Cheesy, golden-baked pizza pinwheels made with rolled dough, zesty tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni—these fun and flavorful spirals offer a playful twist on traditional pizza. Perfect as party appetizers, game-day snacks, or a quick family-friendly meal, they’re easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza Pinwheels are everything you love about pizza—cheese, sauce, and savory toppings—wrapped into a bite-sized, mess-free form. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or packing them into lunchboxes, these pinwheels are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and a great way to get creative with pizza night.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 sheet puff pastry or pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami
1 tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 egg (for egg wash)
Flour, for dusting
directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry or pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the sauce. Layer with sliced pepperoni or salami.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into 1-inch rounds.
- Place each pinwheel flat onto the prepared baking sheet. Top each with a slice of tomato and sprinkle with dried oregano and basil.
- Beat the egg and brush the edges of each pinwheel with the egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10 pinwheels
Calories: 210 kcal per pinwheel
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms, olives, or spinach instead.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy salami or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a deeper flavor.
- Mini Size: Roll and slice thinner for bite-sized party snacks.
- Dipping Delight: Serve with marinara, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing for dipping.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a crispier texture. Avoid microwaving to preserve the pinwheels’ flaky or crusty texture.
FAQs
Can I make pizza pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 12 hours before baking.
Can I freeze pizza pinwheels?
Yes, freeze them after baking. Let cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.
Is puff pastry or pizza dough better?
Both work well. Puff pastry offers a flaky texture, while pizza dough gives a chewier, more traditional pizza bite.
How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling?
Roll the dough tightly and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. The egg wash also helps seal the edges.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, any quality store-bought sauce works. You can also use homemade marinara or tomato basil sauce.
What if I don’t have mozzarella?
Substitute with cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend cheese.
Are these good for school lunches?
Yes, they’re excellent cold or at room temperature and make a great lunchbox addition.
How can I make these pinwheels healthier?
Use whole-wheat pizza dough, low-fat cheese, and extra vegetables in place of processed meats.
Can I use crescent roll dough?
Yes, crescent roll dough can be used for a softer, buttery texture.
What toppings go well with these?
Try bell peppers, red onion, black olives, cooked sausage, or fresh basil depending on your flavor preference.
Conclusion
Pizza Pinwheels are a quick, fun, and satisfying snack that delivers all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a compact, easy-to-eat form. With endless customization options and minimal prep time, they’re ideal for parties, after-school snacks, or even casual dinners. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something cheesy and delicious, these pinwheels are a surefire hit.
Pizza Pinwheels
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy, golden-baked pizza pinwheels made with rolled dough, zesty tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni—an easy, fun, and snackable twist on classic pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then add sliced pepperoni.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 1-inch rounds.
- Place each pinwheel flat on the prepared baking sheet. Top with a tomato slice, sprinkle with oregano and basil.
- Beat the egg and brush the edges of the dough with egg wash.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and add sautéed veggies.
- Freeze unbaked pinwheels for future quick snacks—bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
- Serve with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
