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Pizza Wheels are a fun twist on classic pizza, turning the familiar flavors of pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara into bite sized pinwheels with crispy edges and a perfect crust all around. They make an excellent appetizer or party snack, combining that beloved pizza taste in a convenient, shareable form. These wheels are topped with Parmesan and served alongside a savory marinara for dipping, creating a delicious snack that’s full of flavor and texture.
I remember making this recipe for a casual gathering and watching everyone reach for these first. The combination of melty cheese, spicy pepperoni, and crispy crust is always a winner in my house.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: forms the base and provides the crisp crust homemade or storebought works well depending on your schedule
- Marinara sauce: adds tangy tomato flavor to balance the cheese use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for best results
- Mozzarella cheese: the classic melty cheese that gives that irresistible gooey pull
- Pepperoni slices: for a spicy, savory punch choose your favorite brand or substitute with another cured meat
- Parmesan cheese: adds a salty, nutty topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven
- Cornmeal: sprinkled under the dough to create a crunchy professionalstyle crust texture
Instructions
- Spoon and Spread Sauce:
- Spread an even layer of marinara sauce over the rolled out pizza dough leaving a small border along the edges to prevent overflow and sogginess.
- Layer the Cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara sauce ensuring coverage that reaches close to the edges but not over them.
- Place the Pepperoni:
- Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese layer so each pinwheel gets a good amount of meat in every bite.
- Roll Up the Dough:
- Starting at the long edge of the dough tightly roll the dough into a log shape being careful to keep it firm without squeezing out the filling.
- Slice Into Wheels:
- Using a sharp knife slice the rolled pizza log into equal pieces about one inch thick to create individual pinwheels.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Sprinkle a baking sheet generously with cornmeal to prevent sticking and to add extra crunch to the crust bottoms.
- Bake the Pinwheels:
- Arrange the slices on the prepared sheet leaving room in between Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 18 minutes until the crust turns golden and cheese bubbles.
- Serve Warm With Dipping Sauce:
- Serve the pizza wheels hot out of the oven with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavors and make for a perfect snack.
My favorite part has to be the crust edges with the cornmeal under the dough you get that perfect crunch every time. Making these brought back memories of watching kids and adults alike dive into the plate turning these wheels into a muchrequested recipe at gatherings.
Storage tips
Store cooled pizza wheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat briefly in the oven to regain crispness For longer storage freeze unbaked sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet until firm then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months Bake straight from frozen adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage diced ham or omit meat altogether for a vegetarian option Cheese can be varied with provolone cheddar or a plant based alternative Use pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for different flavor profiles.
Serving suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad like Caesar or a wedge salad with light vinaigrette to balance the richness Pair with a cold beverage for a casual meal or snack.
These pizza wheels are perfect for parties and weeknight snacks. They’re easy to customize and reheat well so you can enjoy them again and again.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What kind of dough is best for pizza wheels?
A basic pizza dough with cornmeal in the crust provides a crispy texture and holds fillings well when rolled.
- → Can these wheels be prepared in advance?
Yes, they can be sliced ahead and refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to three months before baking.
- → What fillings work well besides pepperoni?
Vegetables like mushrooms and peppers, crumbled sausage, or a Hawaiian mix with ham and pineapple are great alternatives.
- → Which dipping sauces complement pizza wheels?
Classic marinara is traditional, but pesto, ranch, garlic butter, vodka cream, or Alfredo sauces also pair nicely.
- → How should pizza wheels be sliced for baking?
Roll the dough into a log and slice into 1-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking and bite-sized portions.