Go Back
- 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough - 1 cup pizza sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sliced pepperoni - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious pepperoni pizza pinwheels. Start with a package of refrigerated pizza dough. This dough is easy to handle and saves time. Next, grab one cup of pizza sauce for that classic flavor. You will need two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and gives the pinwheels that gooey texture we all love. Sliced pepperoni is a must, and you will need one cup of it. For added flavor, use one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of garlic powder. These spices enhance the taste of your pinwheels. You’ll also need one tablespoon of olive oil. This will help create a golden crust as the pinwheels bake. If you want to add a fresh touch, consider using fresh basil leaves for garnish. They add a nice pop of color and flavor. Make sure you have everything ready before starting. This way, you can enjoy a smooth cooking process. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your pinwheels cook evenly. - Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Aim for about ¼ inch thick for the best pinwheel shape. - Spread the sauce: Use a spatula or spoon to spread the pizza sauce over the dough. Leave a ½ inch border around the edges to prevent overflow. - Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Make sure to cover all areas for that cheesy goodness. - Layer the pepperoni: Place the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese. Spread it out well to pack in the flavor in each bite. - Season the filling: Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder over the cheese and pepperoni. This will add a lovely herby taste. - Roll up the dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Keep all the fillings secure inside as you roll. - Slice the pinwheels: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. This size is perfect for snacking or dipping. - Arrange for baking: Place the pinwheels cut side up on a lined baking sheet. Space them apart to give them room to expand while baking. - Brush with olive oil: Lightly coat the tops of the pinwheels with olive oil using a pastry brush. This helps them turn golden brown in the oven. - Bake until golden brown: Bake the pinwheels in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch them closely until they are golden and the cheese is bubbly. - Cool and garnish: After baking, take the pinwheels out and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Ensure the right thickness: Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. This thickness helps the pinwheels hold their shape. Too thin, and they may tear. - Avoid overfilling: Use just enough sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. If you add too much, it can spill out when you roll. - Suggested spices: Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can also add depth of flavor. - Cheese variations: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a richer taste. You can even use a spicy cheese for extra flavor. - Dipping sauces: Serve with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping. These add a fun twist to each bite. - Presentation tips: Arrange pinwheels on a colorful platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This makes the dish more inviting! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Dough: Allow the refrigerated pizza dough to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and roll without tearing. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your pinwheels with additional toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. Just be sure to keep the moisture content in check to avoid sogginess. Perfect Slices: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pinwheels. A clean cut helps keep the filling intact and showcases the beautiful layers when served. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Enhance the flavor experience by serving your pinwheels with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. It adds a delightful touch that everyone will love! {{image_4}} You can easily make these pinwheels meat-free. Use veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. They add great flavor and texture. For cheese, try using a blend of mozzarella and ricotta for creaminess. You could also swap in vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. If you love meat, add more! Include diced ham, cooked bacon, or even sliced sausage. These additions pack the pinwheels with flavor. Just layer them on top of the cheese before you roll the dough. You can change the sauce to create new tastes. Try pesto, barbecue sauce, or even Alfredo for a twist. Adding vegetables like olives or jalapeños can also enhance the flavor profile. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! To store leftovers, let the pinwheels cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh, avoid stacking them too tightly. This helps keep the texture nice. You can freeze pinwheels before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, slice the log into pinwheels and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. If you freeze after baking, let them cool, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. For the best taste, reheat pinwheels in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use the microwave, but they may become soft. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Enjoy your tasty pinwheels warm! How long do they take to bake? They take about 15-20 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on them. You want them golden brown and bubbly. Can I use homemade pizza dough? Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough. Just roll it out to the right thickness. This will help the pinwheels hold together. What can I substitute for pizza sauce? You can use marinara sauce or pesto instead of pizza sauce. Both add great flavor. Try a white sauce for a creamy twist. How do I make them ahead of time? You can prepare the pinwheels a day before. Just roll, slice, and store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you're ready to serve. Can I air fry pepperoni pizza pinwheels? Absolutely! Air frying makes them crispy. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Check for golden brown color. You learned how to make tasty pepperoni pizza pinwheels. We covered the ingredients, preparation, and final steps. I shared helpful tips and variations you can try. Store your leftovers correctly to enjoy later. With these simple steps, you can impress your family and friends. Try different flavors and toppings to make these pinwheels your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure and have fun with this easy recipe!

Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Delight

A fun and scrumptious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for parties, movie nights, or a simple snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
  • On a lightly floured surface, take the refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out into a rectangle, aiming for about ¼ inch thickness for optimal pinwheel structure.
  • Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the pizza sauce evenly across the surface of the rolled dough, leaving approximately a ½ inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza sauce, ensuring complete coverage for maximum ooey-gooey deliciousness.
  • Carefully distribute the sliced pepperoni evenly on top of the cheese, making sure to cover the surface so each pinwheel is packed with flavor.
  • Evenly sprinkle the dried oregano and garlic powder over the entire surface for a burst of herby and savory flavor in each bite.
  • Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring that all fillings are secure inside.
  • With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels, creating bite-sized pieces that are perfect for dipping or snacking.
  • Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion as they bake.
  • Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops of the pinwheels with olive oil; this step is essential for achieving a beautifully golden brown crust.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling joyfully.
  • Once baked to perfection, remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
  • If you wish, top with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and flavor before serving your delightful pinwheels.

Notes

Top with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color.
Keyword party food, pizza, snack