Hey y'all! Ready for a recipe that's easy, mouthwatering, and sure to impress at every gathering? These Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels combine warm, fluffy dough, zesty pizza sauce, savory Italian meats, and gooey cheese—all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for game nights, lunchboxes, or any get-together, these irresistible bites will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
- Quick and simple to assemble—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Rich with melty cheese and Italian flavor, every bite is absolutely delicious.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or alternative ingredients.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing for gatherings or family dinners.
- Easy to prep ahead, bake later, and freeze for meal planning.
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels
- 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup thinly sliced deli ham
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface. Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and gently shape it into a 10x14-inch rectangle.
Step 2: Add the Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border all around. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then layer with pepperoni, ham, black olives, and Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired.
Step 3: Roll & Slice
Starting on the long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even pieces.
Step 4: Bake the Pinwheels
Arrange slices cut-side up in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley, then serve warm!
Notes for Making Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels
- Let the pizza dough rest out of the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling to prevent tearing.
- For a crispier bottom, bake pinwheels on a preheated pizza stone (learn more here).
- Swap in your favorite pizza toppings—just don't overload, or pinwheels may come apart.
Cheesy Italian Pizza Pinwheels: Fun Variations
- Veggie Style: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers instead of meats.
- Four Cheese: Combine mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- BBQ Chicken: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, use shredded chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Equipment You Need
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or 9x13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss
- Pastry brush
How to Store Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels
Let leftovers cool completely, then place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts. To freeze: Arrange baked pinwheels on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions with Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels
- Pair with a fresh green salad with Italian dressing or garlic breadsticks.
- Serve with warm marinara or homemade dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Share alongside a crisp Italian lager or sparkling lemonade.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels
- Don’t overfill your pinwheels—the dough needs room to expand while baking (pizza dough tips).
- Use room temperature cheese for optimal meltiness and even distribution.
- Let the pinwheels cool a few minutes before serving for perfect slicing and texture.
FAQ: Cheesy Baked Italian Pizza Pinwheels
- Can I use homemade pizza dough?
- Absolutely! Just roll it out to a similar rectangle size and follow the directions.
- Can I make these Italian pinwheels ahead of time?
- Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate unbaked pinwheels up to 8 hours in advance, then bake fresh.
- Can I use different cheeses or fillings?
- Definitely! Get creative with cheeses, sliced veggies, or different deli meats to suit your taste.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12x8 inches.
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3Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides.
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4Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, black olives, basil, and oregano evenly over the sauce.
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5Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 1-inch pieces and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
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6Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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