Name: Pizza Pinwheels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Just imagine walking into the kitchen, where the warm, inviting aroma of dough baking wafts through the air, laced with savory spices and melted cheese. As you gather around the table with family and friends, the sight of golden, gooey pizza pinwheels ready to be savored sparks excitement. Each swirl showcases a delightful mix of pepperoni, marinara, and stretchy mozzarella—gifts from the culinary gods themselves!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pizza Pinwheels
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pizza Pinwheels

These pizza pinwheels aren’t just snacks; they carry a sprinkle of nostalgia and joy. I fondly remember crafting these delightful bites during game nights with friends, where laughter and playful banter echoed in our kitchen. The joy wasn’t just in eating them; it was about creating memories together. Whether you’re throwing a party, hosting a game day, or just craving a quick bite, these pizza pinwheels will always be a winning choice. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and make some together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven mean these pinwheels are ready before you know it!
Irresistible Flavor: Imagine warm, cheesy goodness with every bite, complemented by zesty marinara and pepperoni.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These delightful swirls are not only delicious—they’re super fun to serve and cute to look at.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—snack time, parties, or even a cozy movie night.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with the right substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough: This forms the base for our pinwheels, giving you that classic pizza texture. Feel free to substitute with homemade dough if you’re feeling adventurous!
2 cups marinara sauce (divided): Choose your favorite brand for the best flavor. This sauce provides moisture and richness. You can also use pizza sauce if preferred.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: This little touch of flavor elevates your sauce, keeping everything savory and delightful.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds depth with a blend of herbs; you can substitute with oregano or thyme if you don’t have it on hand.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the flavors perfectly. Adjust to your taste preference.
1/4 tsp pepper: A pinch adds warmth—don’t skip this!
Pinch of red pepper flakes: For that gentle kick. Adjust according to your spice preference.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: The gooey, melty cheese we all know and love. Try provolone for a different flavor twist!
1/3 cup grated parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the mozzarella.
32 pepperoni slices: Classic pizza topping that brings a satisfying meaty flavor. Consider using turkey or plant-based pepperoni as alternatives.
2 tsp parsley: A sprinkle on top adds a beautiful splash of color and freshness when serving.

How to Make Pizza Pinwheels

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. On a large cutting board, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough, and gently roll it out until it’s about ¼–⅓ inch thick. A little extra love in the rolling ensures a delightful, fluffy interior.

Spread the Sauce: Spread marinara over the surface of the dough, leaving about an inch along one long edge clean. This will help seal the roll later. Think of all the layers of flavor you’re about to add! With each motion, you can already feel the excitement building.

Season It Up: With your marinara spread, sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Each addition enhances the overall flavor profile, creating an irresistible base. Now, add a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, followed by a hearty layer of pepperoni. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Roll It Up: Gently roll the dough into a log, keeping a hand on the pepperoni to ensure that everything holds together nicely. It’s like a tasty little gift waiting to be unwrapped! Once rolled, press the clean edge to seal it and prevent any surprises during baking.

Slice and Arrange: With the log securely rolled, carefully slice it in half. Then, cut each half into two more pieces, giving you four sections. Each section should then be cut into three pinwheels—this will yield a total of 12 delightful bites. Arrange the pinwheels on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s some space between each for puffing.

Bake to Perfection: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Pay attention to the delightful smell wafting through your kitchen—it’s absolutely heavenly!

Garnish and Serve: Once done, let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes. They’re hot! Finish with a sprinkle of parsley to add that touch of freshness. Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for is here; it’s time to dig in!

Storing & Reheating

To store your tasty pizza pinwheels, let them cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll last for about 2–3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the baked pinwheels in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. Keep in mind that while they still taste great after freezing, the texture may be slightly different, so refreshing them in the oven works wonders!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid unrolling the dough too quickly; a gentle touch prevents tearing.
For the best flavor, let your ingredients like cheese and sauce sit out for a few minutes before using; bringing them to room temperature helps them meld together beautifully.
If you want perfectly round pinwheels, use a sharp knife and press down firmly with each cut rather than sawing back and forth.
Don’t hesitate to up your vegetable game by adding slices of bell pepper or mushrooms inside the roll—get creative!
These can easily be made ahead of time; just prepare them up to the baking point, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when you’re ready.

By focusing on simple steps and fresh ingredients, you’ll find these pinwheels are a quick, fun, and delicious option for any occasion!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can add a lovely personal touch to your pinwheels. Just ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness as a store-bought dough—around ¼–⅓ inch works best.

Can I make these pizza pinwheels vegetarian?

Certainly! Just leave out the pepperoni and add some colorful veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or olives. You can also add a dash of Italian seasoning to keep the flavors robust.

What dipping sauces go well with pizza pinwheels?

These delightful bites pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a zesty garlic aioli. Experimenting with different dips can elevate the experience even further!

How do I know when my pizza pinwheels are done baking?

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color around the edges and any melted cheese bubbling up. The fragrance in your kitchen will also be a good indicator that they are ready to be savored!

Each bite of these pizza pinwheels brings warmth, joy, and endless possibilities. As you customize and make this recipe your own, embrace the little joyful moments it creates in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious swirl!