How to Prepare Easy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

Pizza is a timeless favorite that comes in many shapes and sizes. Today, let’s explore a fun twist to the classic – Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels! These delightful rolls pack all the punch of a traditional pizza but in a bite-sized form that’s perfect for snacking, parties, or a quick meal. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. Follow this simple guide to whip up your very own batch of these tasty treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 pre-made pizza dough (you can find this in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)
1 cup of pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of pepperoni slices (feel free to add more if you’re a pepperoni lover)
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (for that extra flavor kick)
1 tablespoon of melted butter (optional, for a golden finish)
A sprinkle of garlic powder (optional, for an extra flavor)
A touch of grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnishing)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that by the time your pinwheels are ready to go in, your oven will be at the perfect temperature.

Prepare Your Dough: Lay out your pizza dough on a clean, flat surface. You might want to lightly flour the surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick. The shape doesn’t have to be perfect, but the uniform thickness ensures even cooking.

Add the Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small margin around the edges. This prevents the sauce from spilling out when you roll it up. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni slices, and if you decided to use it, your Italian seasoning. This is the classic pizza combo, but feel free to get creative with your favorite pizza toppings!

Roll It Up: Starting from one of the longer edges of your rectangle, gently roll the dough towards the opposite edge, as tightly as you can without squishing the fillings out. Once it’s all rolled up, you should have a long, doughy log in front of you.

Cut and Arrange: With a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch sections. You should get about 12 pinwheels from a standard dough roll. Place these sections on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each for expansion during baking.

Apply the Finishing Touches: If you’re using melted butter, now’s the time to brush it over the tops of your pinwheels. This will give them a beautiful golden color and rich flavor. A light sprinkle of garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese on top can add more depth to the taste.

Bake to Perfection: Pop your prepared pinwheels into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the dough turns golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Cool and Serve: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes once they’re out of the oven – if you can wait that long! Serve them warm, with a side of pizza sauce for dipping if desired.

Additional Tips:

Customization is Key: Feel free to customize your pinwheels with different fillings. Vegetables, different meats, or various cheeses can all make great additions. Experiment to find your favorite combinations!
Making Ahead: These pinwheels can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and popped in the oven just before serving time.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, they reheat well in the oven or microwave, making for a delicious snack or addition to your lunch.

Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels combine the savory flavors of pizza with the fun and convenience of finger food. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner option, a tasty snack, or the perfect party appetizer, these pinwheels are sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade pizza in a unique and fun new way. Try making them today and see just how quickly they disappear!