Everyone loves pizza, right?
So, why not turn pizza into a fun, bite-sized appetizer or snack?
That’s where these 4-ingredient pizza pinwheels come in—and let me tell you, they’re perfect for a party or just feeding your hungry kids after school.
I need something quick, easy, and guaranteed to get a thumbs-up from everyone.
These pizza pinwheels check all the boxes.
The best part?
You can totally customize them to fit your vibe.
Stick with classic pepperoni and cheese or mix it up with veggies, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of ranch on the side.
Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to for any occasion—or no occasion at all.
So, grab your four ingredients and let’s roll (literally)!
Pizza Pinwheel – Only 4 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these easy pizza pinwheels:
Pizza dough – I grab the canned dough because it’s already a rectangle, which makes rolling so much easier (no extra fussing to shape it!). But if you have ready-made dough from the deli or want to go all out with homemade dough, go for it.
Mozzarella cheese – Finely shredded cheese is my favorite because it makes rolling those pinwheels tight and keeps all that cheesy goodness right where it belongs. If you’re feeling fancy, grate your own for that extra melty texture.
Pepperoni – I like using turkey or low-fat pepperoni when I’m trying to keep things a bit lighter. And here’s a little trick: microwave the pepperoni for 10-20 seconds and dab off the grease with a paper towel. It makes a big difference in keeping these pinwheels perfectly snackable.
Pizza sauce – Use whatever you have on hand! If you love a classic marinara or want to spice things up with arrabbiata sauce (my personal fave for a little kick), it’s all about making it your own.
Optional – while this makes it a 5-ingredient pizza pinwheel, you can add green peppers, baby spinach or parsley for another layer of flavor goodness!
How to Make Pizza Pinwheels
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat to keep things mess-free (because who wants to scrub pans later?).
Step 2: Roll out your pizza dough into a nice big rectangle. If it’s a little stubborn, just give it a gentle stretch. Spread your favorite pizza sauce evenly across the dough, but leave about an inch of space along one of the long edges. Trust me, this will help seal everything when you roll it up.
Step 3: Sprinkle on the cheese (the more, the better!) and layer the pepperoni evenly over the top. Remember to keep that 1-inch strip free so your pinwheels can stay rolled up perfectly.
Step 4: Starting on the long side with the toppings, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Use the empty edge to seal it by pinching lightly so everything stays in place. Pop the roll into the freezer for about 20 minutes to make slicing easier.
Step 5: Take the roll out of the freezer and slice it into 12 pieces, about ½ to 1 inch thick. Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melty. Serve them warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping. So good!
How Long Do Pizza Pinwheels Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Pizza Pinwheels?
Absolutely! Bake them first, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re craving some, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat before serving. However, I don’t recommend assembling them and waiting to bake because the sauce will make the dough too soggy.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Hot Pinwheels?
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. This keeps the dough crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make them a bit soft.
Cheesy Pizza Pinwheels for You
It’s that simple! Four ingredients and lots of yummy bite-sized pizzas for everyone to enjoy.
If you are needing more finger foods and appetizers make sure to check out my crack chicken pinwheels, jalapeño popper pinwheels or cranberry turkey pinwheels.