Italian Pinwheels
Italian Pinwheels are a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and savory pepperoni, all wrapped in flaky crescent rolls. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to please both kids and adults alike with their irresistible flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°.
- In a small bowl, combine cheese, pepperoni, oregano, pizza sauce, and pepper; mix well.
- Separate dough into 4 rectangles.
- Firmly press perforations to seal.
- Spread each rectangle with about 3 tablespoons of the mixture.
- Starting at the shortest side, roll up each rectangle; pinch edges to seal.
- Cut each roll into 6 slices.
- Place cut side down, 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding cooked sausage or diced bell peppers for extra flavor. If you don't have crescent rolls, you can use pizza dough instead. To prevent sticking, ensure your cookie sheet is ungreased, and for a spicy kick, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. These pinwheels are perfect for parties or game days, similar to Italian recipes like Baked Ziti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Italian pinwheels warm, paired with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. They make a great appetizer alongside a fresh salad or can be enjoyed as a fun snack during movie nights. For a complete meal, consider serving them with Veal Parmesan or a hearty Italian Sausage Bean Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. They can also be microwaved for about 30 seconds, but the oven method will keep them crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Pinwheels contains roughly 55 calories, with 3g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step, then wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply take them out of the fridge and bake as directed. This is a great way to save time for parties or gatherings.
What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can incorporate cooked spinach, different cheeses like feta or cheddar, or even diced vegetables for a vegetarian option. These variations can enhance the flavor and cater to different dietary preferences.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked pinwheels. Just assemble them, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).