These Pepperoni Pinwheels are fun and tasty snacks! They are made with fluffy dough, zesty pepperoni, and gooey cheese rolled up into bite-sized treats.
Perfect for parties or movie nights, everyone loves their cheesy goodness. I enjoy serving them with marinara sauce for dipping—yummy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: I always use refrigerated pizza dough for its convenience. If you want to try something homemade, go for your favorite recipe. For gluten-free options, you can look for gluten-free pizza dough at stores or make your own with gluten-free flour.
Pepperoni: The classic choice, but you can swap it for other deli meats like salami, turkey pepperoni, or even veggies for a meatless version. Adding sliced black olives or bell peppers can also give a nice twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella is typical, but feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Dairy-free shredded cheese is also a great substitute for those with dietary restrictions.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder works well too. I love to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want some heat!
How Can I Perfectly Roll the Pinwheels Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling the dough tightly is essential for perfect pinwheels. Start from the longer side for more even slices. Keep the filling close to the edges but don’t overcrowd it. Here’s how to do it:
- Roll the dough gently but firmly, tucking in the filling as you go.
- Use your fingers to pinch the edges together after rolling to seal the log.
- After cutting, you can press the sides of each pinwheel lightly for extra stability.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before baking; this helps the dough hold its shape.
Enjoying this fun recipe is all about the little details that make a big difference! 😊
How to Make Delicious Pepperoni Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
Optional Enhancements:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and roll the pinwheels, and then about 15-20 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes to make these tasty treats. Perfect for a speedy snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
Dust a clean surface with a little flour, and roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle, about 12×10 inches. Make sure the dough is even to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be sure to leave about a 1/2 inch border around the edges—this way, the filling won’t spill out when you roll it up.
4. Layer the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. This is where all the melty, gooey goodness comes from!
5. Add Pepperoni:
Next, lay the pepperoni slices evenly atop the cheese. Feel free to overlap them slightly for that extra flavor kick!
6. Season, If Desired:
If you’re using Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, go ahead and sprinkle them over the top. The seasoning will add a lovely herby flavor.
7. Roll It Up:
Starting from the longer side, carefully and tightly roll up the dough into a log. Make sure to tuck the filling as you go to keep everything inside.
8. Slice the Pinwheels:
With a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. These will be your pinwheels! Place them cut side up on your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Pop those pinwheels in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and the cheese all bubbly.
10. Let Them Cool:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes. Not only does this make them easier to handle, but it also helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These pinwheels are best served warm! Enjoy them on their own or with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just because!
Can I Use Homemade Pizza Dough Instead of Refrigerated Dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will work great. Just make sure it’s rolled out to a similar size (12×10 inches) for even baking. You can find many pizza dough recipes online, or you can use store-bought dough for convenience.
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
If you’re looking for an alternative to pepperoni, try swapping it for salami, turkey pepperoni, or even veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a meatless option. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add olives for a Mediterranean twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. This helps keep the dough crispy!
Can I Make These Pinwheels in Advance?
You can prepare the pinwheel log ahead of time! Just roll it up, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, slice and bake directly from the fridge—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
