These Pepperoni Pinwheels are fun and tasty snacks perfect for parties or movie nights. They are made with simple dough, gooey cheese, and of course, pepperoni!
Rolling them up is so satisfying, kind of like a giant pizza burrito! I love serving them warm, and they disappear in no time. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough is super convenient. If you can’t find it or want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat dough or make your own dough from flour, yeast, and water. Homemade can be more flavorful!
Pepperoni: Classic is best, but you can switch it up with turkey pepperoni, salami, or even veggies for a meatless option. You can also use deli meats like ham or turkey if you prefer something lighter.
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for that stretchy, gooey texture, but feel free to mix in some cheddar or provolone for extra flavor. It’s fun to experiment with different cheese blends!
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade can add a fresh touch! Simply blend some canned tomatoes with Italian seasoning for a quick and tasty sauce.
How Do You Roll and Slice Pinwheels Without Squashing Them?
Rolling your pinwheels tightly will keep them from falling apart. Start with the long edge and roll slowly to maintain the shape. Here are a couple of tips:
- Use a light touch when rolling to avoid squeezing out the filling.
- For slicing, a sharp knife works best; try to clean the knife after each cut for neat edges.
Let the pinwheels rest for a couple of minutes before serving to help them hold their shape! Enjoy the cheesy, pepperoni goodness!
How to Make Delicious Pepperoni Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and another 15-20 minutes for baking, so the total time is around 30 minutes. This makes it a quick and fun treat that’s great for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the pinwheels don’t stick.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle shape, roughly 12 inches long and 10 inches wide. This will help each bite have a perfect amount of filling!
3. Add the Sauce:
Now, spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Be careful to leave about a half-inch border on all sides so the sauce doesn’t ooze out when you roll it up.
4. Layer on the Cheese and Pepperoni:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce. Then, add the pepperoni slices, making sure they’re distributed well. You want to have a tasty bite in every pinwheel!
5. Roll it Up:
Start rolling from one of the long edges, keeping it tight as you go. This helps keep the filling inside. Make it as tight as you can without squishing it too much!
6. Slice into Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled-up dough into about 1-inch thick pinwheels. This should make around 10-12 pinwheels.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for rising. If you forgot to save any sauce, feel free to sprinkle the tops with dried Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and the cheese will be melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully take them out of the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. Enjoy those cheesy, flavorful bites!
Enjoy your tasty Pepperoni Pinwheels!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat or No Meat at All?
Absolutely! You can try sausage, ham, or even salami for a different flavor. If you’re looking for a meatless option, consider using veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives in place of pepperoni.
How to Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels and slice them, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh.
What Can I Serve with Pepperoni Pinwheels?
These pinwheels are great on their own, but you can enhance your snack table by serving them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh salad, or some crunchy veggies to balance the richness!
