Zingy Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe: Fun Snacks in a Flash!

Parties and game nights spark excitement when these irresistible crispy pepperoni pinwheels land on the table.

Packed with bold flavors, the crispy pepperoni pinwheels recipe combines cheesy goodness and zesty pepperoni in a perfectly rolled package.

Soft tortillas wrap around a creamy blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, studded with spicy pepperoni slices.

Each pinwheel delivers a delightful crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

These bite-sized treats come together quickly with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

The golden-brown edges and melted cheese make them impossible to resist.

Dive into this simple yet crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to become a staple at your next gathering.

How To Roll Up Pepperoni Pinwheels

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 200C (400F) and get ready for some delicious rolling action.

• Prepare Your Baking Surface

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for a smooth, non-stick experience.

• Roll Out the Magic

Spread out your pizza dough into a gorgeous rectangular shape, making sure it’s nice and even.

• Create Flavor Layers

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese across the dough, then sprinkle pepperoni slices and shredded cheese all around.

• Roll It Up

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, making sure all those yummy ingredients stay tucked inside.

• Slice and Arrange

Use a sharp knife to cut the log into beautiful pinwheel rounds about half an inch thick. Place each one carefully on your prepared baking sheet.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the pinwheels into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and the cheese gets all melty and delicious.

• Cool and Serve

Let the pinwheels rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then serve these crowd-pleasing bites while they’re still warm.

Tips For Crispy Pepperoni Pinwheels

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator before baking for stress-free entertaining.
• Cheese Swap Strategy: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry or crescent roll dough to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or olives inside the pinwheels for extra nutrition and complex flavor dimensions.
• Spice Level Control: Swap regular pepperoni for mild turkey pepperoni or use less pepperoni if you prefer a milder taste, perfect for kids or those who don't enjoy intense spiciness.

Pepperoni Pinwheels Serving Ideas

• Pizza Party Platter: Arrange pinwheels on a large wooden board with marinara dipping sauce, fresh basil leaves, and scattered cherry tomatoes for a stunning appetizer presentation.
• Lunch Box Star: Pack these cool pinwheels in kids' lunchboxes with a small container of ranch or marinara sauce for a fun midday meal that's sure to be a hit.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these bite-sized treats during sports watching parties, alongside other finger foods like chips and veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing spread that keeps everyone munching.
• Movie Night Munchies: Create a snack station with pinwheels, popcorn, and soft drinks for a delicious cinema-style experience right at home that everyone will love.

Keeping Pepperoni Pinwheels Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual pinwheels separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months and reheat directly from frozen state at 180C (350F) for 10-12 minutes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolled pinwheel log in advance and refrigerate wrapped in plastic for 24 hours before slicing and baking, perfect for busy meal planners.
• Room Temperature Tips: Allow baked pinwheels to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which could make the edges soggy and compromise their crispy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 9

Pepperoni Pinwheels Ingredient Breakdown

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: Provides a buttery, flaky foundation that creates a perfect canvas for the pinwheel's delightful fillings.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps in dusting the surface to prevent sticking and ensures smooth rolling of the dough.

• Pepperoni: Delivers a zesty, spicy punch and classic Italian-American taste with its rich, meaty character.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creamy, melty goodness that binds the ingredients and creates irresistible stringy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Introduces a tangy, smooth base that helps hold the pinwheels together and enhances overall richness.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses a blend of herbs that elevates the flavor profile with authentic Mediterranean warmth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty undertone that complements the pepperoni's bold taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Perfect dipping companion that adds a bright, tomato-based zest to complement the pinwheels.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a pop of color and subtle fresh herbaceous note for visual and flavor enhancement.

Kitchen Tools For Pepperoni Pinwheels

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients easily.
• Rolling pin: Helps flatten pastry dough smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting pinwheels evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for slicing.
• Baking sheet: Essential for cooking pinwheels evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps with clean-up.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.

Crispy Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering pepperoni pinwheels deliver a zesty Italian-inspired appetizer perfect for parties. Crisp puff pastry rolls filled with spicy pepperoni and melted cheese promise quick satisfaction for hungry guests.

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Ingredients

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• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 g (1.5 oz) pepperoni slices
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ½ cup (120 ml) marinara or pizza sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Gently unfurl refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly dusted surface, stretching into a uniform rectangular canvas for pinwheel assembly.
2. Cream Cheese Layer: Smoothly spread cream cheese across the entire dough surface, creating a luxurious, creamy foundation for subsequent ingredients.
3. Protein and Cheese Assembly: Meticulously arrange pepperoni slices in an overlapping pattern, then generously scatter mozzarella cheese to ensure maximum flavor intensity.
4. Rolling Technique: Tightly roll the dough from the elongated edge, forming a compact spiral that encapsulates all ingredients in a perfect cylindrical shape.
5. Precision Cutting: Utilize a razor-sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into uniform 1-inch medallions, revealing an elegant pinwheel cross-section.
6. Baking Preparation: Position pinwheel slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to promote even heat circulation and crisp edges.
7. Egg Wash Finish: Delicately brush pinwheel tops with beaten egg, guaranteeing a lustrous, golden-brown exterior during the baking process.
8. Oven Transformation: Bake in a preheated oven until edges transform to a crisp golden hue and cheese melts into bubbling perfection.
9. Serving Technique: Allow pinwheels to rest briefly after removing from oven, enabling filling stabilization and preventing potential mouth-scorching moments.

Notes

• Prevent Dough Sticking: Liberally flour your work surface and rolling pin to ensure smooth dough handling and easy rolling without tearing.
• Cheese Distribution Technique: Layer cream cheese and mozzarella evenly to guarantee consistent flavor and melting in every pinwheel slice.
• Slice Uniformity Trick: Use a serrated knife or dental floss for clean, precise cuts that maintain the pinwheel’s beautiful spiral pattern without crushing the delicate dough.
• Dietary Modification Options: Substitute regular pepperoni with turkey pepperoni for lower-fat version, or use gluten-free pizza dough and vegetarian pepperoni alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg