These Pepperoni Pinwheels are fun, bite-sized treats! You’ll love the combination of zesty pepperoni and gooey cheese wrapped in a soft dough. Perfect for snacking or parties!
It’s hard to eat just one because they disappear fast! I like to serve them with marinara sauce for dipping. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Use refrigerated pizza dough for convenience, but you can substitute with homemade dough or even crescent roll dough for a different texture. I enjoy using whole wheat dough for added flavor!
Pizza Sauce: Marinara sauce works wonderfully here, but if you’re looking for something lighter, try a garlic olive oil mix. I sometimes use pesto for a unique twist!
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni is a favorite, but you can use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option or even salami for bolder flavor. I love adding a bit of spicy pepperoni to kick it up a notch!
Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to, but feel free to mix it up with provolone or cheddar. A combination of cheeses can make these pinwheels even more delicious.
How Do You Roll and Cut the Pinwheels Perfectly?
Rolling and cutting these pinwheels can be tricky but fun! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a floured surface to prevent sticking. Gently roll the dough to a consistent thickness.
- When rolling, keep it tight but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling. Think of it like rolling a sleeping bag!
- For cutting, use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean slices. This helps maintain the pretty spiral shape.
- Try to keep all pinwheels roughly the same size for even cooking. A uniform size means they all bake nicely together.
Give it a try, and you’ll see it gets easier with practice! Enjoy your pepperoni pinwheels! 📅
How to Make Delicious Pepperoni Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pinwheels:
- 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (about 12 oz)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh or dried oregano for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 15-20 minutes for baking, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have yummy pinwheels ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
Take your refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 12×10 inches. This will give you enough space to fill and roll up all your yummy ingredients!
3. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza or marinara sauce evenly across the dough, but remember to leave about a half-inch border around the edges. This will help keep everything inside once you roll it up.
4. Sprinkle with Cheese:
Now, it’s time for cheese! Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce. This will provide that gooey, melty goodness we all love!
5. Layer the Pepperoni:
Next, layer the slices of pepperoni evenly over the cheese. You can place them close together so each pinwheel is filled with a meaty kick!
6. Season it Up:
Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over everything. This adds a delicious flavor boost. Feel free to add freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick!
7. Roll it Up:
Starting from one of the longer edges of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—that’s the beauty of homemade cooking!
8. Cut the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1 to 1.5 inch thick pinwheels. This is where the fun starts to show—revealing those delicious layers!
9. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced about an inch apart to allow for expansion while baking.
10. Add Finishing Touches:
If you like, sprinkle a little more black pepper or Italian seasoning on top. You can also garnish with fresh or dried oregano for an extra pop of flavor.
11. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. It’ll smell amazing!
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle!
13. Enjoy!
Serve your warm pepperoni pinwheels with extra marinara sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for snacking, game days, or any casual gatherings!
These pepperoni pinwheels are sure to be a hit, bringing a fun, pizza-inspired twist to your table. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the same thickness as the store-bought dough for even cooking. Let it rest for about 30 minutes after mixing for the best results.
How Can I Make These Pinwheels Spicier?
If you like some heat, consider adding spicy pepperoni or jalapeños along with the regular pepperoni. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also elevate the spice level!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels in advance! After cutting them, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them when you’re ready for fresh, warm pinwheels!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps them crispy rather than soggy.