Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels have quickly become one of my favorite go-to options for Super Bowl party food ideas. These delicious spiral bites combine all the flavors of pizza in a fun, handheld format that’s perfect for game day gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a big watch party or just enjoying the game with family, these savory pinwheels deliver the perfect combination of gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and zesty marinara in every bite. They’re incredibly versatile too – you can prepare them ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before kickoff.
Nutritional Benefits
These pizza pinwheels offer a better nutritional profile than many typical game day snacks. The pizza dough provides carbohydrates for energy, while the cheese and pepperoni add protein. You can also sneak in some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutritional value even further.
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 package refrigerated pizza dough | Base | Crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or homemade pizza dough |
| 1/2 cup marinara sauce | Flavor base | Pizza sauce, pesto, or alfredo sauce |
| 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese | Creaminess and binding | Italian cheese blend, cheddar, or dairy-free cheese |
| 4 oz sliced pepperoni | Main flavor | Turkey pepperoni, ham, or cooked Italian sausage |
| 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning | Herb flavor | Dried oregano, basil, or pizza seasoning blend |
| 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese | Umami flavor | Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | Crust browning | Melted butter or egg wash |
| 1 teaspoon garlic powder | Flavor enhancer | Fresh minced garlic or garlic salt (reduce other salt if using) |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Rolling pin
– Pastry brush
– Sharp knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mixing bowl
– Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 14×10 inches.
3. Add the sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges.
4. Layer the toppings: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices in an even layer on top of the cheese.
5. Add seasonings: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the pepperoni.
6. Roll it up: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
7. Slice the log: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch slices. You should get about 12-14 pepperoni pizza pinwheels.
8. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each pinwheel as they will expand during baking.
9. Brush with oil: Lightly brush the tops of the pinwheels with olive oil.
10. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the football party foods are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Cool slightly: Allow the pinwheels to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.
12. Serve: Offer with additional warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Pinwheels unraveling? Make sure to roll the dough tightly and allow the baked pinwheels to cool slightly before moving them.
– Soggy bottoms? Don’t overdo the sauce, and make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
– Make them extra cheesy by sprinkling additional cheese on top during the last 2 minutes of baking.
– For a flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey over the finished pinwheels.
– Even cutting technique: Use unflavored dental floss to slice through the roll for clean cuts without squishing the dough.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make ahead: Prepare the pinwheels up to the slicing stage, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
– Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
– Leftovers: Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
Conclusion
These Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering, but they shine especially bright as Super Bowl party food ideas. They combine the beloved flavors of pizza with the convenience of a finger food, making them ideal for munching during commercial breaks or celebrating a touchdown. The best part is their versatility – you can customize them with your favorite pizza toppings to suit your guests’ preferences. Whether you’re hosting a big game day bash or just looking for a fun weekend snack, these pinwheels deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
FAQ
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s rolled to an even thickness.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables like sliced bell peppers, olives, or sautéed mushrooms.
Can I prepare these the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the roll, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Slice and bake just before serving.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out too much?
Leave a 1-inch border around the edges when spreading your toppings and don’t overfill. Also, allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Definitely! Just make sure any meat toppings are pre-cooked and vegetables are cut small and patted dry to prevent excess moisture.
Are these kid-friendly?
Kids love these pinwheels! You can even get them involved in the rolling and topping process for a fun cooking activity.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels. If you’re looking for more game day inspiration, check out my Simple Cheesy Baked Quesadillas that are another perfect addition to your Super Bowl snacks spread.
