Easy Pizza Pinwheels

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Introduction

Easy Pizza Pinwheels are a fun, flavorful, and portable twist on the classic pizza. These bite-sized treats feature layers of savory pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery dough. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or lunchboxes, these pinwheels are customizable and quick to make. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing a family dinner, or craving a snack, Easy Pizza Pinwheels will satisfy your pizza cravings.

I remember the first time I made these for a casual family gathering. Everyone was excited to dive into the warm, cheesy bites, and they disappeared in no time. The great thing about pizza pinwheels is their versatility—you can load them up with pepperoni, veggies, or any toppings you like. And they’re so simple to make, with just a few ingredients and a quick bake in the oven. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a fun, bite-sized meal, these pinwheels are always a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Game day parties
  • Kids’ snacks
  • Family gatherings
  • Lunchboxes
  • Quick appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Easy Pizza Pinwheels are bound to become your go-to snack:

  • Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as vegetables, chicken, or cheese.
  • Bite-Sized: Perfectly portable and easy to eat, making them ideal for gatherings or snacking.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight meal or party snack.
  • No Mess: Skip the pizza dough-making process and use pre-made dough to save time and effort.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, making them an excellent family meal option.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 12 pinwheels
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Easy Pizza Pinwheels:

For the Pinwheels:

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¾ cup pizza sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or your choice)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast (optional, but adds extra protein)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Extra Parmesan for sprinkling (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Pizza Sauce: The classic base for any pizza flavor, providing richness and tang.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that makes pizza pinwheels extra indulgent.
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers and mushrooms add flavor and texture, and you can customize with your favorite veggies.
  • Chicken: Adding cooked chicken breast provides a lean protein boost and a savory flavor.
  • Garlic Powder and Oregano: Classic pizza seasonings that bring a delicious flavor to the pinwheels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Easy Pizza Pinwheels:

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If using homemade dough, roll it out into a rectangle.
  3. Brush with Pizza Sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch along the edges without sauce.

Assemble the Pinwheels:

  1. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Layer on the sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and cooked chicken, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  2. Season the Pinwheels: Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the toppings.

Roll Up the Dough:

  1. Roll the Dough: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log or cylinder, ensuring the toppings are inside.
  2. Slice the Pinwheels: Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch wide pinwheels. You should get about 12 pinwheels depending on the size of the dough.

Bake the Pinwheels:

  1. Arrange the Pinwheels on a Baking Sheet: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
  2. Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the pinwheels with olive oil to help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
  3. Bake: Bake the pinwheels for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and a little more oregano if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve

  • As an Appetizer: Serve with a side of marinara or ranch dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost.
  • As a Main Course: Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For Meal Prep: These pinwheels are great for packing into lunchboxes or as a quick meal throughout the week.
  • As a Snack: Perfect for a quick afternoon snack or a post-workout treat.
  • With Veggies: Add extra veggies to the filling for a healthier version, such as spinach, onions, or olives.

Additional Tips

  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a few sliced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
  • Use Whole Wheat Dough: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pizza dough.
  • Get Creative with Toppings: Add pepperoni, olives, spinach, or even a drizzle of pesto for a unique variation.
  • Bake in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, you can bake them in two rounds to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Recipe Variations

  1. Vegetarian Pizza Pinwheels (skip the chicken and add more veggies)
  2. Chicken Alfredo Pizza Pinwheels (use Alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce)
  3. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pinwheels (add buffalo sauce and shredded chicken)
  4. Margarita Pizza Pinwheels (mozzarella, fresh basil, and tomato slices)
  5. Pesto Chicken Pizza Pinwheels (use pesto sauce instead of pizza sauce)
  6. Cheesy Garlic Bread Pinwheels (no sauce, just garlic butter and mozzarella)
  7. BBQ Chicken Pizza Pinwheels (use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce)
  8. Greek Pizza Pinwheels (feta cheese, olives, spinach, and tomatoes)
  9. Spinach and Artichoke Pizza Pinwheels (spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese)
  10. Hawaiian Pizza Pinwheels (pineapple, chicken, and cheese)

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze the pinwheels before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
  • Storage: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, refrigerated pizza dough works great for this recipe.
  2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, assemble the pinwheels, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
  3. Can I freeze these? Yes, freeze before baking and bake directly from frozen.
  4. Can I use gluten-free dough? Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free option.
  5. How can I make them dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based pizza dough.

Conclusion

Easy Pizza Pinwheels are a simple and delicious way to enjoy pizza in a new form. These customizable, bite-sized snacks are perfect for any occasion and are sure to become a family favorite. With endless variations, you can make them just the way you like!

Whether you’re filling them with classic pizza toppings like pepperoni and mozzarella or getting creative with veggies, sausage, or even bacon, these pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a flaky, golden crust and gooey, melted cheese inside, they’re the perfect combination of convenience and flavor.

These pinwheels are easy to prepare and bake up quickly, making them a great option for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or casual parties. Serve them with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost.

I’d love to see your Easy Pizza Pinwheels! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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