Description
These Pizza Pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring a flaky pizza crust filled with classic pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with Italian seasoning and a brush of garlic butter. Baked to golden perfection, they make the perfect snack or party finger food, especially when served with a zesty pesto ranch dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Pinwheels
- 1 package refrigerated pizza crust dough (13.8 ounces)
- 6 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 garlic clove (grated)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- 1 batch Pesto Ranch
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 13×9 inches. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides to prevent overflow during baking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then add 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the cheese. Arrange the sliced pepperoni in a single layer on top of the cheeses.
- Roll and Slice: Starting at the bottom edge of the dough, carefully roll it up like a jelly roll. Using a serrated knife, cut the rolled dough crosswise into 3 equal sections. Then, cut each section crosswise into 4 smaller pieces, giving you a total of 12 pinwheels.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the pinwheels flat on the prepared baking pan, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and bubbly.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the pinwheels bake, combine the melted butter and grated garlic in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful garlic butter.
- Brush and Garnish: Once the pinwheels come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the prepared garlic butter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil over the top for an aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the pinwheels warm or at room temperature alongside pesto ranch for dipping, if desired. Enjoy these golden, melty, and herb-infused pizza pinwheel bites!
Notes
- These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm but also taste great at room temperature, making them perfect for parties or snacking.
- Brushing with garlic butter right after baking adds an irresistible aromatic flavor and richness.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce in the dip.
- Optional fresh basil adds a bright herbal note and makes for an attractive garnish.
- Pesto ranch dip complements the pinwheels beautifully, but feel free to serve with any favorite pizza-friendly sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 162 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 456 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
