Pizza pinwheels are customizable, cheesy spirals of dough—perfect as a fun, saucy appetizer, snack, or lunchbox treat.
Pizza Pinwheels was one of the most awaited snacks during the school holidays while the kids were growing up. I vividly remember that every time I told them I would make it, everyday they would start the day with the same question “are we making it today?” .. The day we actually made it, we had it as a snack rather than for dinner. And with a cup of tea, this was a well deserved treat. Like the Coriander gArlic Pesto Rolls, this too is a family favourite now and we make it often, varying the stuffing inside
I also remember that the first time I made this, my in-laws and mom who are not so into baked goods also liked it quite a bit.All in all, a snack that has endless possibilities for filling. We are sure to make these again for this year’s birthday too (as per her ‘orders’ :D) .
FAQs & Tips to make the best Pizza Pinwheels
- Can I use store-bought pizza sauce ? Absolutely. We love my homemade arrabiata here as a base, so used it.
- Can I stuff this with any protein ? Absolutely, any protein (including cheese) can be used, make sure to dice/shred it fine to allow easy rolling.
- What can I use in place of bread flour ? To make a bread flour substitute using all-purpose flour (APF), simply add vital wheat gluten to increase the protein content. Measure 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Remove 1 ½ teaspoons of the flour. Replace it with 1 ½ teaspoons of vital wheat gluten. Whisk or sift together to combine evenly.This mimics the higher protein content of bread flour (usually 12–14% protein), which helps with better gluten development and chew in yeast breads.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make it and refrigerate it. Make sure to bring it to room temperature (along with the rest of the ingredients) before baking.
- Can I use frozen / homemade puff pastry to make these rolls ? Yes, you can.
Other savoury bakes or you might like for a light brunch / snack option include:
Coriander Garlic Pesto Pull Apart Rolls | Yeasted Breads
Coriander Garlic Pesto rolls is a great snack for parties or dinner. Baked to Golden perfection with wholewheat flour, garlic pesto and everyday spices.
Check out this recipe
Baked Nippattu | Baked Spicy and savoury Cracker
Baked Nippattu is a healthy take on the popular deep fried Nippat – a savoury, crunchy snack from Karnataka cuisine. Often enjoyed as is or with a cuppa!
Check out this recipe
Baked Roti Nachos Recipe
Baked Roti Nachos is a quick fusion snack made with left rotis (Indian Flatbread). Indo-mex fusion that is a great hit at parties or potluck
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Baked Tandoori Gobhi | Gluten Free Appetisers
Tandoori Gobhi is a healthy, Gluten Free baked appetiser that can be served at parties or potluck. Tastes yum with a yogurt based herb chutney.
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Baked Gobi Musallam | Whole Roasted Cauliflower | Vegan & GF Mains
Gobi Musallam is a rich, aromatic Indian dish made with whole cauliflower cooked in a flavorful, spiced gravy, often served as a festive or special-occasion dish.
Check out this recipe
Baked Matar ki Kachori | How to make Stuffed Peas Kachori | Vegan Snack
Baked Matar Kachori is a healthy Baked version of the stuffed Kachori with no deep frying involved. Served as a snack at tea time or for breakfast.
Check out this recipe
Baked Tofu and Rice Stuffed Peppers in Tomato Sauce | Vegan, GF
Let's make Stuffed peppers with leftover rice and Tofu for a delicious Gluten Free, Vegan Dish. Great for parties or gatherings as a vegetarian main.
Check out this recipe
Prep time : 15 mins | Standing time (rise time : 1.5- 2 hours) ; Bake time :20 mins | Makes : 1 dozen medium sized
rolls ; Cuisine : American , type : Snack or appetiser
What you need to make Pizza Pinwheels:
- 2 cups Unbleached bread flour (II used king Arthur brand, see notes above or in recipe card for substitutes)
- 1 tsp Instant yeast – 1 tsp
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/3 cup + 2 TBSP Warm
water (+ little more for kneading or as required) - 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1/8 tsp Salt
Filling:
- 3/4 Cup Pasta sauce ( I blitzed my homemade chunky arrabbiata with 2 deseeded tomatoes, strained them anad used it. You can also use storebought Pizza sauce)
- 1/4 cup Boiled corn (lightly sauteed and cooled to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup Onions ( quartered or diced)
- 1 tsp mixed herbs (I used oregano, basil and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder
- 1/3 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Olive oil – to brush the bakes
PIN FOR LATER
How to make Pizza Pinwheels:
- Proof the yeast with warm water and sugar. (I proof the yeast every time although its instant, just to be sure). Once done, add the oil and whisk it well.
- Sieve flour and salt twice over, make a well / dent in the flour and add the proved yeast + oil mixture. Knead to a smooth dough adding any additional warm water if necessary. Cover with a wet kitchen towel and place in a draft free environment till it doubles (I keep it in an oven with the light on). My dough generally doubles in an hour, however that week it was chilly and took about 90-95 mins to double.
- Punch down the dough a bit and divide the dough into two parts (One portion went to make a lovely veggie margarita type pizza for the husband and me). Knead the other portion lightly.
- On a floured surface, roll into a rectangular sized sheet.
- Spread the pasta sauce, sprinkle the veggies, cheese, dry herbs, and top it with cheese.
- With the shorter end of the rectangle facing you, roll into a tight roll (like a cinnamon roll) and press the ends to seal. Roll all through the length of the pizza sheet.
- Clingwrap and refrigerate for 20 – 30 mins (this is an important step, don’t miss, else you would be left with messy pinwheels).
- Towards the end of 30 mins, Preheat oven to 180 deg C. / 375 deg F.
- With a sharp serrated knife, cut thickish roundels, place the pinwheels with the cut portion facing upwards on a greased / lined baking sheet
- Bake for 18-22 mins or till you get golden brown pinwheels, keep an eye after the 15th min to avoid hard pinwheels.
- Serve warm as a snack or for dinner with any soup.
Pizza Pinwheels | Easy Snack for kids
Pizza pinwheels are customizable, cheesy spirals of dough—perfect as a fun, saucy appetizer, snack, or lunchbox treat.
Equipment
- Oven
- Stand Mixer (or knead by hand)
- bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups Unbleached bread flour I used king Arthur brand, see notes for substitutes
- 1 tsp Instant yeast – 1 tsp
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/3 cup
Warm water
(+ 2 TBSP Warm water) for kneading or as required
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1/8 tsp Salt
Filling:
- 3/4 Cup Pasta sauce I blitzed my homemade chunky arrabbiata with 2 deseeded tomatoes, strained them anad used it. You can also use storebought Pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup Boiled corn lightly sauteed and cooled to room temperature
- 1/4 cup Diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup Onions quartered or diced
- 1 tsp mixed herbs I used oregano, basil and thyme
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder sub with paprika or chilli flakes
- 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese Shredded
- 2 tsp Olive oil to brush the bakes
Notes
FAQs & Tips to make the best Pizza Pinwheels
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce ? Absolutely. We love my homemade arrabiata here as a base, so used it. Can I stuff this with any protein ? Absolutely, any protein (including cheese) can be used, make sure to dice/shred it fine to allow easy rolling. What can I use in place of bread flour ? To make a bread flour substitute using all-purpose flour (APF), simply add vital wheat gluten to increase the protein content. Measure 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Remove 1 ½ teaspoons of the flour. Replace it with 1 ½ teaspoons of vital wheat gluten. Whisk or sift together to combine evenly.This mimics the higher protein content of bread flour (usually 12–14% protein), which helps with better gluten development and chew in yeast breads. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make it and refrigerate it. Make sure to bring it to room temperature (along with the rest of the ingredients) before baking. Can I use frozen / homemade puff pastry to make these rolls ? Yes, you can. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tried this recipe?Follow @sizzlingtastebuds or tag #sizzlingtastebuds!
Love the cheesy goodness and that too in bite size! Perfect for parties. Looks really good 🙂
Oh these look so good ..I adopted a short cut and made the same with bread slices.
What a nice snack! They turned out perfect.
Perfect looking pizza pinwheels!
not just the kids – I would love this snack
These are waiting to be picked up, I too would love to have these pinwheels.
Love these pinwheels. Great snacks.
Perfectly made pizza pinwheels,kid would love it for sure…
These are absolute favorites of some grown ups too!!! Definitely a party-pleaser! Lip-smacking good kalyani!!!
Wow Kalyani that looks amazing..what a treat..if you tell me, even I would start and end the day with the mantra if I am promised such a goody!
Wow pizza pinwheels looks absolutely delicious ! Lovely..
Damn cute and highly irresistible pizza pinwheels, makes me hungry.
I bet these are a hit with kids.
Wow this is awesomely delicious. n if your inlaws n mom have approved it does go as a must make.
Pizza pinwheels look awesome!!! love to grab one or all 🙂
The kids loving this dish is one thing and the adults approving it is something even more worthy of mention!!! Looks great Kalyani…
Those pizza pinwheels look so tempting and addictive.
My kids will love this for sure. Thanks for linking.