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Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

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.

  • Author: Chef
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and cooked through.
  10. 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.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/easy-pizza-pinwheels-recipe/