Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe: Fun Snacks for Everyone to Enjoy

Cheese-stuffed pizza pinwheels burst with flavor and promise a delightful twist on classic pizza.

These handheld treats pack a punch of savory goodness that’ll make everyone smile.

Rolled with care and baked to golden perfection, the pinwheels combine soft dough and melted cheese in every bite.

Weeknight dinners and casual gatherings suddenly become more exciting with these crowd-pleasing appetizers.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, these pinwheels transform simple ingredients into something magical.

Teens and adults alike will devour these crispy, cheesy spirals in minutes.

You’ll want to make a double batch because one is never enough.

Pizza Pinwheels Flavorful Appeal

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, game days, and parties where you need a fun, shareable appetizer that everyone will love.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Super simple recipe that allows children to help roll and slice, making it an excellent family bonding activity in the kitchen.
• Speedy Meal Solution: Minimal preparation steps and short baking time mean you can whip up these delicious pizza pinwheels faster than ordering takeout, ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected hunger attacks.
• Customizable Flavor Potential: Easily swap pepperoni for other toppings like ham, vegetables, or different cheese types to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Pizza Pinwheels Ingredient Rundown

• Crescent Dough: A versatile pastry that serves as the foundation for these delightful pizza pinwheels.
• Pizza Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and classic pizza taste to the dish.

• Pepperoni Slices, Mozzarella Cheese: Pepperoni provides a spicy, savory meat element while mozzarella cheese creates a gooey, melty texture that enhances the overall flavor.

• Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch pan that helps shape and support the pinwheels during baking.

How to Prepare Pizza Pinwheels Easily

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for some delicious pizza magic.

Step 2: Smooth Out The Dough

Grab your crescent dough and gently smooth out all the seams.

Stretch and press it into a neat rectangular shape about 12 x 15 inches wide.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Spread a delicious layer of pizza sauce across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent messy overflow.

Step 4: Layer The Goodies

• Pepperoni slices
• Mozzarella cheese

Create an even, mouth-watering layer that covers the entire surface.

Step 5: Roll And Secure

From the long side, start rolling the dough tightly towards the opposite end.

Use your fingers to pinch and seal the edge closed, creating a perfect log.

Step 6: Slice Into Pinwheels

Take a serrated knife and gently saw the rolled dough into 12 equal pinwheel sections.

Be careful and use smooth, steady motions.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place your pinwheels in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown with beautifully melted cheese.

Pizza Pinwheels Tips and Tricks

• Pinch crescent dough seams carefully to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to cut clean, even pinwheel rounds without squishing the roll.
• Spread mozzarella evenly to ensure every bite has gooey, melted cheese throughout the pinwheels.
• Swap pepperoni for ham, vegetables, or cooked chicken to match different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Grease the baking dish well to help pinwheel edges become golden and prevent sticking.

Pizza Pinwheels Tasty Variations

• Veggie Lovers Pizza Pinwheels: Replace pepperoni with chopped bell peppers, spinach, and sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian option packed with colorful vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Pinwheel Pizzas: Swap crescent dough for gluten-free puff pastry or cauliflower dough to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Pinwheels: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty appetizer.
• Mediterranean Style Pinwheels: Substitute pizza sauce with pesto, use feta cheese, and sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Serving Pizza Pinwheels for Snacks

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Bites: Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, these pizza pinwheels serve as an irresistible appetizer that guests will devour.
• Lunchbox Surprise: Pack these delightful rolls in kids' lunch boxes for a fun midday treat that beats ordinary sandwiches and keeps them excited about mealtime.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for extra flavor and a interactive eating experience that enhances the pinwheels' taste.
• Quick Meal Companion: Pair with a simple green salad or fresh vegetable sticks to create a balanced and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

Pizza Pinwheels Storage Suggestions

• Store leftover pizza pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Warm pinwheels in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but might make the dough slightly soggy.
• Prepare and cool pinwheels completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll keep well for up to 2 months.
• Make a batch ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Perfect for quick snacks or lunch box additions throughout the week.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute in the pizza pinwheels?

You can swap pepperoni with ham, cooked bacon, or sausage crumbles. Use different cheese like cheddar or provolone based on your preference.

• Do I need special equipment to make these pinwheels?

A standard baking dish, serrated knife, and rolling pin are all you need. No fancy tools required for this simple recipe.

• Can I make pizza pinwheels ahead of time?

Prepare and assemble the pinwheels up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. They’re perfect for meal prep or parties.

Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade pizza pinwheels blend classic Italian flavors into bite-sized spirals of cheesy goodness. Crisp edges and melted cheese make these pinwheels perfect for casual gatherings or quick snacks you’ll devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package Hormel pepperoni
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 roll Pillsbury crescent rolls

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) pizza sauce

Preparation Ingredient:

• 1 pinch dried oregano (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Unroll the crescent dough sheet and meticulously press together all perforated seams, creating a smooth rectangular surface approximately 12 x 15 inches.
3. Distribute pizza sauce across the dough, maintaining a small 1/4-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
4. Arrange pepperoni slices in a uniform single layer, then generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni, covering the entire surface.
5. Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight cylindrical shape, and firmly seal the final edge to prevent unraveling during baking.
6. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pinwheel sections with smooth, gentle sawing motions.
7. Transfer the pinwheels to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring slight spacing between each piece, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly.

Notes

• Select crescent roll dough for a quick, flaky base that saves time and provides consistent texture.
• Ensure seams are completely sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Use parchment paper or non-stick spray to guarantee easy removal and cleanup.
• Consider alternative protein options like cooked chicken, ham, or vegetarian sausage for diverse dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg