Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and easy twist on traditional pizza, turning your favorite pizza ingredients into bite-sized, flavorful pinwheels. These delicious snacks are made by spreading pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings (like pepperoni or vegetables) on a sheet of pizza dough, rolling it up, and slicing it into bite-sized rounds. They’re baked until golden and gooey, making them a perfect appetizer, party snack, or even a fun meal for kids.
I first made pizza pinwheels when I wanted a quick and customizable snack that everyone would love. The best part about these pinwheels is how versatile they are—you can add whatever toppings you like, from classic pepperoni and beef sausage to olives, mushrooms, or even pineapple. The cheesy, savory center with a crispy outer edge makes each bite irresistible. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to disappear in no time!
Perfect for:
- Party appetizers
- Family dinners
- Movie nights
- Snack time
- Pizza lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Pizza Pinwheels will become your go-to snack or appetizer:
- Pizza in a Bite: Enjoy all the delicious flavors of pizza in a fun, portable form.
- Customizable Fillings: Add your favorite pizza toppings, from pepperoni to veggies, for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Parties: These bite-sized pinwheels are easy to serve and perfect for any gathering.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, these pinwheels come together in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, plus they’ll love eating these mini pizzas.
- Flaky and Cheesy: The dough bakes up soft and flaky, with gooey melted cheese in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the pinwheels in advance and bake them right before serving for convenience.
- Versatile Recipe: Use gluten-free or whole wheat dough for a healthier alternative, or switch up the cheese to suit your tastes.
- Satisfying Snack: These pinwheels are a perfect combination of dough, cheese, and toppings that will keep you coming back for more.
- A Fun Twist on Pizza: A creative and fun way to enjoy pizza in a new form.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Filling:
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni or other pizza toppings of choice (e.g., olives, bell peppers, mushrooms)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Extra pizza sauce for dipping (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty and gooey texture, making each bite irresistible.
- Pizza Sauce: Adds the essential tomato flavor to tie everything together.
- Dough: The base of the pinwheels, light and soft, perfectly complements the toppings.
- Toppings: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings, whether it’s pepperoni, mushrooms, or veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Form the Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread Pizza Sauce: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your choice of toppings.
- Season: Sprinkle the oregano and garlic powder over the filling for extra flavor.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Cut the Pinwheels: Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch pieces and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Bake the Pinwheels:
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the pinwheels with fresh basil leaves and extra pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Pizza Pinwheels:
- As an Appetizer: Perfect for serving at parties, weddings, or family gatherings.
- With Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For Movie Nights: Serve as a fun snack during movie marathons or game nights.
- With Extra Sauce: Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
- For Lunch: Great for a quick and easy lunch option.
- With Cheese Dip: Serve with a side of creamy cheese dip for added indulgence.
- On the Go: Pack these in lunchboxes or for a picnic.
- As a Finger Food: Perfect for finger foods at events or gatherings.
- With Garlic Butter: Drizzle with melted garlic butter for extra flavor.
- As a Snack: Enjoy as a quick snack any time of the day.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Dough: Use pre-made crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or homemade pizza dough depending on your desired texture—crispy, flaky, or soft and chewy.
- Spread Evenly: Apply sauce and toppings in a thin, even layer to prevent the pinwheels from becoming soggy or difficult to roll.
- Pre-Cook Ingredients: If using raw veggies or meats like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage, pre-cook and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
- Chill Before Slicing: After rolling up the dough, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm it up for cleaner, easier slicing.
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp, serrated knife ensures smooth, even cuts without squashing the dough.
- Add Cheese Strategically: Sprinkle a bit of cheese at the edges before rolling to help seal the pinwheels and lock in the toppings.
- Brush with Egg Wash: For a golden, glossy finish, brush the tops with a light egg wash before baking.
- Line the Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try swapping traditional toppings for pesto, spinach, and feta, or even dessert pinwheels with Nutella and bananas.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing as fun dips to complement your pinwheels and elevate their flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Pinwheels: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free option.
- Vegetarian Pinwheels: Load up with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives for a veggie-packed option.
- Cheesy Garlic Pinwheels: Skip the sauce and fill with mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic for a cheesy treat.
- BBQ Chicken Pinwheels: Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and add cooked chicken for a twist.
- Spinach and Ricotta Pinwheels: Use spinach and ricotta for a Mediterranean-style filling.
- Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: Swap in buffalo sauce and shredded chicken for a spicy variation.
Special Equipment
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
- Sharp Knife: To slice the rolled dough into even pinwheels.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the pinwheels evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, for an easier cleanup.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. - Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them before baking. Bake them just before serving. - Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Yes, freeze the uncooked pinwheels and bake them straight from the freezer when ready. - How long do these last?
The pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to load up with your favorite pizza toppings. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cheddar, provolone, or any cheese you prefer. - Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan cheese and a dairy-free dough for a vegan version. - Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes, you can make the dough from scratch using your favorite pizza dough recipe. - Can I bake these pinwheels in a muffin tin?
Yes, baking them in a muffin tin will create more individual servings with crispy edges. - How do I reheat leftover pinwheels?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for the best texture.
Conclusion
Pizza Pinwheels are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional pizza that combines all your favorite pizza ingredients rolled into a tasty, easy-to-eat snack. Soft pizza dough is spread with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of toppings, then rolled up and sliced into perfectly portioned pinwheels. Each bite is filled with melty cheese, savory sauce, and just the right balance of flavors, making these pinwheels a crowd-pleasing appetizer or lunch option.
These pinwheels are versatile and can be customized with any of your favorite pizza toppings—pepperoni, sausage, olives, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of Italian herbs. They’re baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a warm, cheesy center that’s sure to satisfy. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them as is.
I can’t wait to see how your Pizza Pinwheels turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your creative takes on this dish. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made them your own!