Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Pizza pinwheels are a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza, perfect for parties or a cozy snack. These bite-sized treats combine layers of marinara, cheese, and pepperoni rolled into a savory spiral. Easy to make and sure to please everyone, they’re a must-try for pizza lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
• 2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan
• 32 pepperoni slices
• 2 tsp parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a large cutting board, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and gently roll it out until it’s about ¼ to ⅓ inch thick.
2. Step 2: Spread 1 ¾ cups of marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch along one long edge free to allow for sealing later.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the sauce with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top, then cover with all the pepperoni slices.
4. Step 4: Carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log shape, keeping a hand on the pepperoni so it stays in place as you roll.
5. Step 5: Once rolled, slice the log in half, then cut each half into two equal sections, giving you four sections total. Slice each section into three pinwheels.
6. Step 6: Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley. Serve warm with the remaining marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different herb flavor.
• For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or olives for added veggie flavor.
• If you don’t have refrigerated dough, you can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough rolled out similarly.
• Make mini pinwheels by cutting thinner slices before baking for bite-sized appetizers.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crisped. Avoid microwaving to keep the dough from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze pizza pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze the pinwheels before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen; add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use if I don’t have marinara sauce?

You can substitute marinara with any pizza sauce or even a simple tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and herbs. Alternatively, pesto or alfredo sauce can create unique flavor variations.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

These delicious Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and easy appetizer or snack, featuring rolled slices of pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasoned marinara sauce wrapped in warm, flaky pizza dough. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these bite-sized treats offer all the flavors of a classic pizza in a portable, pinwheel shape.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

Filling and Seasoning

• 2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 32 pepperoni slices
• 2 tsp parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Dough:

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a large cutting board, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and gently roll it out with a rolling pin until it is about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick, creating an even surface for the toppings.

2. Spread Marinara Sauce:

   Spread most of the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch along one long edge free of sauce to allow for sealing the dough when rolled.

3. Season Sauce and Add Cheese & Pepperoni:

   Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes evenly over the sauce. Then add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top. Finally, cover the entire surface with the pepperoni slices, ensuring even distribution.

4. Roll the Dough:

   Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, keeping a hand on the pepperoni to prevent any toppings from falling out and to maintain a compact roll.

5. Slice the Roll:

   Once rolled, slice the log in half, then cut each half in half again to create four sections. Cut each section into three equal pinwheels, yielding 12 pinwheels total.

6. Bake:

   Arrange the pinwheels on your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes after baking, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or substitute spicy pepperoni.
• These pinwheels can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
• You can customize fillings with sautéed vegetables or different cheeses for variety.

Keywords: Pizza pinwheels, pizza appetizer, party snacks, easy pizza recipe, pepperoni pinwheels, baked pizza rolls