These Pepperoni Pinwheels are fun and tasty snacks perfect for any game day or party. Made with dough wrapped around zesty pepperoni and melted cheese, they are sure to please!
I love how easy they are to make; just roll, slice, and bake! Plus, there’s nothing better than the smell of cheesy goodness filling the kitchen. Who can resist? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough or Pizza Dough: You can use either for this recipe, but I lean toward crescent roll dough for its flaky texture. If you’re gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free dough or make your own with gluten-free flour.
Pizza Sauce: Pizza sauce adds flavor, but you can substitute marinara sauce or even pesto for a twist. If you prefer a spicy kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Pepperoni: Regular pepperoni is great, but turkey or vegan pepperoni are good alternatives if you’re looking for a healthier or plant-based option. You could also use salami or ham for different flavors.
Italian Seasoning: You can use just dried oregano and basil if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand. Fresh herbs could also work, just use a bit more since they are less concentrated.
How Do I Roll and Cut the Pinwheels for Even Cooking?
Rolling the dough tightly is key for nice, even pinwheels. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start from one of the long edges of the rectangle to get larger pinwheels.
- Use both hands to pull the dough as you roll to make it tight. This helps keep the filling intact.
- When cutting, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for clean edges. Press down firmly without sawing back and forth.
- Try to make each slice about 1 inch thick. This size helps them cook through and keeps them from unraveling.
Remember to space the pinwheels appropriately on your baking sheet, so they can puff up without sticking together!
How to Make Delicious Pepperoni Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough (about 8 oz)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or use dried oregano and basil)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Your pinwheels will love this cozy environment!
2. Rolling Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your crescent roll dough or pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches. Make sure it’s nice and even, so that all those delicious fillings are spread out uniformly!
3. Spreading the Sauce:
Next, spread the pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This will keep the filling in when we roll it!
4. Adding Cheese and Pepperoni:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Make sure it’s well-covered because more cheese means more yumminess. Then, layer the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. You can use as many as you’d like—stack them up!
5. Seasoning for Flavor:
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over everything. This is where the flavors come together, so don’t skip this step!
6. Rolling It Up:
Now the fun part! Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Keep it firm, but not too tight, so the filling stays inside.
7. Cutting the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife (or a pizza cutter), cut the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly. You should have about 10-12 pieces.
8. Arranging for Baking:
Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 1 inch apart. They’ll puff up as they bake, so they need a little space!
9. Adding the Finishing Touch:
If you’d like, you can sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top of each pinwheel for an extra cheesy kick. Yum!
10. Baking to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cooling and Serving:
Once they’re golden, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly. They’ll be hot and cheesy, so give them a few moments to settle before diving in.
Enjoy these flavorful and easy Pepperoni Pinwheels as a scrumptious snack or delightful appetizer that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Dough?
Absolutely! While crescent roll dough gives a flaky texture, you can also use pizza dough or even puff pastry. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pizza dough in stores.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time! Assemble them, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option.
What Can I Serve with Pepperoni Pinwheels?
These pinwheels pair perfectly with marinara dipping sauce or ranch dressing. For a fun twist, serve with a side of garlic butter for dipping! You can also complement them with a fresh salad for a complete meal.