Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are the perfect addition to your Super Bowl Party Food Ideas arsenal! These irresistible spirals of pizza dough, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni deliver all the flavors of a classic pizza in a fun, hand-held format. Whether you’re hosting a big game day gathering or just looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a touchdown with your guests. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the game instead of being stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is cheering on their team.
Nutritional Benefits
These pepperoni pizza pinwheels offer a satisfying combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats that make them more substantial than many other party appetizers. The cheese provides calcium and protein, while the tomato sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving – 2 pinwheels) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 9g |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz) | Base | Crescent roll dough, puff pastry, homemade pizza dough |
| ½ cup pizza sauce | Flavor base | Marinara sauce, pesto, alfredo sauce |
| 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese | Provides creaminess and stretch | Italian cheese blend, cheddar, provolone |
| 4 oz sliced pepperoni (about 60 slices) | Main flavor component | Turkey pepperoni, salami, ham, or veggie pepperoni |
| ½ tsp Italian seasoning | Aromatic flavor | Dried oregano, basil, or pizza seasoning blend |
| ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese | Adds savory depth | Romano, Asiago, or nutritional yeast (for dairy-free) |
| 2 tbsp melted butter | Helps create golden crust | Olive oil, egg wash |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | Flavor enhancer | Minced fresh garlic, garlic salt (reduce other salt if using) |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Rolling pin
– Knife or pizza cutter
– Pastry brush
– Cooling rack
– Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pizza dough and gently stretch it into a rectangle approximately 14 by 10 inches.
3. Add Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
4. Layer the Toppings: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni slices in an even layer, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and half of the Parmesan cheese.
5. Roll Up: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal.
6. Slice: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the roll into approximately 12 equal pieces, each about 1-inch thick.
7. Arrange: Place the Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Add Final Touches: Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool for 5 minutes before serving. These make excellent Super Bowl Party Food Ideas that guests can easily grab while watching the game!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Dough too sticky? Chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before rolling.
– Prevent sauce leakage by keeping that ½-inch border around the edges sauce-free.
– For extra crispy pinwheels, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
– To prevent unraveling, make sure to roll the dough tightly and place the pinwheels cut-side down when baking.
– Getting soggy bottoms? Try par-baking the rolled dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
– For even slices, refrigerate the roll for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
– Add a flavor boost by mixing 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the cheese mixture.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make Ahead: Prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
– Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freeze Baked: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
– Freeze Unbaked: Prepare pinwheels through step 7, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place frozen pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 22-25 minutes.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes rather than using a microwave, which may make them soggy.
Conclusion
These Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels aren’t just another appetizer—they’re a game-changer for your Super Bowl Party Food Ideas lineup! Their portable nature makes them perfect for balancing on your lap while you’re engrossed in the big game, and their familiar pizza flavors appeal to guests of all ages. What sets these pinwheels apart is their versatility—they can be prepared ahead of time, customized with your favorite toppings, and served at any temperature. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large football-watching party, these spirals of pizza goodness will score big with everyone at your Super Bowl celebration.
FAQ
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully. Just roll it out to the same dimensions (approximately 14×10 inches) and proceed with the recipe as written.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables! Finely chopped bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or spinach work great. Just be sure to pat vegetables dry to prevent excess moisture.
My pinwheels unraveled during baking. What happened?
This usually happens if the roll isn’t tight enough or if the pinwheels aren’t placed cut-side down. Make sure to roll the dough firmly and place them with the cut side facing up on the baking sheet.
Can I prepare these the night before my party?
Yes! These are perfect for prepping ahead. Prepare them through step 7, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving or up to an hour ahead.
What dipping sauces pair well with these pinwheels?
Warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a spicy sriracha mayo all make excellent dipping options.
How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?
Don’t overdo the sauce, and make sure your oven is fully preheated. Using a pizza stone or preheating your baking sheet can also help create a crispier bottom.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels. If you’re looking for more game day inspiration, check out these Simple Cheesy Baked Quesadillas that make another perfect addition to your Super Bowl appetizers for party spread.