Pizza night doesn’t always have to mean making a full-size pizza.
These cheesy pizza pinwheels use the same basic ingredients, but everything is rolled up, sliced, and baked into small individual pieces.
I like serving them with warm pizza sauce for dipping, and you can easily add pepperoni, sausage, or whatever pizza toppings you already have in the fridge.
They work just as well for an after-school snack as they do for game day or a casual Friday night dinner.
Cheesy Pizza Rolls Recipe
Servings: 10–12 pinwheels
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18–22 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus more for dipping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, roughly 12 x 16 inches.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the sauce. Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 10–12 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
- Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush the exposed dough lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Variations
You could easily add pepperoni, cooked sausage, ham, mushrooms, or finely chopped peppers before rolling.
FAQ
Can I make pizza pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble and slice the pinwheels a few hours ahead, cover them, and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What other fillings can I add?
Pepperoni, cooked sausage, ham, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives all work well. Just don’t add too many fillings or the pinwheels can become difficult to roll.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves quite a bit of time. Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling it out.
How do I keep pizza pinwheels from falling apart?
Roll the dough fairly tightly and use a sharp knife to cut it. Placing the pinwheels cut-side up also helps them hold their shape while baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover pizza pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat pizza pinwheels?
Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, although the dough will be softer.
What should I serve with pizza pinwheels?
Warm pizza or marinara sauce is the easiest choice for dipping. You can also serve them with a salad if you’re turning them into a quick lunch or dinner.