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To make tasty pepperoni pizza pinwheels, gather these key ingredients: - 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough - 1 cup pizza sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sliced pepperoni - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon olive oil These ingredients blend to create a flavor-packed snack everyone loves. While the pinwheels taste great on their own, adding garnishes can enhance their look and taste. Consider using: - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese - A drizzle of balsamic glaze These options add freshness and extra flavor. If you don't have some ingredients, here are easy swaps: - Use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought. - Substitute marinara sauce for pizza sauce. - Try other cheeses like cheddar or provolone. - Use turkey or veggie pepperoni for a different twist. These substitutions keep the dish exciting while fitting your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven for baking your pinwheels. Next, take a package of refrigerated pizza dough. Unroll the dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. This thickness helps the pinwheels bake evenly. Now, spread 1 cup of pizza sauce over the dough. Leave a small border around the edges. This keeps the sauce from leaking. Next, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Make sure the cheese covers the sauce well. Then, add 1 cup of sliced pepperoni. Place the slices evenly to ensure every bite has pepperoni. After that, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. These spices add a nice touch of flavor. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. This is key for forming good pinwheels. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for clean cuts. Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on a lined baking sheet. Leave space between them to allow for rising. Brush the tops lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps them turn golden brown. Now, bake the pinwheels in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch for them to turn golden brown and the cheese to bubble. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, add fresh basil leaves for garnish before serving. Enjoy your tasty snack! To make the best pepperoni pizza pinwheels, you need good dough. Use fresh, refrigerated pizza dough for the best results. Roll it out evenly to avoid uneven pinwheels. Spread the sauce carefully. Leave a small edge so it won’t ooze out. Use plenty of cheese for a gooey texture. Don't skimp on the pepperoni; every bite should be full of flavor. When you roll the dough, keep it tight but not too tight. This helps the pinwheels hold their shape. Finally, brush olive oil on top before baking. It gives them a nice golden color. One common mistake is cutting the pinwheels too thick. Aim for about 1 inch thick. If they are too thick, they won’t cook evenly. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) first. This ensures even cooking. Don’t forget to space them apart on the baking sheet. If they touch, they will stick together. Lastly, avoid using too much sauce. Too much sauce will make the pinwheels soggy. Serve your pinwheels warm for the best taste. They pair well with extra pizza sauce for dipping. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or veggie sticks. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh basil adds color and flavor. If you have kids, let them help with the garnish. It makes the meal more fun and personal. Enjoy your delicious snack! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Dough: Allow your pizza dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with and helps prevent it from shrinking back. Don't Overfill: While it’s tempting to add lots of cheese and toppings, overfilling can make the pinwheels difficult to roll and may cause them to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your pinwheels by adding different toppings like olives, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Enhance your pinwheels by serving them with extra pizza sauce or garlic butter on the side for dipping. It adds an extra layer of flavor that's sure to impress! {{image_2}} You can easily make these pinwheels vegetarian. Use fresh veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These add great flavor and color. Instead of pepperoni, try marinated artichokes or olives. You still get a tasty treat without meat! The filling can change based on your taste. Want something different? Try cooked sausage or ham. You can also use different cheeses like cheddar or feta. For a fun twist, add pesto or BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce. These options keep it exciting! If you like heat, add hot sauce or chili flakes. This gives your pinwheels a nice kick. You can also use spicy pepperoni or chorizo for more flavor. Don’t forget to balance the spice with some cooling elements like sour cream or ranch! To keep your leftover pinwheels fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can stack them if needed. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay tasty and safe to eat. Reheating pinwheels is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. You want them warm and the cheese melty again. You can also use the microwave for quick heating. Just heat for 30 seconds and check if they are warm. If you want to freeze your pinwheels, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the oven for the best taste. Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough. Just make sure it’s ready to roll out. Homemade dough gives a fresh taste. It also lets you control the flavors. Use the same thickness as the store-bought dough. These pinwheels last about three days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw before baking or reheating. Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Assemble the pinwheels and store them in the fridge. Bake them when you are ready to serve. This makes for a quick snack or meal. You’ve learned how to make delicious pinwheels from the full blog post. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. You now know about variations, storage, and common questions. With this knowledge, you can whip up tasty pinwheels for any event. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and impress your friends! Make sure to share your own success stories!

Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

Delicious pinwheels filled with pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
  • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce evenly.
  • Distribute the sliced pepperoni across the cheese, ensuring every bite gets a piece.
  • Sprinkle the dried oregano and garlic powder evenly over the top for added flavor.
  • Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
  • Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  • Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  • Brush the tops of the pinwheels lightly with olive oil to promote golden browning.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  • If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword pinwheels, pizza, snack