- Trim the edges of the bread slices and gently flatten them with a rolling pin.
- Spread tomato sauce or pizza sauce evenly over each slice, then place a cheese slice on top.
- Roll the bread slices tightly to secure the filling, ensuring the sauce and cheese stay inside.
- Cut each rolled bread slice into 1-inch (approximately 3 equal) pieces to form pinwheels.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a baking pan or tray.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the pinwheels.
- Top with shredded pizza cheese, chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, tomato, capsicum), sweet corn, jalapenos, olives, chilli flakes, and mixed herbs.
- Cover and cook on low heat until the cheese melts and the base turns golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve warm, pulling apart individual pinwheel pieces for a fun eating experience.
- Calories:414 kcal25%
- Energy:1732 kJ22%
- Protein:12 g28%
- Carbohydrates:35 mg40%
- Sugar:8 mg8%
- Salt:600 g25%
- Fat:25 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Pizza Pinwheels Recipe – Easy Cheesy Bread Snack Bites
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, easy, and seriously satisfying snacks. And let me tell you, these Pizza Pinwheels are a total game-changer. I first made these when my kids were having friends over, and they were a HUGE hit – honestly, the adults loved them even more! They’re perfect for after-school treats, game nights, or just a fun weekend snack. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can tailor them to everyone’s tastes. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pizza pinwheels are the best of both worlds – all the deliciousness of pizza, but in a fun, bite-sized form. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. Seriously, even the kids can help! They’re also a fantastic way to use up leftover bread and veggies. And who doesn’t love a snack that looks as good as it tastes?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these cheesy delights:
- 8 bread slices
- As needed tomato sauce / pizza sauce
- 8 cheese slices
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp pizza sauce
- 2 tbsp pizza cheese (shredded)
- As needed onion, finely chopped
- As needed carrot, finely chopped
- As needed tomato, finely chopped
- As needed sweet corn
- As needed capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
- As needed jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)
- As needed olives, sliced
- As needed chilli flakes (optional)
- As needed mixed herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! You can really play around with this recipe.
- Pizza Sauce: Feel free to use your favourite store-bought pizza sauce, or even whip up a quick homemade version. A simple tomato sauce with Italian herbs works beautifully too!
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but a cheddar blend adds a lovely flavour. You can even experiment with a little Parmesan for extra zing.
- Veggies: This is where you can really get creative. My family loves adding mushrooms, spinach, or even pineapple (don’t judge!). Don’t be afraid to use whatever you have on hand.
- Bread: White bread works best for that classic pinwheel look, but whole wheat or multigrain will also work.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- First, trim the edges of the bread slices. This just makes them a little neater. Then, gently roll each slice with a rolling pin to flatten it slightly.
- Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce or pizza sauce evenly over each slice. Don’t be shy! Then, place a cheese slice on top of the sauce.
- Now, roll each bread slice up tightly, like you’re making a mini Swiss roll. This is important to keep everything secure.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each rolled bread slice into 3 equal pieces. These are your pinwheels!
- Arrange the pinwheels on a baking pan or tray.
- Spread a little mayonnaise and pizza sauce over the top of each pinwheel. This helps everything stick together and adds extra flavour.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded pizza cheese, chopped vegetables, sweet corn, jalapenos (if using), olives, chilli flakes, and mixed herbs.
- Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the base is golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy! Pull apart individual pinwheel pieces for a fun and easy eating experience.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling will make the pinwheels difficult to roll and they might unravel.
- Use a sharp knife: This will ensure clean cuts and prevent the pinwheels from getting squished.
- Low and slow: Cooking on low heat ensures the cheese melts completely without burning the base.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Pizza Pinwheels: Use vegan cheese and a plant-based pizza sauce. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.
- Gluten-Free Pizza Pinwheels: Simply use gluten-free bread. Easy peasy!
- Spice Level Adjustments: Control the amount of chilli flakes and jalapenos to adjust the spice level to your liking. My husband loves them extra spicy, so I usually make a separate batch just for him.
- Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for game nights, parties, or even as a quick snack during festivals like Diwali or Holi.
Serving Suggestions
These pizza pinwheels are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of:
- Ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping
- A fresh salad
- A glass of cold milk or juice
Storage Instructions
Leftover pizza pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Q: What type of bread works best for pizza pinwheels?
A: White bread is classic, but whole wheat or multigrain will also work. Just make sure it’s not too thick.
Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How can I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling?
A: Roll them tightly and make sure the filling isn’t too bulky. A little mayonnaise helps to seal the edges too!
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza pinwheels?
A: Pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Q: Can I add meat to these pinwheels?
A: Definitely! Cooked and crumbled sausage, pepperoni, or ham would be delicious additions.