Veggie Pizza Pinwheels are fun little bites packed with colorful vegetables and cheesy goodness! They’re rolled up in tasty dough, making them perfect for parties or a quick snack.
I love making these with whatever veggies I have on hand. Plus, they’re super easy to slice and serve—everyone gets their own little piece of pizza magic! 🍕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: I usually go for refrigerated crescent roll dough for its convenience and fluffy texture. If you prefer, you can use puff pastry for a flakier result. Gluten-free options are also available if needed!
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich and creamy base. You can substitute with ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter or vegan option. Both work great!
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is classic for pizza. For more flavor, blend in some cheddar or Italian cheese mix. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan cheese shreds!
Vegetables: I love using a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, olives, and spinach. Feel free to swap in your favorites, like zucchini, mushrooms, or even artichokes!
How Do You Roll and Slice the Pinwheels Without Making a Mess?
Rolling up the pinwheels can be a fun but tricky part! To keep it neat, here are a few tips:
- Make sure your dough is cold; it rolls up better without sticking.
- Spread ingredients evenly and to the edges, but leave a little border to seal the roll.
- As you roll, keep it tight but not too tight to squeeze out the filling. A gentle hand works best!
- Use a sharp knife to slice the log into pinwheels, cleaning the knife between cuts if needed.
With these tips, your pinwheels will roll beautifully, and each slice will look perfect! Enjoy your cooking!
Veggie Pizza Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 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 black olives
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber (optional for crunch)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total time of around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any mess.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a clean surface, gently unroll the crescent roll dough or puff pastry into a rectangle. Don’t worry if it’s a bit wrinkled; you’re going to roll it up anyway!
3. Spread the Cream Cheese:
Grab your softened cream cheese and spread it evenly all over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges. It’s going to help everything stick together.
4. Add the Pizza Sauce:
Next, spoon the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. This adds that pizza-flavor punch!
5. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Don’t be shy; a little extra cheese never hurt anyone!
6. Layer the Veggies:
Distribute your chopped veggies—red and green bell peppers, black olives, shredded carrot, spinach (or kale), and cucumber—over the cheese. Make it colorful!
7. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens!
8. Roll It Up:
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough up tightly to form a log shape. Try to keep it even as you roll to make nice, even pinwheels.
9. Slice and Place:
Once you’ve rolled it up, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place them cut side up on your prepared baking sheet, giving each a little space to rise.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re fun to eat warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your colorful, veggie-packed pizza pinwheels—perfect for sharing or munching anytime! They’re sure to be a hit! 🍕
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even sundried tomatoes can be great additions. Just chop them finely so they roll up easily!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels and store them in the fridge before baking. Just cover them tightly in plastic wrap and bake them within 24 hours for the best results. You can also freeze them before baking—just thaw in the fridge before cooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious cold or can be reheated in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Definitely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella, and check the packaging for any other ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary needs. You can also load up on extra veggies for flavor!
