Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza, perfect for parties or a quick snack. These bite-sized treats combine gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty sauce all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough.

Ingredients
- 1 roll of Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 3 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 1 package Hormel pizza pepperoni (or a similar brand)
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Roll out the crescent rolls and pinch the seams securely to form one sheet. If available, use the sheet-style crescent rolls for easier handling.
- Step 3: Press the dough out gently to create a 12 by 15-inch rectangle.
- Step 4: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ¼ inch border around the edges free of sauce.
- Step 5: Layer the pepperoni slices in a single, touching layer over the sauce.
- Step 6: Add the slices of mozzarella cheese evenly over the pepperoni.
- Step 7: Starting from the longest side, roll the dough tightly toward the opposite edge to form a log.
- Step 8: Pinch the seam closed to seal the roll.
- Step 9: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the roll into 12 even slices with a gentle sawing motion.
- Step 10: Place each pinwheel cut-side down in a sprayed 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Step 11: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dough is golden brown, cooked through, and the cheese is melted.
- Step 12: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy your pizza pinwheels!
Tips & Variations
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped veggies like bell peppers or olives for extra texture and taste.
- Try using a low-sodium or homemade pizza sauce to control salt and sweetness.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead of a dish to allow air circulation.
Storage
Store leftover pizza pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through to keep the crust crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pizza pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just bake them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the unbaked pinwheels?
Absolutely. Freeze the rolled log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, slice, and bake as directed.
Print
Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
Description
Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and easy appetizer made with crescent roll dough, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. These bite-sized snacks feature a crispy golden crust filled with classic pizza flavors, perfect for parties or a family treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 roll of Pillsbury crescent rolls
Filling
- 3 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 1 package Hormel pizza pepperoni (or similar brand)
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pinwheels.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the crescent rolls and pinch the seams securely to form a single sheet. Press the dough out to approximately 12 x 15 inches for even rolling.
- Spread Sauce: Spoon the pizza sauce over the surface of the dough, spreading it evenly but leaving a ¼ inch border on all edges free of sauce.
- Add Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer over the sauce, ensuring they slightly overlap for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Add Cheese: Layer the slices of mozzarella cheese evenly over the pepperoni.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the longest side, tightly roll the dough towards the opposite edge to create a compact log of ingredients inside.
- Seal the Roll: Pinch the seam edge of the dough roll firmly to seal it and prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the roll into 12 equal slices, using a gentle sawing motion to maintain the shape without squashing them.
- Arrange for Baking: Place each pinwheel flat side down in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, leaving some space between them to allow expansion.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown, the dough is cooked through, and the cheese is melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then enjoy your delicious pizza pinwheels warm.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife to slice the roll to avoid squashing the pinwheels.
- To make cleanup easier, spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Feel free to customize the filling with vegetables like bell peppers or olives for extra flavor.
- Serve with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pizza Pinwheels, Appetizer, Crescent Rolls, Pepperoni, Mozzarella, Party Food, Easy Snack

