Find the easiest Pinwheels recipe in three flavors—including Broccoli and Cheese, Ham and Cheese, and Pizza Pinwheels. And each is made with one easy method and in less than 20 minutes!
We love making appetizers, snacks, and easy meals in the shape of spirals, and this pinwheels recipe is perfect for that. They’re easy to make with dough and 3-4 other toppings, and they simply bake up on a baking sheet.
I have a few flavor options to choose from so you can pick the one that works best for your family. Try Pizza Pinwheels, Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels, and Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.
The beauty of this kid-friendly recipe is that it’s easy to make and also easy to freeze so you can have your own stash of heat-and-eat freezer meals ready and waiting.
(You may also like Cheesy Rice, Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese, and Pizza Rolls.
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this easy pinwheels recipe so you know what to have on hand and ready to go.
- Refrigerated crescent dough (or pizza dough): To make this super easy, I like to use crescent dough from the store. You can also use purchased or homemade Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough. The main difference is how long it takes to prep the dough. They bake similarly.
- Cheese: Depending on the flavor you decide to make, you can use mozzarella cheese or shredded cheddar cheese.
- Sauce: Depending on the flavor you make, you can use pizza sauce or cream cheese. Adding one of these ensures the finished pinwheels are moist and flavorful.
- Veggies: For the pizza pinwheel flavor, you can add any veggies you like to add to pizza. For the broccoli and cheese flavor, you can add cooked minced broccoli.
- Spices: We can add more flavor by adding dried spices to each of the flavor options if desired.
- Dips: Each of the flavors of pinwheels can be served with a dip, as you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this pinwheel recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the times and amounts.
Step 1. Spread out the dough. Add the toppings evenly.
Step 2. Starting at one end, roll up lengthwise. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1-inch rounds.
Step 3. Transfer pinwheels to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4. Bake pinwheels until puffed up and golden brown. Serve warm.
TIP: Some people like to make Pinwheel Sandwiches, which are a no-cook option made with flour tortilla and fillings such as turkey, ham, bell pepper, lettuce, green onion, shredded or sliced chicken, salami, or other fillings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the parchment paper to help lift up the end and roll up the pinwheels recipe into a tight spiral. You can also wrap the dough a little more tightly around itself when you transfer the slices to the baking pan.
The melty cheese helps to keep the pinwheels from falling apart, as does the dough as it bakes and rises. Also try to make the spirals as tight as possible when you put them onto the baking sheet. Just pull the end of the dough around a bit to ensure they are nice and snug.
We like to have these pinwheels with a simple side of fruit, carrots and dip, or Roasted Frozen Broccoli.
How to Store
Once cooled, you can store the pinwheels recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on a heat-safe plate in the microwave or for 2-3 minutes in an air fryer on 325 degrees F.
You can also place the cooled pinwheels into a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Freeze for up to 6 months. To warm from frozen, place on a heat-safe plate and warm in 15-second increments in the microwave.
Best Tips for Success
- Use store-bought crescent dough, whole-wheat pizza dough, Greek yogurt pizza dough, or store-bought pizza dough.
- Add minced broccoli, shredded carrots, minced fresh spinach, or any other veggie your kids like.
- Add pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage, or any other meat your family likes.
- Serve with warm pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.
- Let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate to let the cheese cool briefly.
- Serve this as an easy toddler dinner, a non-sandwich lunch, an after school snack, or an appetizer.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Favorite Pizza Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 8 ounce tube refrigerated crescent dough (or pizza dough)
Pizza Pinwheels
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup optional pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, minced broccoli, cooked and crumbled sausage, or black olives (optional)
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 slice fully cooked ham
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, or dried oregano (optional)
Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup minced broccoli (fully cooked)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, or dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the crescent dough out on a clean cutting board lined with parchment paper.
- Evenly spread on the remaining ingredients for each flavor.
- Starting at one end, roll up lengthwise. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1-inch rounds.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Equipment
Notes
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- Once cooled, you can store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on a heat-safe plate in the microwave or for 2-3 minutes in an air fryer on 325 degrees F. You can also place the cooled pinwheels into a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Freeze for up to 6 months. To warm from frozen, place on a heat-safe plate and warm in 15-second increments in the microwave.
- Use store-bought crescent dough or homemade pizza dough.
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- Dairy-free: Use nondairy cheese.
- Add a dipping sauce of warmed pizza or marinara sauce, ranch, Caesar, or other dip your kids like.
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- Let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate to let the cheese cool briefly.
Easy to make from simple on-hand ingredients. My 15 month old granddaughter loved 🥰 them and so did her mom and I!!