Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Bysophie

Easy Pizza Pinwheels are a fun, bite-sized snack that tastes just like pizza but looks a little more exciting. Instead of a round pizza, all the familiar flavors cheesy mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce are rolled up inside soft dough and sliced into cute spirals. When baked, they turn golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and incredibly tempting to eat. Because they are small and handheld, pizza pinwheels are perfect for kids, parties, lunchboxes, or quick after-school snacks.

Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

One of the best things about this Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need to be a professional cook, and you don’t need fancy tools. If you can spread sauce and sprinkle cheese, you can make these pinwheels. Kids can even help with rolling and placing them on the baking tray, which makes this recipe not just food, but a fun kitchen activity the whole family can enjoy.

Why You Should Try the Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

You should try this Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe because it turns everyday pizza ingredients into something new and exciting. Sometimes regular pizza feels a little boring, but pinwheels make pizza feel special again. They are great for picky eaters because you can easily change the fillings. Don’t like pepperoni? Use cooked chicken. Love veggies? Add bell peppers or olives. This recipe is very flexible, which means everyone can enjoy it their own way.

Another great reason to try this recipe is how fast it is. On busy days when you don’t have time to cook a big meal, pizza pinwheels come to the rescue. They are quick to assemble, bake in less than 20 minutes, and disappear from the plate even faster. Plus, they are easy to store and reheat, making them a smart choice for meal prep or snacks throughout the week.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients you’ll need for Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Here is everything you need to make Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe:

  • 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for brushing

How to Make Meatball Casserole

Step 1

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick spray. This step helps prevent the pinwheels from sticking and makes cleanup much easier later. Next, open the pizza dough and gently unroll it onto a clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. If the dough is a little thick or uneven, you can lightly roll it out with a rolling pin so it forms a neat rectangle.

Step 2

Now it’s time to add the pizza flavors. Spoon the pizza sauce onto the dough and spread it out evenly, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. This empty space helps keep the sauce from spilling out when you roll the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, making sure every bite will be nice and cheesy. Then add the pepperoni slices, spreading them out so each pinwheel gets a little bit. Finish by sprinkling Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top for extra flavor.

Step 3

Once the toppings are on, carefully start rolling the dough from one long side to the other, forming a tight log. Take your time with this step so the roll stays neat and the fillings stay inside. If some cheese peeks out, that’s okay it will just get extra crispy in the oven. After the dough is rolled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 1-inch pieces. Place each pinwheel cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Step 4

If you like a golden, slightly crispy top, lightly brush the pinwheels with olive oil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot inside, so patience is important especially for kids!

Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!

Kitchen equipment you will need :

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or non stick spray
  • Rolling pin optional
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Small bowl for holding ingredients
  • Oven

Tips and Variation Ideas

Keep the dough cold until you’re ready to use it; cold dough is easier to roll.

If the dough feels sticky, lightly dust your surface with flour.

Try different fillings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Cut the pinwheels with dental floss instead of a knife for clean slices.

What can I serve with this Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe ?

I often pair this Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe with a delicious salad and a selection of tasty drinks like fruit juice or orange juice, and sometimes I like to take it with us when we go on a picnic to enjoy it.

Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I freeze pizza pinwheels ?

Yes, baked pinwheels freeze well for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

How do I reheat leftover pizza pinwheels ?

Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet ?

Yes, use parchment paper or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Can I make them in an air fryer ?

Yes, cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes, checking often.

Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Print

Easy Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Recipe by sophieCourse: Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

18

minutes
Calories

200

kcal
Total time

28

minutes

Bite-sized, cheesy pizza rolls that are fun to make, perfect for kids, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough

  • ½ cup pizza sauce

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for brushing

Directions

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick spray. This step helps prevent the pinwheels from sticking and makes cleanup much easier later. Next, open the pizza dough and gently unroll it onto a clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. If the dough is a little thick or uneven, you can lightly roll it out with a rolling pin so it forms a neat rectangle.
  • Now it’s time to add the pizza flavors. Spoon the pizza sauce onto the dough and spread it out evenly, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. This empty space helps keep the sauce from spilling out when you roll the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, making sure every bite will be nice and cheesy. Then add the pepperoni slices, spreading them out so each pinwheel gets a little bit. Finish by sprinkling Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top for extra flavor.
  • Once the toppings are on, carefully start rolling the dough from one long side to the other, forming a tight log. Take your time with this step so the roll stays neat and the fillings stay inside. If some cheese peeks out, that’s okay it will just get extra crispy in the oven. After the dough is rolled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 1-inch pieces. Place each pinwheel cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
  • If you like a golden, slightly crispy top, lightly brush the pinwheels with olive oil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot inside, so patience is important especially for kids!

Notes

  • Use cold dough Keep your pizza dough chilled until ready to roll; it’s easier to handle.
  • Don’t overfill Too much sauce or cheese can cause the pinwheels to spill or flatten.
  • Preheat the oven Baking in a fully heated oven ensures a golden, crispy finish.
  • Cool before storing Let pinwheels cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…

Stuffed Mushrooms
German Schnitzel
Waldorf Salad
Cheesy Garlic Bread

    Similar Posts

    • Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

      Bysophie

      Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a fun and tasty snack made from cauliflower instead of chicken. The cauliflower is cut into small bite sized florets, dipped in a seasoned batter, baked or air fried until crispy, then tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and finished with melted cheese. They look like wings, taste bold and zesty, and have a crunchy outside with a soft, tender inside. Even people who don’t usually like vegetables are often surprised by how good they are.

    • Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs

      Bysophie

      Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs are a fun and tasty twist on classic meatballs. Instead of using meat, these little bites are made from chopped cauliflower mixed with breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices. They are rolled into balls, baked until crispy, and then coated in bold buffalo sauce. The outside gets golden and slightly crunchy, while the inside stays soft and flavorful. They are spicy, tangy, and perfect for people who like a little heat in their food.

    • |

      Beef Empanadas

      Bysophie

      Beef empanadas are delicious stuffed pastries that are crispy on the outside and warm and savory on the inside. They are made by filling dough with a seasoned beef mixture, folding it over, and then baking or frying until golden brown. Think of them like little hand pies but instead of sweet fruit inside, they are filled with tasty meat, onions, spices, and sometimes vegetables. People in many countries enjoy empanadas, especially in Latin American and Spanish-style cooking, and each place has its own version.

    • |

      Pizza Pull Apart Rolls

      Bysophie

      Pizza Pull Apart Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls filled with all the best pizza flavors like melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and tasty pizza sauce. Instead of slicing pizza into pieces, these rolls are baked together in one pan so everyone can pull them apart by hand. That’s where the fun comes in! Each roll is golden on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Kids love them because they’re easy to grab, and adults love them because they taste just like pizza but feel extra special.

    • Scotch Eggs

      Bysophie

      Scotch eggs are a classic British snack that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat. They are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in seasoned sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried or baked until golden brown. When you cut into one, you get the satisfying combination of a soft or slightly runny egg in the middle, surrounded by savory sausage, and a crispy outer layer. Scotch eggs are often served cold or warm, making them a perfect picnic treat, party appetizer, or snack on the go.

    • |

      Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

      Bysophie

      Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels are warm, golden-brown bread snacks with a soft inside and a slightly chewy outside. They are shaped into fun twists and sprinkled with salt, making them perfect for snacks, parties, or after-school treats. You often see pretzels at fairs, stadiums, and bakeries, but the good news is that you can make them right at home with simple ingredients. They smell amazing while baking and taste even better fresh out of the oven.