Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
