Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are the perfect addition to your Super Bowl Party Food Ideas lineup! These savory, spiral-shaped delights combine all the flavors of a classic pizza in a convenient, hand-held format that’s guaranteed to score big with your guests. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown football viewing party or just looking for some tasty snacks to enjoy during the big game, these pinwheels deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
The beauty of these pinwheels lies in their simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will reach for. They’re easy to make ahead, perfect for serving at room temperature, and absolutely irresistible with their gooey cheese and zesty pepperoni flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
These pizza pinwheels offer more than just great taste. The combination of protein from the cheese and pepperoni along with the carbohydrates from the dough creates a satisfying snack that provides sustained energy – perfect for keeping fans fueled throughout the game!
| Nutrition | Amount per serving (2 pinwheels) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of these pinwheels is how customizable they are while maintaining that classic pizza flavor profile.
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough | Base/structure | Crescent roll dough, puff pastry, homemade pizza dough |
| ½ cup pizza sauce | Flavor base | Marinara sauce, pesto, alfredo sauce |
| 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese | Creaminess/binding | Italian cheese blend, cheddar, provolone |
| 4 oz sliced pepperoni | Main flavor/protein | Cooked sausage, ham, bacon, or vegetables for vegetarian option |
| 1 tbsp Italian seasoning | Flavor enhancer | Dried oregano, basil, or pizza seasoning blend |
| 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese | Savory topping | Romano cheese, nutritional yeast |
| 2 tbsp melted butter | Adds richness/helps browning | Olive oil, egg wash |
| ½ tsp garlic powder | Flavor enhancer | Fresh minced garlic, garlic salt (reduce other salt) |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Rolling pin
– Knife or pizza cutter
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Pastry brush (for butter)
– Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels is simpler than planning your other Super Bowl party food ideas, and they’ll likely be the first appetizer to disappear from your spread! Follow these easy steps:
1. Prep the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Try to keep the thickness even throughout.
3. Add the sauce: Spread the pizza sauce in a thin, even layer across the dough, leaving about ½ inch border around all edges. Too much sauce will make the pinwheels soggy and difficult to roll.
4. Layer the cheese and toppings: Sprinkle 1½ cups of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni slices in rows, slightly overlapping each piece. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
5. Roll it up: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, keeping it as even as possible. Press the seam slightly to seal.
6. Slice and arrange: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into approximately 1-inch slices. You should get about 12-14 pinwheels. Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.
7. Final touches: Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake to perfection: Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Cool briefly: Allow the pinwheels to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Dough too sticky? Chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with.
– Pinwheels unrolling? Make sure to roll the dough tightly and seal the edge well. You can also use toothpicks to secure them while baking.
– For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or dried oregano before rolling.
– To prevent soggy bottoms, don’t overdo the sauce and pat the pepperoni with paper towels to remove excess oil.
– For perfectly even slices, chill the rolled log for 15 minutes before cutting.
– Want a crispy edge? Skip the butter and instead lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These pinwheels are perfect for meal prep and game day planning:
– Make ahead (unbaked): Prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
– Make ahead (baked): Bake fully, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
– Freezing unbaked: Place sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
– Freezing baked: Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.
– Serving temperature: These taste great warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for buffet-style serving.
Conclusion
These irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels are the MVP of Super Bowl party food ideas – they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and absolutely delicious! Their portable nature makes them perfect for guests to grab while keeping their eyes on the game. Whether you’re a seasoned host or preparing for your first football gathering, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a touchdown with your guests.
The combination of gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and savory pepperoni wrapped in a soft, golden crust creates the perfect bite-sized snack that captures all the flavors of everyone’s favorite pizza. Plus, the make-ahead options mean you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen on game day.
FAQ
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the pepperoni with bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the centers from being undercooked?
Make sure your pinwheels are sliced evenly and not too thick. If the centers seem undercooked but the edges are browning, lower the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes! Homemade dough works wonderfully. Roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness before adding toppings.
What dipping sauce goes well with these pinwheels?
Additional pizza sauce or ranch dressing make excellent dipping options.
How many pinwheels should I make per person?
Plan for 3-4 pinwheels per person if serving as an appetizer alongside other game day snacks like these simple cheesy baked quesadillas that are also perfect Super Bowl appetizers for party gatherings.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Definitely! Just be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and cause the filling to leak out during baking.
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