These Pepperoni Pinwheels are fun and tasty bites packed with cheesy goodness and pepperoni. Perfect for snacks, parties, or a quick meal!
I love how simple they are to make—just roll, slice, and bake! These pinwheels always make me smile when they puff up in the oven. Who can resist that cheesy aroma? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: I prefer using refrigerated pizza dough for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own dough! For a gluten-free option, look for ready-made gluten-free pizza dough.
Pizza Sauce: A store-bought pizza sauce is quick and tasty. If you want to customize it, you can mix in some herbs or spices. You can also use marinara or even a pesto if you’re in the mood for something different.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is standard, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor. Vegan cheese also works well if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
Pepperoni: You can swap out the pepperoni for other meats like ham, turkey, or even veggies for a meatless version. Sliced olives or bell peppers can add an extra crunch!
How Do You Roll Dough Without It Sticking?
The trick to rolling pizza dough without it sticking is to keep your surface and rolling pin lightly floured. Here’s how:
- Sprinkle a small amount of flour on your work surface before rolling.
- Use a rolling pin that’s also dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
- If the dough is really sticking, give it a quick chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling—it makes it easier to handle!
Delicious Pepperoni Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pinwheels:
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce, divided
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes of baking time. So you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes in total to have these yummy pinwheels ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grab your muffin tin and lightly grease the cups with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle that measures about 12×10 inches. This is where all the yummy filling will go!
3. Add the Sauce:
Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Make sure to leave a little border around the edges so it doesn’t ooze out while baking.
4. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Make it nice and cheesy—who doesn’t love extra cheese?
5. Layer the Pepperoni:
Next, lay the pepperoni slices out evenly over the cheese. You want every bite to have a piece of that delicious pepperoni!
6. Roll It Up:
Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Take your time to make sure it’s nice and snug.
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
Now it’s time to cut! Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pinwheels. This will give you perfect bite-sized pieces.
8. Place in Muffin Tin:
Take each slice and place it cut side up into the prepared muffin tin cups. They should fit snugly together.
9. Add More Sauce:
Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of pizza sauce over the pinwheels in the muffin tin. This will give them extra flavor and keep them moist.
10. Top with Cheese:
Now sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of each pinwheel. Cheese, please!
11. Season It Up:
If you’d like, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning on top for an extra punch of flavor.
12. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the pinwheels cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. Then carefully remove them and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Pepperoni Pinwheels!
These pinwheels are a hit at parties and make for a great snack or meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Homemade Pizza Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure it’s rolled out to about the same thickness as the refrigerated dough for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Get creative! You can replace pepperoni with other meats like cooked sausage or shredded chicken, or add veggies like bell peppers and olives. Just make sure to keep the fillings relatively dry to avoid sogginess.