These Veggie Pizza Pinwheels are fun little rolls packed with colorful veggies and cheesy goodness! Easy to make, they are perfect for a snack or party treat.
Rolling them up is a blast, and they vanish quickly at gatherings. I usually sneak a few before serving—who can resist such tasty bites? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base for your pinwheels, giving them a flaky texture. If you don’t have crescent dough, you can use pre-made pizza dough instead, which also works well. Just be sure to roll it out thinly!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind everything. For a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese or even ricotta for a different flavor. Vegan cream cheese is an excellent alternative too!
Vegetables: I love using a mix of bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli for color and crunch. Feel free to substitute with whatever veggies you enjoy or have on hand, like zucchini, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza flavors. You can switch it out for another melty cheese like provolone or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy!
How Do You Roll the Perfect Pinwheel Without Making a Mess?
Rolling the pinwheels tightly is key to getting beautiful swirls and ensuring they hold together. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a clean, lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Carefully roll the dough starting from one long edge. Keep a gentle pressure to avoid squishing the filling out.
- As you roll, periodically check the dough is not sticking and adjust as needed.
- When the log is fully rolled, pinch the edges to seal it for a neat finish.
Using a sharp knife helps to avoid squashing the rolls when slicing. A serrated knife works wonders for this too!
Veggie Pizza Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pinwheels:
- 1 (10 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh spinach or kale
- 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-18 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your pinwheels don’t stick.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is smoothly combined and creamy.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out your crescent or pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×9 inches. If you’re using crescent dough, remember to press any seams together to make a solid sheet.
4. Add Sauce and Filling:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Then, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the sauce.
5. Sprinkle the Veggies:
Evenly scatter the chopped vegetables—red and green bell pepper, spinach, broccoli, and shredded carrot—over the cream cheese layer. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible!
6. Roll It Up:
Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape, keeping everything together as you go. Think of it like rolling a sleeping bag—tight but not squishing the filling out!
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into about 1-inch thick pinwheels. Take your time to make even slices for a nice presentation.
8. Bake:
Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them slightly apart. Then, pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is nicely melted.
9. Cool and Serve:
After baking, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then they’re ready to serve warm and enjoy!
These colorful veggie pizza pinwheels are a delightful bite-sized treat that’s sure to please! Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or party dish. They’re always a hit!
Can I Substitute Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand. Great options include zucchini, mushrooms, or even olives, just make sure to finely chop them for even distribution.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels in advance! Just roll them up, slice, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven as directed without needing to thaw.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, to maintain their crispy texture.
Can I Freeze Veggie Pizza Pinwheels?
Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Simply roll and slice them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
