If you are craving a crowd-pleasing snack that combines gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and soft, flavorful dough in one bite, this Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe is absolute perfection. These bite-sized delights are not only fun to make but also a guaranteed hit at parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want a delicious treat that’s both comforting and impressive. With a golden crust, melty mozzarella, and a hint of garlic and herbs, these pinwheels bring the ultimate pizza flavor into a convenient, snackable form that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect blend of taste, texture, and aroma to your pinwheels.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This little powerhouse helps your dough rise beautifully, giving the pinwheels their soft, fluffy texture.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast to activate it and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory toppings.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 100-115°F): The perfect temperature to bloom your yeast without killing it.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Incorporates moisture and a rich, fruity flavor into the dough.
- Bread or all-purpose flour (3 to 3 1/2 cups): The foundation for your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dough and the pinwheels overall.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Adds a delicious, fragrant depth that complements the cheese and pepperoni.
- Tuscan-style seasoning blend (1 tablespoon): A mix of herbs that infuses the dough with an Italian flair.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty bite and enriches the dough’s flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Used both for the dough and brushing on top for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (1 cup): The zesty, tangy base layer inside the pinwheels.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): For that gooey, melty cheese pull in every bite.
- Pepperoni slices (40 slices): A classic pizza topping that adds spiciness and texture.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): For a hint of freshness and color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): To season the finishing butter glaze.
How to Make Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the active dry yeast with sugar and warm water in your mixer bowl. Stir until the yeast dissolves, then let it rest for about 3 minutes until it gets foamy and alive—this is the magic moment when your dough will start to rise beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add olive oil, three cups of flour, salt, garlic powder, Tuscan-style seasoning, and Parmesan cheese into the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until a dough ball forms, then knead for another three minutes to develop that perfect stretchiness. The dough may be slightly sticky, which is a good sign—it means your pinwheels will rise nicely.
Step 3: Adjust the Dough Consistency
Add the remaining flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough is manageable but still a touch sticky. The slight stickiness is key to giving the crust a bit of lift and softness when baked.
Step 4: Rest the Dough
Lightly flour your countertop and place the dough ball on it. Cover with a clean dish towel and rest for five minutes. This makes it easier to roll out next.
Step 5: Prepare the Pinwheels
Heat your oven to 350 degrees F and brush a baking sheet with some melted butter. Roll the dough out into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle, then spread 1/2 to 1 cup of marinara sauce over it, keeping a one-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then layer on the pepperoni slices.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly, pinching the pepperoni into the roll as you go to keep it snug. Seal the final inch by pinching the dough closed. Slice into 12 even pieces to create your pinwheels.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they don’t touch. Bake for 20 minutes or until they’re golden and cooked through—your kitchen will smell incredible already!
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
Mix the remaining melted butter with dried parsley and a pinch of salt. Brush this herby butter over the warm pinwheels’ tops and sides, adding a glossy finish that’s bursting with flavor. Serve with extra marinara or Alfredo sauce if you like for dipping fun.
How to Serve Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a dusting of extra Parmesan makes a lovely garnish that brightens the pinwheels with fresh color and flavor, making each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with a crisp garden salad or some roasted veggies to balance the indulgent cheese and pepperoni. A light, refreshing side can make the meal feel more complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your pinwheels upright in a bread basket with small bowls of different dipping sauces, like spicy marinara, garlic aioli, or creamy ranch. They’re also fantastic on a party platter surrounded by colorful veggies for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them moist and flavorful. Refrigerated leftovers stay good for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked pinwheels in a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your pinwheels back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. This will re-crisp the crust and melt the cheese, restoring their fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using premade pizza dough can save you time and still give great results. Just roll it out and follow the same layering and rolling steps for an easy shortcut.
What if I don’t have Tuscan-style seasoning blend?
No worries! You can substitute with Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to achieve a similar herbaceous flavor.
Can I make these pinwheels vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for a tasty vegetarian version.
Is it okay to prepare the pinwheels ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if they come straight out of the fridge.
Are these pinwheels freezer-friendly after baking?
Yes, once cooled completely, they freeze well. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe is a total winner for when you want something easy, cheesy, and irresistible without much fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a tasty snack, these pinwheels are fun to make and even more fun to eat. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and bake yourself some warm, melty joy—you won’t regret it!
PrintEasy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
These Easy Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and delicious appetizer or snack, featuring homemade pizza dough rolled with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Parmesan. Perfectly baked golden brown and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels (12 servings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (9g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (100–115 degrees F)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3–3 1/2 cups bread or all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Tuscan-Style Seasoning Blend (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Filling and Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 40 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let the mixture rest until it becomes foamy, about 3 minutes, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the olive oil, 3 cups of flour, salt, garlic powder, Tuscan-style seasoning, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until the dough forms a ball, then knead for an additional 3 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be slightly sticky for ideal texture.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: Gradually add the remaining flour, one tablespoon at a time, as needed to achieve the right stickiness. The dough should remain a little sticky to help the crust rise nicely when baked.
- Rest the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop, place the dough ball on it, cover with a clean dish towel, and let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a baking sheet with some of the melted butter and reserve the rest for later.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll the rested dough out into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 to 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add Toppings and Roll: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and lay the pepperoni slices evenly on top. Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough up, pinching the pepperoni into the roll if they shift. Use the last 1 inch of clean dough to pinch and seal the roll tightly.
- Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough evenly into 12 slices. Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they do not touch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush with Butter and Serve: While baking, mix the remaining melted butter with dried parsley and salt in a small bowl. After baking, brush the tops and sides of the pinwheels with this garlic butter mixture. Serve warm with additional marinara or Alfredo sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or topping before rolling.
- You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or vegetables for a different flavor.
- Ensure the water is not too hot when activating the yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for convenience; let it come to room temperature before rolling.
- These pinwheels freeze well before baking—slice and freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
