Easy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels: Quick and Easy Snack Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

What I love about these pinwheels is how versatile they are. You start with a simple pizza dough and throw in some classic toppings. The mozzarella makes it ooey-gooey, while the pepperoni brings that classic pizza flavor we all crave. The addition of Parmesan and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning gives it that extra kick. And the best part? You can customize them to your taste. Want to add some peppers or olives? Go for it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty pinwheels:

1 sheet Pizza Dough 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded 1 cup Pepperoni Slices, chopped ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder 1 Egg, beaten Pizza Sauce for dipping

Nothing too fancy here. Just good ol’ comfort food ingredients.

How to Make It

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s heating up, lightly grease a muffin tin. You can use a 6-cup muffin tin for larger pinwheels. I like the muffin tin method because it gives the pinwheels a nice shape and keeps them from rolling around.

Now, let’s roll out that pizza dough. Dust your surface with a bit of flour to prevent sticking if needed. Roll it out into a large rectangle. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just make sure it’s big enough to hold all that cheesy goodness.

Once you’ve got your dough laid out, lay down a thin layer of pizza sauce, then spread it evenly with the mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy - load it on! Next, sprinkle the chopped pepperoni over the cheese, followed by the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. I always make sure to leave a little border around the edges so it doesn’t ooze out when we roll it up.

Now comes the fun part. Starting from one of the long sides of your rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. It might take a little muscle, but you want it to be nice and snug. Once you’ve got it all rolled up, grab a sharp knife and slice that log into 6 large pinwheels.

Place each pinwheel into your prepared muffin tin. I like to brush the tops with beaten egg for that beautiful golden color when they bake. This is where it really comes together - trust me on this one!

Pop those bad boys in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark. You want that golden brown color to show up, and you definitely want the center to be cooked through.

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before you try to remove them from the tin. They can be a little delicate right out of the oven, and we don’t want any tragic pinwheel casualties.

Tips / Variations

Here’s where you can get creative. If you’re not a pepperoni fan, try swapping it out for some cooked sausage or even some sautéed veggies. I’ve even made a version with just cheese and a bit of pesto for a lighter take.

If you want to kick up the flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs. And don’t skip the dipping sauce! A simple pizza sauce is classic, but you could also go for a ranch dressing or even a spicy marinara.

Serving Ideas

These pepperoni pizza pinwheels are perfect for game day, movie night, or just as a fun snack. I like to serve them warm, right out of the oven, with a bowl of pizza sauce on the side. They’re also great as leftovers, if you can manage to have any! Just pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat.

Closing

So there you have it - pepperoni pizza pinwheels that are easy to make and oh-so-delicious. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy pizza flavors in a cute, bite-sized form. I hope you give these a try at your next gathering or as a fun weeknight treat. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels?

You can store leftover Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What is the best way to reheat Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels?

To reheat, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well.

Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them.

Will the texture change if I freeze the Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels?

Freezing the pinwheels may affect their texture slightly, but they will still taste good. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.