Wholewheat & Mozzarella Pinwheel Rolls Recipe – Easy Indian Fusion Bake

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Wholewheat & Mozzarella Pinwheel Rolls Recipe – Easy Indian Fusion Bake

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. These Wholewheat & Mozzarella Pinwheel Rolls are a total game-changer – a little bit of Italian comfort food with a lovely Indian twist. I first made these when I was craving something warm and cheesy, but wanted to sneak in a bit of wholewheat goodness. They were a hit with the whole family, and I knew I had to share them with you all! They’re surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for a weekend bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pinwheel rolls are seriously addictive! They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with flavour. The combination of wholewheat flour and mozzarella is just chef’s kiss. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen – rolling and slicing is always fun! They’re ready in under an hour, making them perfect for a quick snack or a light meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious rolls:

• 1 cup wholewheat flour (aatta)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp olive oil
• Lukewarm water – as needed (about ¾ cup, but add gradually!)
• 2-3 tbsp tomato paste
• Seasonings (oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, pepper) – as needed
• 200 gm grated mozzarella cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using wholewheat flour (aatta) adds a lovely nutty flavour and a bit of extra fibre. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate an Indian staple into a classic Italian-inspired bake. Don’t worry, it doesn’t make the rolls heavy at all!

Feel free to experiment with the seasonings. I love a good mix of Italian herbs, but you can add a pinch of red chilli flakes for a little kick. And the mozzarella? Oh, the mozzarella! It gets all melty and gooey, making these rolls utterly irresistible. You can also use a mix of cheeses if you like – a little cheddar or parmesan would be lovely.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, in a large bowl, combine the wholewheat flour, all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Give it a good mix.
2. Drizzle in the olive oil and start mixing. Now, gradually add the lukewarm water, a little at a time, until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. You might not need all the water, so go slow!
3. Once the dough comes together, knead it lightly for a couple of minutes. Then, cover the bowl and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.
4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). While it’s heating up, grease a baking tray.
5. Lightly oil a clean surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
6. Spread the tomato paste evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle generously with your chosen seasonings.
7. Now, shower the dough with that glorious mozzarella cheese! Don’t be shy.
8. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
9. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into individual rolls, about 1-inch thick.
10. Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between them. You can top them with a little extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy!
11. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. For a beautifully browned top, broil for the last minute – but keep a close eye on them, they can burn quickly!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overwork the dough! Overkneading can make the rolls tough.
• Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• For a softer crust, brush the rolls with a little melted butter after baking.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the mozzarella for a vegan mozzarella alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. My friend, Priya, loves adding a generous pinch!
• Festival Adaptation: These rolls are fantastic as a savory snack during Diwali or other celebrations. You can even add some chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the filling.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheel rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven. They’re delicious on their own, or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair well with a fresh salad.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

What type of flour is best for these rolls?

I recommend using a combination of wholewheat flour (aatta) and all-purpose flour. The wholewheat adds flavour and fibre, while the all-purpose keeps them light and fluffy.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

Can I freeze the unbaked pinwheel rolls?

Yes, you can! Arrange the sliced rolls on a baking tray and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What cheese alternatives can I use if I don’t have mozzarella?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well.

How can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste?

Feel free to experiment! Add more or less of your favourite herbs and spices. A little garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can add a lot of flavour.