Irresistibly Cheesy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe for Party Magic

Crispy, cheesy pizza pinwheels dance with flavor in every delightful bite.

Dough spirals packed with savory ingredients promise a quick and satisfying snack.

Families adore these compact rolls that burst with classic Italian-inspired goodness.

Kids especially love the playful twist on traditional pizza styles.

Handheld and convenient, these pinwheels make perfect party appetizers or weeknight treats.

Minimal preparation meets maximum enjoyment in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You can whip up these irresistible spirals faster than ordering takeout.

Prepare to dive into a world of cheesy, marinara-drenched deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What’s So Tasty About Pizza Pinwheels

• Boost Flavor Variety: Packed with pepperoni, ham, and sausage, these pizza pinwheels deliver a protein-rich taste explosion that satisfies multiple meat lovers in one bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap meats, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses to transform this recipe into a personalized crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
• Perfect Party Starter: These compact, handheld bites are ideal for game days, potlucks, and casual celebrations, offering a convenient and delicious finger food that everyone will enjoy.
• Stress-Free Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a professional-looking appetizer that looks impressive and tastes incredible.

What Goes Into Pizza Pinwheels

• Pizza Dough: A foundational ingredient that provides the structure and texture for the pinwheels.

• Pizza Sauce: A flavorful spread that adds moisture and traditional pizza taste to the pinwheels.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a gooey and stretchy layer throughout the pinwheels.

• Pepperoni, Ham, Sausage: Savory meat toppings that add protein and classic pizza flavor to the pinwheels.
• Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Aromatic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that provide a golden color, rich flavor, and additional cheesy notes to the pinwheels.

• Parchment Paper, Flour: Essential items for creating a non-stick surface and preventing the dough from sticking during preparation.

Simple Steps For Pizza Pinwheels

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth cooking.

Step 2: Flatten The Dough

Dust your work surface with flour and roll out pizza dough into a large rectangular shape with smooth, even thickness.

Step 3: Spread The Sauce

Cover the dough with pizza sauce, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent messy spillovers.

Step 4: Layer The Cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the sauce, creating a complete cheese blanket.

Step 5: Add Protein Toppings

• Chopped pepperoni
• Diced ham
• Crumbled sausage

Step 6: Season The Surface

• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Step 7: Create The Roll

Tightly roll the dough from the long side, forming a compact cylindrical shape and gently pressing to seal the edge.

Step 8: Slice The Pinwheels

Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels, revealing a beautiful spiral pattern.

Step 9: Prepare For Baking

Place pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between each piece.

Step 10: Add Final Touches

Brush pinwheel tops with olive oil and sprinkle grated parmesan for extra flavor and golden color.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Cook for 18-22 minutes until edges turn golden brown and cheese becomes melted and bubbly.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Helpful Pizza Pinwheels Tips

• Flatten Dough Perfectly: Roll the pizza dough evenly to ensure uniform thickness and consistent cooking throughout the pinwheels.
• Balance Ingredient Distribution: Spread sauce, cheese, and meats carefully to create a balanced flavor in every bite without overwhelming any section.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp, clean knife and gentle sawing motion to cut clean pinwheel slices without squishing the rolled dough.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat pepperoni and ham dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from making the dough soggy during baking.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional herbs like basil or red pepper flakes to personalize the taste and add a unique twist to the classic recipe.

Fun Takes On Pizza Pinwheels

• Vegetarian Pinwheel Paradise: Replace meat with sautéed bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a plant-based version packed with flavor and nutrition.
• Mediterranean Herb Escape: Swap traditional pizza sauce with olive tapenade, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired experience.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Roll: Use cauliflower pizza crust or gluten-free dough as a base, keeping all other ingredients consistent for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Spirals: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and add a layer of black beans for a zesty southwestern kick.

Best Matches For Pizza Pinwheels

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty pinwheels with a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that matches the spicy pepperoni and savory sausage flavors.
• Create Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick marinara or garlic aioli that enhances the pinwheels' herbal notes and provides a tangy contrast to the cheesy filling.
• Match with Crisp Salad: Balance the hearty pinwheels with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, cutting through the richness and adding fresh complexity to the meal.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that can stand up to the intense meat and cheese flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the appetizer.

How To Keep Pizza Pinwheels Fresh

• Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen pinwheels in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• For a fast option, microwave refrigerated pinwheels for 30-45 seconds. Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

Pizza Pinwheels FAQ

• Can I make these pizza pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolled dough and slice it, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

• Are there any tips for rolling the dough evenly?

Use a ruler or measuring tape to help create a consistent rectangular shape. Roll from the center outward to maintain an even thickness and prevent uneven edges.

• How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling during baking?

Press the seam firmly when rolling and place the pinwheels seam-side down on the baking sheet. This helps them maintain their spiral shape during cooking.

Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 33-37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory pizza pinwheels spiral delightfully with classic Italian flavors, rolling cheesy goodness into compact bites. Guests and families will devour these quick appetizers, craving each crispy, herb-infused morsel that delivers maximum flavor in minimal space.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups pizza dough
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Protein and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
• 1/4 cup ham, diced
• 1/4 cup cooked sausage, crumbled

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a clean and non-stick surface for your pizza pinwheels.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangular shape, creating an even and thin base for your rolled appetizer.
3. Spread pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the sauce, creating a consistent cheese layer.
5. Distribute the chopped pepperoni, diced ham, and crumbled sausage across the cheese, ensuring an even distribution of protein throughout the surface.
6. Dust the protein layer with dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a compact cylindrical shape, pressing gently to seal the edge.
8. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels, revealing the spiral pattern of ingredients.
9. Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each piece for even cooking.
10. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese for added richness and golden color.
11. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the cheese becomes melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm as a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Customize toppings by swapping meats with vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms, bell peppers, or plant-based protein crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium cheese and reducing processed meat quantities, making the pinwheels heart-friendly.
• Ensure dough is rolled evenly to prevent uneven cooking and maintain consistent texture across all pinwheels.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the rolling process and create a stress-free cooking experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg