Pizza Pinwheels are a playful take on traditional pizza, where the dough is filled, rolled, and sliced into pinwheel shapes. Soft, cheesy, and bursting with Italian herbs, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for any occasion.
Begin by combining warm milk, yeast, egg, oil, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to ensure the yeast is fully dissolved and the mixture is homogeneous.
Gradually add all-purpose flour to your mixture, kneading gently. Aim for a dough that's soft yet not overly sticky. Kneading is key here for developing the gluten, which gives the dough its structure.
If the dough feels sticky, slowly add a little more oil and flour. Do this in small increments, kneading continuously until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Once your dough reaches the right consistency, cover the bowl with a wrap. Ensure the wrap is airtight to retain moisture and warmth, aiding in the rising process.
Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free area. This could be inside a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or in a sunny spot in your kitchen. Allow it to sit for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. The rise time can vary depending on the warmth of the environment, so keep an eye on the dough's progress.
Preparing Pinwheels
Begin by lightly dusting your counter with flour. Take the risen dough and punch it down gently. Knead it for about 1 to 2 minutes to push out any air bubbles and to make the dough pliable.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough. Aim for even thickness to ensure uniform cooking of the pinwheels.
Gently stretch the dough with your hands to form a rectangular shape. This shape is crucial for creating well-formed pinwheels.
Spread pizza sauce or tomato ketchup evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out during rolling. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and then add a layer of mixed bell peppers, onion, olives, and mixed herbs. Distribute these toppings evenly for consistent flavor in each pinwheel.
Carefully start rolling the dough from the long side, ensuring it’s tight and compact. This rolling technique is key to forming a well-structured log that holds together when sliced.
With a sharp knife, slice the log into equal pieces. This will form your individual pinwheels. Ensure each piece is of similar thickness for even baking.
Baking Pinwheels
Arrange the sliced pizza pinwheels on a greased baking tray, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. This spacing is important as it allows the pinwheels to bake uniformly without sticking together. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Keep them in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until you notice the dough turning a lovely golden color. This golden hue is a good indicator that the pinwheels are perfectly cooked.
Once they reach the desired golden color, carefully remove the pizza pinwheels from the oven. Be cautious as the tray and the pinwheels will be hot.
Serving
Serve your freshly baked Pizza Pinwheels warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair with your favorite dips or sides for a complete snack or meal. For more creative serving and pairing ideas, refer to the serving suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make perfect Pizza Pinwheels:
Dough Preparation and Flavor Enhancement:
Perfect Dough Consistency: For the ideal base, aim for a dough that's soft and pliable. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour; if it's too dry, add a splash of water. This fine-tuning ensures ease in rolling and a perfect crust texture.
Exploring Flour Varieties: Elevate your crust by trying different flours like whole wheat for a nuttier flavor or bread flour for a chewier texture, each adding its unique character to the pinwheels.
Dough Flavor Enhancement: Infuse your dough with a mix of Italian herbs, a hint of crushed garlic, and a pinch of pepper flakes for a deeply aromatic and flavorful crust.
Rolling, Topping, and Baking Mastery:
Uniform Dough Rolling: Roll out the dough to a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and a uniform texture throughout the pinwheels.
Balanced Sauce Application: Use a thin, even layer of sauce or ketchup. This approach adds flavor without making the dough soggy, maintaining the perfect crust-to-topping ratio.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with cheeses like creamy provolone, sharp cheddar, or nutty Gruyere, alongside classic mozzarella, to discover new flavor profiles and melting qualities.
Even Toppings Distribution: Spread your toppings evenly across the dough. This not only ensures a consistent flavor in every bite but also keeps the pinwheels from becoming too heavy on one side.
Secure Dough Rolling: Roll the dough tightly and securely. This technique helps the pinwheels maintain their shape and keeps the fillings neatly encased.
Pre-Slicing Chilling: Chill the rolled dough for about 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator before slicing. This step makes the cutting process smoother, resulting in cleaner and more defined pinwheels.
Creative Toppings Selection: Personalize your pinwheels with a variety of toppings – consider savory chicken, spicy pepperoni, or even a vegetarian medley with mushrooms and broccoli for diverse flavor experiences.
Optimized Baking Conditions: Bake the pinwheels at a high temperature for a shorter duration to achieve a crispy crust without overcooking the toppings. Keep an eye on the oven as temperatures can vary.