Description
Crispy Pizza Pinwheels are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional pizza, with a crispy exterior and cheesy, savory filling. These pinwheels are made with a pizza dough base, layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, then rolled up and baked to golden perfection. The result is a crispy, cheesy treat that’s perfect for appetizers, parties, or even a casual meal. These pinwheels are as satisfying as a slice of pizza but in a cute, portable form.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for a quick and easy recipe or opt for homemade dough for a fresher taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and provides that perfect stringy cheese effect inside the pinwheels.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and elevates the overall taste.
- Pizza Sauce: A tangy pizza sauce provides a flavorful base for the pinwheels, keeping the filling moist.
- Pepperoni and Other Toppings: Customize your pinwheels with your favorite pizza toppings to make them unique and tailored to your taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Pinwheel Filling:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches).
- Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add the Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the sauce. Then, add your preferred toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or any combination.
- Season the Filling: Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the toppings.
Roll and Bake the Pinwheels:
- Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough from one long edge to the other, creating a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal the dough.
- Slice the Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch wide pinwheels. You should have about 16 pinwheels.
- Place on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even baking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with olive oil to help them crisp up and get a golden color as they bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool: Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120-140 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 7g