Meet your new party hero: Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels. These golden, cheesy bites wrap up everything we love about classic pizza in a fun, shareable spiral. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick trip to the oven, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes. Cheesy, saucy, and packed with pepperoni, they’re perfect for gatherings, after-school snacks, or those inevitable pizza cravings. Once you try them, you’ll see why Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are a must-make for pizza lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to whip up a batch of Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels — in fact, you probably have most of what you need already! Each ingredient brings its own magic, creating spirals that are cheesy, savory, and satisfyingly crispy around the edges.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This is the canvas for your pinwheels, and its fluffy, golden texture bakes up beautifully.
- Pizza sauce: Delivers that tangy, tomatoey flavor we crave in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The secret to that irresistible melt and stretch — don’t skimp!
- Sliced pepperoni: Adds a spicy, smoky bite and a pop of color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a savory, nutty finish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring out those classic pizza shop vibes.
- Olive oil (optional): A light brush amps up the shine and crispiness.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – not only does it prevent sticking, but it also makes clean-up a breeze. This way, your Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels bake up evenly and come off the tray without a fuss.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll that sheet of refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Don’t worry about it being perfectly shaped — just aim for a rectangle. This helps create nice, even pinwheels and makes rolling super simple.
Step 3: Sauce and Cheese It Up
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border. This border keeps the sauce from escaping (no messy bakes here). Sprinkle the mozzarella over the sauce so every bite is gooey and cheesy.
Step 4: Add Pepperoni and Get Rolling
Layer the sliced pepperoni all over the cheese, distributing them as generously as you like. Once covered, start rolling the dough up tightly from one of the long sides — the tighter the roll, the better your Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels will look when sliced.
Step 5: Slice Into Pinwheels
With a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 even pinwheels. Tip: Use a gentle sawing motion to keep their spiral shape intact. Place each one cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to puff up as they bake.
Step 6: Season and Bake
For extra flavor, brush the tops with olive oil (if desired), then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let them cool just enough to handle — but let’s be honest, warm is best!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
Garnishes
A little finishing touch goes a long way. Try dusting your Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels with extra Parmesan, a pinch of Italian seasoning, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They look extra pretty and the flavor is out of this world.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair beautifully with classic pizza sides. Serve them with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping, add a crisp Caesar or garden salad for freshness, or even some roasted veggies to round out the meal. It’s like pizza night, leveled up!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a spiral pattern on a party platter, thread a few onto skewers for a fun appetizer “pop,” or serve in a basket lined with checked parchment to channel those cozy pizzeria vibes. Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are irresistible no matter how you arrange them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Place any extra Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Their flavor only gets better, making them a fantastic grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
These pinwheels are super freezer-friendly. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months — perfect for stocking up ahead of parties or busy weeks.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat your Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until warm and crisp. The microwave works for a speedy fix, too, though the oven gives you the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just roll it out to a similar rectangular shape and follow the rest of the directions — you might even find the extra flavor worth the effort.
How can I make these Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels vegetarian?
Super simple swap: just leave out the pepperoni. You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or your favorite meat-free toppings for a veggie version that’s just as delicious.
Can I prep these ahead for a party?
You sure can! Assemble the log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before slicing and baking. This way, all the messy work is done before guests arrive — just pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
My pinwheels unraveled in the oven. What did I do wrong?
It most likely means the dough wasn’t rolled tight enough, or the sauce was spread a bit too close to the edges. Leave that border around the dough and roll firmly for neat, perfect spirals every time.
Are there other cheese options besides mozzarella?
Definitely! Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or a pizza blend for fun flavor changes. A sprinkle of feta or cheddar can add a little twist, too — the Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are your canvas.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something unbeatable about tearing into a tray of Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels, watching the cheese stretch, and enjoying that familiar, comforting flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or a meal, give these a spin — you’ll be hooked from the first swirl!
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Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are a fun twist on traditional pizza. Rolled up into bite-sized treats, they are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick meal. Packed with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and flavorful sauce, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Pinwheels:
- 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Topping:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then layer with pepperoni slices.
- Roll the dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 even pinwheels.
- Bake: Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can customize these with other toppings like cooked sausage, bell peppers, or olives.
- For a crispier texture, use puff pastry instead of pizza dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
