Pizza Pinwheel Recipe (Swirl Pizza)
Description:
Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and creative way to enjoy pizza in bite-sized, swirl-shaped servings. These pinwheels are filled with the delicious flavors of a classic pizza, including gooey mozzarella cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and a blend of dried oregano and chili flakes for a burst of flavor. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a fun family meal, these pizza pinwheels are easy to prepare and bake. They’re best enjoyed right out of the oven while they’re still warm and cheesy, making them a great appetizer or snack. For convenience, you can use store-bought dough, but homemade dough gives them an extra touch of freshness.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 ½ cups |
| Active Dry Yeast (or Instant Yeast) | 2 teaspoons |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Sugar | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt | ¾ teaspoon |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 6 tablespoons (grated) |
| Dried Oregano | As needed |
| Red Chilli Flakes | As needed |
| Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 110 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 130 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and active dry yeast (if using instant yeast, mix directly with the flour). If using other types of yeast, first proof the yeast by dissolving it in lukewarm milk with the sugar. Let it sit for 8-10 minutes until frothy, which confirms that the yeast is active.
- Warm the milk slightly (lukewarm is ideal), and dissolve the sugar into it. Add the milk and oil to the dry ingredients, and mix everything together to form a dough. Knead the dough until smooth, but don’t overdo it. The dough should feel soft and elastic but not too sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Once the dough is formed, cover it with a damp cloth and place it in a warm area to rise for about an hour. The dough should double in size during this time.
- Roll the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, transfer it to a well-floured surface. Gently knead it again and roll it out into a rectangular shape, ensuring that it’s not too thick or too thin.
- Add the Fillings:
- Spread a generous layer of homemade pizza sauce (or tomato sauce) evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a dash of red chili flakes and a sprinkle of dried oregano for added flavor.
- Shape the Pinwheels:
- Starting from one of the shorter sides of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Ensure that the dough is rolled tightly enough to hold the fillings, but not so tight that it bursts. Pinch the seam to seal the roll.
- Chill the Dough Log:
- Wrap the dough log in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to slice.
- Slice the Pinwheels:
- After chilling, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Using a serrated knife, cut the log into thick slices, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in width.
- Let the Pinwheels Rise:
- Transfer the sliced pinwheels to a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing them to rise slightly.
- Bake the Pinwheels:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is hot, bake the pinwheels for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the pinwheels are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- While the pinwheels are baking, you can warm up additional pizza sauce for dipping. Once the pinwheels are done, remove them from the oven and serve them hot with the pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy these delicious, cheesy bites right away!
Tips and Variations:
- Dough Substitute: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough instead of homemade dough.
- Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings by adding ingredients like sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or pepperoni for a more personalized flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Mozzarella is classic, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a mix of your favorites for extra flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: Alongside pizza sauce, you can serve a garlic butter dip, ranch dressing, or a spicy marinara sauce.
These pizza pinwheels are the perfect finger food for any gathering. With the combination of a soft, golden crust, gooey cheese, and savory toppings, they are sure to be a hit!
