Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate party snack or a weeknight crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels! Each savory swirl combines gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and classic pepperoni—all baked up in golden, hand-held bites that vanish in minutes. They’re so simple, and so fun, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted without them.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels is how just a handful of familiar ingredients come together for irresistible results. Each one is crucial, adding flavor, texture, or that cheesy “wow” factor—trust me, you don’t want to skip a thing!

• Refrigerated Pizza Dough (13 oz. package) or homemade dough: The pillowy soft, golden crust that holds everything together. A ready-made dough keeps things easy, but homemade is always welcome if you’re feeling ambitious!
• Marinara Sauce: Tangy, herby, and just the right amount of saucy—this forms the flavorful foundation of each pinwheel.
• Onion Powder, Dried Basil, Parsley, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper: This spice medley transforms simple jarred sauce into a pizzeria-worthy spread with a little zip and personality.
• Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): The classic melt—your pinwheels will bubble up gorgeously!
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup): For an irresistible nutty, salty finish.
• Pepperoni Slices (32): The star of the show, bringing smoky, savory flavor in every swirl. Use your favorite brand.
• Finely Chopped Green Peppers (1/2 cup): Adds fresh crunch and a pop of color. Swap in your favorite veggies if you like!

Variations

One of the magical things about Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels is how you can personalize them for any craving or occasion. Don’t hesitate to improvise—there are so many easy ways to make these your own!

• Veggie Lovers: Swap in mushrooms, olives, spinach, or artichokes for a colorful, meatless twist.
• Classic Supreme: Add mini diced onions and black olives, or sprinkle in some crumbled sausage along with the pepperoni for a loaded, pizzeria-inspired vibe.
• Spicy Kick: Drizzle a little hot honey or use spicy pepperoni and extra red pepper flakes for some extra zing.
• Cheese Explosion: Pile on fontina, cheddar, or provolone in addition to the mozzarella for the ultimate cheese pull.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to make these pinwheels celiac-friendly.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough and Oven

First things first—get your oven preheated to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a large piece of parchment, then roll out your pizza dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. If you’re starting with homemade dough, just be sure it’s had its time to rise first—this is the canvas for your perfect pinwheels!

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce

Whisk together your marinara with onion powder, basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This “pimped up” sauce spreads easily and gives every swirl that unmistakable, well-seasoned pizza taste.

Step 3: Layer on the Toppings

Spread 3/4 cup of the homemade pizza sauce all over the dough—leave a 1-inch border along the top (this helps seal the roll). Zap your pepperoni slices in the microwave for 20 seconds on a paper towel (goodbye, excess grease)! Scatter mozzarella, the warm pepperonis, your green peppers, and then the Parmesan evenly across the saucy surface.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting at the long edge nearest you, roll up the dough tightly, pinching in any runaways as you go. Don’t stress about perfection—it’s all flavor. Pinch the seam to seal, then trim the messy ends. Slice the log in half, then in half again, then each section into three—voilà, twelve even pinwheels!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your pepperoni pizza pinwheels, cut side up, on your lined baking sheet. Pop them into the oven for 25–30 minutes until puffed and gorgeously golden. Let them cool for five minutes before moving them to a rack (and so you don’t burn your mouth—believe me, they smell irresistible straight from the oven!).

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

Garnishes

Sprinkle those warm pinwheels with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and garden-fresh aroma. A dusting of extra Parmesan right as they come out of the oven adds an alluring, savory edge, making your Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels look (and taste!) just like an Italian bakery treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these savory swirls with a crisp green salad or a platter of crunchy raw veggies for balance. A bowl of warmed pizza sauce for dunking is practically mandatory—think of it as the marinara to their cheesy embrace. Garlic knots or roasted veggies would be stellar on the side, making your meal feel like a full-on pizzeria feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them tall on a wooden board with little cups of sauce for a party-ready twist, or thread onto skewers for easy grabbing at game night. You could even serve Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels in mini muffin liners for a fun passed appetizer—they look so cute and festive, everyone will want one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers (miracles do happen!), store your cooled Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They stay tender and flavorful, making for delicious grab-and-go snacks or quick lunches all week long.

Freezing

These little pinwheels freeze like a dream! Let baked pinwheels cool completely, then pop them into a zip-top bag or freezer container for up to two months. Perfect for prepping ahead for parties or stashing away for easy weeknight treats.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked taste, reheat thawed or chilled pinwheels on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For extra-crisp edges, a few minutes in an air fryer works wonders! Microwave in short bursts in a pinch, but the oven or air fryer will give you the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving an easy, totally addictive party treat, these Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels will be your new favorite go-to. They’re simple, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring big smiles—so roll up a batch soon, and let the cheesy, saucy goodness steal the show at your next gathering!

Print