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Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

Pizza pinwheels are a beloved Italian-inspired appetizer that combines the flavors of classic pizza in a convenient spiral form. These golden, crispy rolls feature layers of dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Italian seasonings, perfect for serving as a starter or light main course. They're simple to make and deliver authentic pizza satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) store-bought pizza dough or puff pastry
• 120ml (1/2 cup) tomato sauce or pizza sauce
• 200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella, finely diced
• 50g (1.75 oz) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 30g (1 oz) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 20ml (4 tsp) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5ml (1 tsp) dried oregano
• 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Flour for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin rectangle approximately 30cm × 40cm (12 inches × 16 inches), about 3mm (1/8 inch) thick.

4. Brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil, then spread the seasoned tomato sauce evenly across it, leaving a 1cm (1/2 inch) border on all sides.

5. Sprinkle the diced mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh basil evenly over the sauce, distributing them as uniformly as possible.

6. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log, pressing gently as you go to ensure it holds together. Cut the log into 16 equal pinwheels using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts.

7. Place each pinwheel cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2cm (3/4 inch) apart.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling on top.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 3–5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving warm.

Substitutions

• Replace mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangier Mediterranean flavor
• Use whole wheat pizza dough instead of regular dough for added fiber and nuttiness
• Substitute fresh basil with 5ml (1 tsp) of dried basil if fresh is unavailable
• Replace tomato sauce with pesto for a green herb-forward version

Tips

• For cleaner cuts when slicing pinwheels, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between each cut
• Ensure your dough is at room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking and make it easier to work with
• Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag—bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to baking time
• For extra crispy bottoms, place the baking sheet on the middle or lower oven rack during baking

While pizza pinwheels are a modern American adaptation, they draw inspiration from Italian spirals and rolls that have been part of Mediterranean cuisine for generations. The concept combines the beloved flavors of Italian pizza with the practical spiral format seen in traditional Italian bread rolls, creating a contemporary take that honors Italian culinary traditions.

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