Friday is pizza night at our house, and this week I tried something new: cheesy pepperoni pizza pinwheels. This was my first time making them, and with two picky eaters I honestly wasn’t sure how they’d go over. The kids loved them! They unrolled every single one like a cinnamon roll, dunked each bite in sauce and asked for more.
These pizza pinwheels have everything kids love about pizza: melty mozzarella, pepperoni and pizza sauce, all rolled up in soft dough and baked until golden. Want to sneak in some veggies? You can add a little finely chopped spinach too. It’s totally optional!
They take 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to bake, and they freeze beautifully, so you can stash some away for a busy night or school lunches.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Pinwheels
- Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish
- Fun for kids to hold, unroll and dip
- Easy to add hidden veggies if you want to
- Freezer-friendly for lunches and snacks
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have
What You’ll Need
- Refrigerated pizza dough: one tube works great, or use 1 lb of store-bought dough.
- Pizza sauce or marinara: a thin layer inside, plus extra warmed up for dipping.
- Pepperoni: mini turkey pepperoni is leaner and easier for little ones to chew. Regular pepperoni cut into quarters works too.
- Shredded mozzarella: for that cheesy pull.
- Baby spinach (optional): chopped super fine so it blends right in.
- Melted butter and Italian seasoning: brushed on top for a garlic-knot-style finish.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
Step 1: Roll out the dough
Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 x 9 inches.
Step 2: Spread the sauce
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Don’t overdo it, or the pinwheels can get soggy and hard to roll.
Step 3: Add the toppings
Layer on the pepperoni (and spinach, if you’re using it), then sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.
Step 4: Roll it up
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed so the pinwheels don’t unroll in the oven.
Step 5: Slice and brush
Slice the log into 12 rounds and set them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Step 6: Bake until golden
Bake for 13 to 16 minutes, until the pinwheels are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Busy Mom Tips
- Adding spinach? Chop it super fine so it just looks like seasoning, and picky eaters are less likely to pick it out.
- Mini turkey pepperoni is leaner and easier for little ones to chew.
- Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion so the rounds don’t squish. If the log feels soft, chill it for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Let the kids help sprinkle the cheese and pepperoni. They’re more likely to eat what they helped make!
- Serve with cucumber slices or strawberries for an easy, no-fuss dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pizza pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them, let them cool, then store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat when you’re ready to eat.
How do I freeze pizza pinwheels?
Let the baked pinwheels cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, move them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat them?
Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes, until they’re hot all the way through.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead?
Yes. Press the seams together to make one big sheet. Crescent dough bakes faster, so start checking at about 10 minutes.
Are these good for lunchboxes?
They are! They taste great at room temperature. Pack one or two with a small container of pizza sauce for dipping.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Easy Variations
- Veggie lover’s: swap the pepperoni for finely diced bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Ham and cheese: use diced ham and a mozzarella-cheddar blend.
- Muffin tin pinwheels: bake each round in a greased muffin cup so they keep a tidy shape.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas for the Whole Family
- Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese
- Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12 x 9 inches.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the pepperoni, spinach (if using) and cheese.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly and pinch the seam closed.
- Slice into 12 rounds and set them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 13 to 16 minutes, until golden. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
