flourish for sharp, nutty depth and a gorgeous golden topping.
- Italian Seasoning: Rounds out the pizza flavor with its blend of oregano, basil, and garlic—don’t skip this step!
- Olive Oil (optional): Brushing the tops before baking adds gloss and helps everything crisp up beautifully.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Ingredients
First things first: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Lay out all of your ingredients so you can assemble your Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels quickly—this is a fast-moving recipe!
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll your sheet of refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Stretch it gently into a rectangle if needed, keeping it even so every pinwheel turns out just right.
Step 3: Sauce and Cheese It Up
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. This border is your insurance policy to keep the sauce from spilling out. Next, sprinkle mozzarella cheese all over the sauce for that perfect cheesy layer.
Step 4: Add the Pepperoni
Arrange the sliced pepperoni evenly across the cheese layer. For maximum flavor in every bite, be generous—overlapping a little is encouraged! Now your pinwheels will have the signature spicy, savory goodness in every spiral.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log, just like making cinnamon rolls. Take your time here, as the tighter you roll, the more defined your pinwheels will be. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 even rounds.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Arrange the slices cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet. If you’re feeling a little fancy, brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning for extra flavor and color. Pop them into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until they’re bubbly and gloriously golden.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving—just long enough that the cheese sets but everything is still irresistibly warm and gooey.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
Garnishes
Right before serving, give your pinwheels a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil, or a little extra Parmesan for restaurant-style presentation. A light drizzle of garlic butter is another fabulous touch that takes these from tasty to show-stopping.
Side Dishes
Pair Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels with a simple side salad or a platter of crisp veggies for balance. They’re spectacular with a side of warm marinara for dipping, or even garlic knots if you’re all in for a pizza party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a board with colorful dips in the center, or stack them on a cake stand for a fun twist. Try skewering them on cocktail sticks for grab-and-go bites, or pack them in lunchboxes as a playful, satisfying surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftover Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days and make a fantastic next-day snack or lunchbox filler.
Freezing
Freeze cooled pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. This way, they won’t stick together. You can freeze them for up to two months—just reheat straight from the freezer when you need a quick treat.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. You can also microwave for 30 seconds in a pinch, but the oven will restore their deliciously crisp edges best.
FAQs
Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for parties or busy weeknights.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative—try sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or cooked sausage for extra flavor. Just keep toppings finely chopped and not too heavy so the pinwheels roll and bake evenly.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Puff pastry gives the pinwheels an even flakier, crispier texture. Just be sure to bake until fully golden and allow a few extra minutes in the oven, as puff pastry puffs up a bit more.
How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Roll the dough tightly from the start, and press the edge to seal it well before slicing. Placing the slices cut-side up on the baking sheet helps them hold their shape, and chilling before slicing can also help if the dough is very soft.
Are Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels good served at room temperature?
Definitely! They taste great warm or cooled, so they’re perfect for parties or on-the-go snacks when you can’t serve them piping hot. Just store any leftovers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fun, flavorful, and sure to please a crowd, Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are the way to go. Give them a try for your next gathering or cozy night in—you’ll find out just how quickly they disappear, and how easy it is to fall in love with this playful spin on classic pizza!
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Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, perfect for parties or quick snacks. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
Toppings:
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
- Add toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, add pepperoni slices.
- Roll the dough: Roll up the dough into a log and slice into pinwheels.
- Bake: Place the pinwheels on the baking sheet, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan and seasoning, bake until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can customize with different toppings like sausage, bell peppers, or olives.
- For a crispier texture, puff pastry can be used instead of pizza dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
