Soft, golden pinwheels filled with zesty pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni, these Cheesy Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a game night, or just looking for an easy weeknight snack, these bite-sized rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy pizza pinwheels combine everything you love about pizza in a compact, shareable form. They’re easy to assemble, bake quickly, and are completely customizable. The golden crust, melty cheese, and burst of Italian flavors make these pinwheels an irresistible appetizer or side dish. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prepping, school lunches, or party platters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped pepperoni or cooked bacon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Olive oil, for brushing

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, pepperoni (if using), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly over the sauce.
5. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
6. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 1-inch rounds.
7. Place the pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush the tops with a light coating of olive oil.
9. Bake for 14–18 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm with extra marinara or ranch dressing on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 12 pinwheels
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
• Cheese Swap: Use provolone, cheddar, or a blend for a different flavor profile.
• BBQ Twist: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and shredded chicken instead of pepperoni.
• Mini Size: Roll from the short side for smaller, bite-sized pinwheels for appetizer platters.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the crust.

Freezing:

• Freeze baked pinwheels in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works beautifully and adds an extra touch of freshness.

What type of pizza sauce should I use?

Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. Marinara or tomato basil sauces also work well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and slice the pinwheels ahead of time. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

How do I keep the pinwheels from unraveling?

Roll the dough tightly and press the edge to seal before slicing. Chilling the log slightly before slicing can also help.

Can I use crescent roll dough?

Yes, crescent dough sheets are a great alternative and offer a flakier texture.

Are these good for lunchboxes?

Absolutely. These pinwheels are great cold or at room temperature, making them a kid-friendly lunch option.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or pesto are excellent dipping choices.

Can I use gluten-free dough?

Yes, gluten-free pizza dough can be used, though baking time may vary slightly.

Should I grease the baking sheet?

Parchment paper is best to prevent sticking, but a lightly greased sheet also works if parchment is unavailable.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches or on a larger tray.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Pinwheels are everything you love about pizza, wrapped up in a fun and easy-to-eat spiral. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick baking time, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a party, lunchbox filler, or an easy family snack. Once you try them, you’ll keep coming back to this quick and crowd-pleasing recipe.

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