Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re a pizza lover (or, honestly, just a fan of warm, melty, crispy-edged snacks), you are going to fall hard for these Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels! Imagine all the savory flavor and gooey cheese of your favorite slice, bundled up in a satisfyingly soft swirl that’s perfect for snacking, game days, or making any dinner just plain more fun.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything complicated to make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels—just a handful of staple pizza ingredients. Each one pulls its weight, adding rich flavor, melty texture, or that classic pizza aroma you can’t resist.

• Refrigerated Pizza Dough (or Homemade): Makes these pinwheels quick and easy, with that classic chewy-soft pizza base. Homemade dough gives a slightly more artisanal result—either way, you win!
• Marinara Sauce: You’ll quickly dress this up with Italian herbs for a punchy, flavorful base—and extra for dipping, too.
• Onion Powder, Dried Basil, Dried Parsley, Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper: These bold, aromatic seasonings bring personality and depth to the simple marinara, making it pop!
• Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese: Nothing beats the stretch and melt of freshly grated cheese (and it melts better than pre-shredded, promise!).
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note that sets the pinwheels apart from ordinary pizza rolls.
• Pepperonis: The star of the show—provides that crave-worthy, meaty flavor in every swirl.
• Finely Chopped Green Peppers (or Your Favorite Toppings): Brings color, crunch, and a little freshness to balance the cheese and pepperoni. Use what you love!

Variations

One of the reasons Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are so irresistible? They’re endlessly flexible! Mix and match your favorite add-ins or tweak them to suit your cravings or dietary needs—pizza night is yours to reinvent.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the pepperoni and pile on sautéed mushrooms, olives, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a meatless twist that’s packed with flavor.
• Go Spicy: Amp up the heat by swapping ordinary pepperoni for spicy pepperoni or adding a few thinly sliced jalapeños to the layers.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Try provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of feta for a fun flavor adventure.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and follow the same method for pinwheels almost everyone can enjoy.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

Step 1: Prep Your Dough & Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will help your pinwheels bake up evenly and come off the pan without a fuss. If you’re using store-bought dough, just pop it out of the package. For homemade dough, make sure it’s completed its first rise and is ready to roll out.

Step 2: Roll it Out

Roll your dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper into a large 12×16-inch rectangle. Don’t stress about making it perfect! Even if the corners are a little wobbly, you’ll still end up with delicious spirals.

Step 3: Mix and Spread the Sauce

Whisk together the marinara sauce with all those fragrant Italian seasonings—onion powder, basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. This instantly upgrades store-bought sauce and infuses every bite of the pinwheels with that characteristic pizzeria flavor. Spread about 3/4 cup evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on the top long edge. This space helps the roll stay sealed.

Step 4: Toppings Time!

Before adding the pepperoni, pop the slices in the microwave for 20 seconds on a paper-towel lined plate—then blot away extra grease. Add mozzarella, pepperoni, green peppers (or your favorite toppings), and finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. Layering in this order means melty cheese in every swirl, with the pepperoni getting extra toasty edges.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting with the long side closest to you, tightly roll up the dough, tucking in any runaway toppings as you go. Pinch the seam together to seal in all the goodness. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut off any uneven edges, then slice the roll into 12 even pinwheels (tip: slice in half, then quarters, then each section into three—so much easier for even pieces!).

Step 6: Bake until Golden

Place the cut pinwheels on your prepared baking sheet, cut side up, giving each some breathing room. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the dough is gloriously golden and the cheese is bubbling. Let them cool for 5 minutes—if you can stand it—so they firm up just enough to pick up.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a dash of extra parmesan over the warm pinwheels for pop-of-color pizzazz. A little fresh basil is magical too—just scatter a few leaves or ribbons right before serving for irresistible aroma and freshness!

Side Dishes

Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels shine on their own, but they’re even better alongside a simple green salad, garlic knots, or a bowl of warm marinara for dipping. For parties, serve them with a platter of cut veggies and ranch, or a bowl of soup for the ultimate cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your baked pinwheels tower-style on a rustic board, or thread them individually onto wooden skewers for “pizza on a stick” and easy grab-and-go at parties. For kids’ lunches, tuck a few into a bento box with fruit and veggies—they’re so much more fun than regular slices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once they’ve cooled, transfer leftover Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, cheesy, and totally snack-worthy for up to 3 days—great for last-minute lunches or after-school treats.

Freezing

These beauties freeze like a dream! Let your baked pinwheels cool to room temperature, then stash them in a large zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months. When the pizza craving hits, just grab, thaw, and reheat for gooey goodness on demand.

Reheating

For tastiest results, warm refrigerated or thawed frozen pinwheels in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives their crispy bottoms and gooey centers. If you’re in a rush, a quick microwave zap works too—just know the oven gives you that just-baked magic!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

You’re truly in for a treat with these Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels. Whether you serve them at a party, pack them up for lunchboxes, or just need an excuse to get some extra cheese in your life tonight, I hope you love swirling up every last bite. Let these little pinwheels bring big smiles to your kitchen—now roll up, bake, and enjoy!

Print