Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Make sure to like Living Green and Frugally on Facebook, Shop at Amazon to help support my site and explore our PINTEREST BOARDS for innovative ways you can become self-sufficient.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s sure to impress your friends and family, pizza pinwheels are the perfect choice. These bite-sized treats combine the classic flavors of pizza with a fun, portable shape that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or even as a quick weeknight dinner. Best of all, they’re customizable, so you can easily tailor them to suit your personal tastes or dietary preferences. Let’s dive into what makes pizza pinwheels so irresistible and how you can whip them up in your own kitchen.
What Are Pizza Pinwheels?
Pizza pinwheels are essentially mini pizzas rolled up into a spiral and sliced into bite-sized pieces. They’re typically made using pizza dough or puff pastry, which is spread with your favorite pizza toppings, rolled up, and then sliced before baking. The result is a flavorful, cheesy, and slightly crispy snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Pizza Pinwheels
- Versatile: You can fill pizza pinwheels with virtually any topping you like. From classic pepperoni and mozzarella to vegetarian options like spinach and feta, the possibilities are endless.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch of pizza pinwheels ready to bake in no time. Plus, they require minimal prep work and cooking skills, making them a great option for beginner cooks or when you’re short on time.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love pizza, and they’ll enjoy the fun shape and bite-sized portions of pizza pinwheels. You can even get them involved in the cooking process, letting them choose their toppings or help with rolling the dough.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick snack, or want an easy dinner option, pizza pinwheels are a great choice. Serve them as an appetizer, pack them in a lunchbox, or enjoy them as a main course with a side salad.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza Pinwheels
- Use Fresh Dough: Whether you opt for store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch, ensure the dough is fresh and pliable for easy rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to load up on toppings, overfilling can make it difficult to roll the dough tightly and may cause the pinwheels to fall apart. Stick to a thin layer of sauce and a moderate amount of toppings.
- Chill Before Slicing: If you find the dough is too soft to slice easily, pop the rolled-up dough in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before cutting. This will firm it up and make slicing a breeze.
- Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the pinwheels while they bake, and pull them out when they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Now that you’re familiar with what pizza pinwheels are and why they’re such a hit, let’s get into the recipe!
Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 can of refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or cooked sausage
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. If you’re using pepperoni or other toppings, distribute them evenly on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder over the toppings for added flavor.
- Carefully roll up the dough starting from one of the longer edges, keeping the roll as tight as possible.
- Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces using a sharp knife. You should get about 10-12 pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy Your Pizza Pinwheels!
These pizza pinwheels are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your toppings, this snack is as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for any occasion, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.