Irresistibly Cheesy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe for Game Day Fun

Crispy and delightful pizza pinwheels dance with flavor in every delectable bite.

Soft tortillas become the perfect canvas for melted cheese and zesty sauce.

Packed with classic Italian ingredients, these spiraled treats offer a playful twist on traditional pizza.

Kids and adults alike will devour these handheld snacks in minutes.

Rolled with care and baked to golden perfection, each pinwheel promises a burst of savory goodness.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, you’ll want to double the batch.

Serve these crowd-pleasing rolls at game day parties or casual gatherings for instant smiles.

Savor the excitement of this simple yet irresistible recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary fun.

How To Make Pizza Pinwheels Step By Step

Step 1: Awaken The Yeast

Combine warm water with yeast, letting it bubble and transform into a frothy mixture. Watch the yeast come alive and activate, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Create Dry Flavor Base

• Flour
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano

Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Form Smooth Dough

Pour the activated yeast and olive oil into the flour mixture. Knead the ingredients until a silky, elastic dough emerges that cleanly separates from the bowl’s sides.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise

Cover the dough and place in a cozy spot for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to expand and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Roll Out The Canvas

Stretch the dough into a large rectangular shape, maintaining an even 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 6: Spread Sauce Layer

Distribute marinara sauce across the dough, leaving a small border to prevent messy overflow.

Step 7: Cheese Foundation

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously, creating a complete cheese coverage.

Step 8: Add Pepperoni

Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese layer.

Step 9: Final Cheese Dusting

Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top for an extra flavor punch.

Step 10: Roll Into Pinwheels

Tightly roll the dough from the long side, forming a compact log shape.

Step 11: Slice Pinwheels

Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick sections using a sharp knife.

Step 12: Prepare For Baking

Position pinwheels on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.

Step 13: Bake To Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown with melted cheese.

Step 14: Cool And Serve

Remove from oven and allow 5 minutes of cooling time before serving to help filling set.

Tips For Making Pizza Pinwheels Better

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation, creating a rich, flavorful base.
• Knead Dough Strategically: Work the dough until smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure for a tender, light texture.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat pepperoni with paper towels to remove excess oil, preventing soggy pinwheels during baking.
• Enhance Flavor Complexity: Sprinkle dried herbs like basil or thyme between cheese layers for an extra aromatic dimension.
• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet to ensure easy pinwheel removal and clean presentation.

Yummy Styles Of Pizza Pinwheels

• Vegetarian Pinwheel: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a meat-free version that's packed with colorful vegetables and robust flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better dough structure, maintaining the same delicious pinwheel texture and taste.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap marinara for pesto sauce, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and add kalamata olives and artichoke hearts for a Greek-inspired appetizer with zesty Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture, sprinkle red pepper flakes, and use pepper jack cheese to create a spicier, more intense pinwheel perfect for heat lovers.

Toppings And Sides For Pizza Pinwheels

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the pepperoni's spiciness and cuts through the rich cheese.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Choose a crisp craft beer with hoppy notes, such as an IPA or pale ale, which balances the pinwheels' robust flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Perfect Side Companions: Serve with a light mixed green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the hearty pinwheels and add nutritional balance.
• Appetizer Enhancement: Add a small dish of marinara sauce on the side for dipping, giving guests an extra layer of tangy tomato flavor to complement the pinwheels.

How To Store Pizza Pinwheels Right

• Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving them for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, arrange pinwheels on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking and maintain their soft texture.

Pizza Pinwheels Questions Answered

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just use the same amount and skip the activation step, mixing it directly with dry ingredients.

• What if my dough isn't rising properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh, the water temperature is between 100-110°F, and you’re letting it rest in a warm, draft-free area. Ideal temperature helps yeast activate effectively.

• How thin should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, which ensures even cooking and allows for easy rolling without tearing. Use a rolling pin and work on a lightly floured surface.

What’s Fun About Pizza Pinwheels

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with classic pizza ingredients like pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara, these pinwheels guarantee delicious bites that will satisfy everyone's taste buds.
• Quick Party Superstar: Ideal for gatherings, game days, and potlucks, these pinwheels can be prepared in advance and serve as a stunning appetizer that looks impressive yet takes minimal effort to create.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable to different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients, these pinwheels work beautifully as a snack, light lunch, or kid-friendly dinner option that doesn't compromise on taste.

What You’ll Need For Pizza Pinwheels

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pizza pinwheels.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for creating rise and developing a light, airy dough with rich flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps control yeast fermentation.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the pizza-style ingredients.
• Dried Oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb taste that elevates the pinwheels.

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create a smooth, elastic dough.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender, soft dough texture.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic pizza flavor and moisture to the pinwheels.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a gooey, melty layer that binds the ingredients together.
• Pepperoni Slices: Delivers a classic pizza taste and protein-rich element.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish and extra depth of flavor.

Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55-58 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory pizza pinwheels roll classic Italian flavors into compact, irresistible bites perfect for snacking or parties. Crisp edges, melted cheese, and zesty marinara make these handheld treats a crowd-pleasing sensation you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour blend, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms that pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
4. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm area for approximately 30 minutes, allowing it to rise and develop flavor.
5. Roll out the dough into a large rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
6. Spread marinara sauce evenly across the dough’s surface, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, creating a complete cheese layer.
8. Arrange pepperoni slices strategically across the cheese, ensuring even distribution.
9. Dust the surface with grated parmesan cheese for an additional flavor boost.
10. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a compact log shape.
11. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife.
12. Place pinwheels on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
13. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
14. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

• Choose room-temperature ingredients to ensure smooth dough consistency and better yeast activation.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a more elastic and tender texture for pinwheels.
• Brush pinwheels with garlic butter or olive oil before baking to enhance golden-brown color and add extra flavor depth.
• Experiment with alternative fillings like ham and swiss, vegetarian options with bell peppers, or swap pepperoni for spicy salami to customize the recipe.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 30mg