Pizza Pinwheels: A Fun and Delicious Snack

Pizza Pinwheels are the perfect snack for any occasion, offering all the flavor of your favorite pizza in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving something savory, these Pizza Pinwheels are sure to satisfy your cravings. Packed with melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and fresh vegetables, these pinwheels combine the best of pizza and pastry for an irresistible treat.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a basic recipe for Pizza Pinwheels, share advanced techniques for extra flavor, discuss storage and maintenance tips, and answer your most common questions about this recipe. Let’s get rolling!

For more tips on appetizers and party snacks, check out:

• How to Make the Perfect Pizza Dough
• Creative Pizza Topping Ideas

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 pinwheels 1x

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Description

Pizza Pinwheels are a fun, easy, and delicious twist on traditional pizza. These bite-sized snacks are made with crescent roll dough and filled with a tasty blend of mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, and vegetables, making them the perfect appetizer or snack for pizza lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 jar (14 ounces) pizza sauce, warmed

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the filling:
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, diced pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, chopped mushrooms, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Prepare the crescent rolls:
   Unroll the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Pinch the seams together to form a single sheet of dough.

4. Assemble the pinwheels:
   Spread the cheese and pepperoni mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting at one end, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log.

5. Cut and bake:
   Slice the rolled dough into about 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

6. Serve:
   Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

• You can customize the filling by adding other pizza toppings such as olives, cooked sausage, or bell peppers.
• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
• These pinwheels can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven before serving.
• For a crispy bottom, you can bake the pinwheels on a pizza stone.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2-3 pinwheels
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the filling:
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, diced pepperoni, grated Parmesan, chopped mushrooms, green pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Roll out the crescent dough:
   Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Press the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough.
4. Assemble the pinwheels:
   Spread the cheese and pepperoni mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the dough tightly to form a log.
5. Cut the pinwheels:
   Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place the pinwheels onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out slightly.
6. Bake the Pizza Pinwheels:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve with pizza sauce:
   Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with warmed pizza sauce for dipping.

Advanced Techniques

1. Customize the Filling

While the classic combination of cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables is a winner, you can easily customize these Pizza Pinwheels to suit your taste:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the pepperoni with additional vegetables like olives, spinach, or artichokes.
• Meat Lovers: Add more protein by including cooked sausage, bacon, or even chicken.
• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a few slices of jalapeños into the filling.

2. Use Different Dough

Instead of crescent rolls, you can experiment with other types of dough for your pinwheels:

• Puff Pastry: If you want a flakier texture, puff pastry is a great alternative that gives your Pizza Pinwheels an elegant twist.
• Pizza Dough: If you prefer a more traditional pizza base, use store-bought or homemade pizza dough instead of crescent rolls. Roll it out into a thin sheet before assembling the pinwheels.

3. Add Extra Cheese

For a cheesier experience, feel free to mix in a variety of cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda into the filling. The different cheese textures will make each bite even more flavorful.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Pizza Pinwheels

If you have any leftover Pizza Pinwheels, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
• Freezing: Pizza Pinwheels freeze well for future meals. After baking and cooling, place the pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

Maintaining Crispiness

To ensure the pinwheels stay crispy after reheating, avoid microwaving them as it can make the pastry soggy. Reheating in the oven is always the best way to preserve the crisp texture.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some substitutions you can make to suit your needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent rolls or pizza dough to make these pinwheels gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the pizza sauce, are gluten-free as well.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Look for plant-based cheeses that melt well and mimic the flavor of traditional cheeses.
• Low-Carb/Keto: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, use a low-carb dough option (like fathead dough) and skip the sugar in the pizza sauce. You can also load up on extra meat and cheese for a keto-friendly filling.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables like zucchini, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes. You could also add some tofu or plant-based meat alternatives for added protein.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use different fillings for Pizza Pinwheels?

Yes, absolutely! You can get creative with your fillings. Consider adding different meats, vegetables, or even fruit like pineapple for a sweet twist.

Can I make Pizza Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time by assembling them and refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply follow the instructions and cook as directed.

Can I freeze Pizza Pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pinwheels before baking. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best dipping sauce for Pizza Pinwheels?

Pizza Pinwheels are fantastic with traditional pizza sauce, but you can also try them with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a creamy marinara dip for a twist.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful snack that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner, a party appetizer, or a quick weeknight meal. With their cheesy, savory filling and crispy exterior, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.

From customizing the filling to exploring different dough options, these Pizza Pinwheels offer endless possibilities to satisfy your cravings. Plus, with easy storage and reheating options, you can enjoy them long after they’re made. So give this recipe a try, and bring the irresistible taste of pizza into bite-sized form!