Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate party snack, after-school treat, or appetizer that brings everyone to the kitchen with a grin, Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are about to become your new go-to! Imagine everything you love about classic pizza—melty cheese, zesty sauce, crispy pepperoni—all rolled up into perfectly poppable spirals. There’s just something so irresistible about these bite-sized wonders.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels is truly in their simplicity—a handful of classic ingredients work together to create the ultimate cheesy, savory appetizer. Every element has a starring role, whether it’s the plush dough, zingy sauce, or colorful bell pepper crunch.

• Refrigerated Pizza Dough (or Homemade): The foundation for your pinwheels—store-bought saves time, while homemade lets you show off your baking skills (just use half the recipe if making dough from scratch).
• Marinara Sauce: A rich, tangy base for the filling; adding some herbs and spices quickly upgrades it into fabulous “pizza sauce.”
• Onion Powder, Dried Basil, Dried Parsley, Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper: This spice blend gives the sauce that true pizzeria punch—make sure to mix well for bold flavor in every bite.
• Freshly Grated Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for levels of cheesy stretch you just can’t fake with pre-shredded cheese.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Adds a tangy, salty depth and golden color to the tops of your pinwheels.
• Pepperonis: The savory superstar—microwaving them briefly keeps your pinwheels from getting greasy.
• Green Bell Peppers (or favorite topping combo): Delivers a splash of color and crunch—feel free to swap in olives, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of red onion based on your personal pizza vibe.

Variations

Part of the joy of these pinwheels is making them match your mood, fridge contents, or your family’s cravings. Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are endlessly adaptable—let your creativity take the lead and your kitchen become your pizzeria!

• Veggie Lover’s: Skip the pepperoni and load up on mushrooms, red onions, spinach, or black olives for a garden-fresh spin.
• Spicy Supreme: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a fiery twist.
• Meat Lover’s: Toss in cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, or even a few slices of Canadian bacon along with the pepperonis.
• Cheese Bomb: Don’t hold back—mix in some smoked gouda, provolone, or cheddar with your mozzarella for ultra cheesy, melty goodness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough and double-check all your toppings to ensure everyone can indulge without worry.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough & Baking Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—cleanup will be a breeze, and nothing sticks! Roll out a piece of parchment on your counter, sprinkle it lightly with flour, and stretch (or roll, if you’re using a pin) your dough into a generous 12×16 inch rectangle so it’s ready for all those delicious toppings.

Step 2: Mix & Spread the Zesty Pizza Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together your marinara sauce and that bold blend of Italian herbs and spices. This quick DIY sauce makes a massive difference! Spread about ¾ cup of it evenly over your rolled dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the very top long edge—this border will help seal the roll for neat, non-leaky pinwheels.

Step 3: Add the Cheesy Pepperoni Layers

Give your pepperonis a quick buzz (20 seconds in the microwave on a paper towel) and pat off extra grease—this step gives you pure flavor, no sog! Scatter the mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough, then top with pepperonis, a sprinkle of green peppers, and finish with that generous handful of Parmesan. Each layer means more ooey-gooey, pizza magic in every swirl.

Step 4: Roll, Slice & Arrange

Starting at the long edge closest to you, gently roll the dough up like a jellyroll, tucking in any filling that tries to sneak out. Pinch along the seam to seal as best you can—perfection isn’t necessary! Slice off any scraggly ends, then use a serrated knife to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces. I like to cut the roll in half, then in half again, and divide each section into three for the neatest pinwheels.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Deliciousness

Arrange your cut pinwheels, spiral-side up, on your prepared baking sheet—give them space to expand. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the dough is gorgeously golden. Let them rest for a few minutes on a wire rack after baking; this helps them set up for easy picking and perfect texture.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

Garnishes

For that irresistible finishing touch, shower your warm Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for instant color and a lively pop of flavor. A final dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic butter takes them right over the top!

Side Dishes

Pair these pinwheels with a crisp Caesar salad, a bright side of marinated tomatoes, or classic Italian antipasto. And don’t forget a warm bowl of the leftover pizza sauce for dunking—dipping makes everything more fun!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels on a wooden board lined with parchment, clustering them around a bowl of sauce for a rustic, shareable flair. For parties, skewer each pinwheel with a festive toothpick or stack them into a “pizza tree” for a playful, memorable centerpiece that disappears fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These pinwheels taste just as dreamy the next day! Once completely cooled, store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for lunchboxes or snacking on the go.

Freezing

To freeze, let baked Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels cool fully, then store them in a large resealable bag (with parchment between layers if needed). When cravings hit, just thaw what you need—these keep wonderfully in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To revive the melty, golden deliciousness, bake thawed pinwheels at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until hot and bubbly. The oven keeps them crisp outside and gooey inside—microwaving is quick, but you’ll get softer results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cheesy, savory, totally craveworthy comfort food, don’t wait another second—Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are calling your name! Whether it’s for a party, a fun family dinner, or just a treat-yourself night, they’re bound to become a repeat favorite. Can’t wait for you to share these delicious spirals with your favorite people—enjoy every bite!

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