Whether you’re hosting friends for the big game or want a simple appetizer that feels homemade but requires minimal effort, Game Day Pinwheels fit the bill perfectly.
With layers of savory fillings rolled into soft dough, they’re just as great fresh out of the oven as they are served at room temperature.
Why I Can’t Stop Making These Cookies
- Quick and easy to assemble, perfect when you’re short on prep time
- Flavor-packed with a delicious combination of cheeses, meats, and herbs
- Uses common pantry staples and versatile ingredients that adapt to your fridge
- Kid-friendly finger food everyone can enjoy without fuss
- Great for any season, especially crowd-pulling during football season or casual get-togethers
What Type of Dough Should I Use?
For the best Game Day Pinwheels, soft but sturdy dough is key think a classic pizza or biscuit dough that holds filling well without becoming soggy. Fresh dough works beautifully here, but you can also use thawed frozen dough if you make it ahead. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling.
Avoid dough that’s too dry or crumbly since it won’t roll smoothly or seal well. If using store-bought dough, pick one labeled for pizza or rolls, preferably without added sugar or heavy flavorings so your filling shines.
Options for Ingredient Alternatives
- Swap butter for olive oil or coconut oil (chill dough 30 minutes if using coconut oil to help firmness)
- Use cream cheese or ricotta in place of shredded cheese for a creamier texture
- Choose turkey or chicken slices instead of traditional pepperoni for a lighter bite
- Switch out cow’s milk for almond, oat, or soy milk if dairy-free, just use unsweetened varieties
- Add fresh herbs like basil or dill instead of dried; if dried, reduce quantity slightly to avoid overpowering flavor
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes for a concentrated burst of flavor
The Biggest Challenges While Baking
- Rolling dough evenly to avoid uneven cooking; sprinkle flour and roll gently but firmly
- Keeping buttery dough at proper temperature too warm can get sticky, too cold will crack
- Folding delicate ingredients like fresh spinach or herbs in last to avoid bruising or wilting
- Avoiding overmixing dough which can make pinwheels tough instead of tender
- Fixing dry dough by slowly adding 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until pliable
- Chilling assembled pinwheels 30 minutes before baking to hold shape better and improve texture
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Game Day Pinwheels store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated for 3 to 4 days wrapped tightly.
To freeze, arrange pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
You can also make the dough and filling ahead, assemble pinwheels, then wrap and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Estimated Nutrition
Roughly for the entire batch:
- Calories: 1,200–1,400
- Fat: 70–85 grams
- Carbohydrates: 130–150 grams
- Protein: 40–50 grams
Per serving (based on 12 pinwheels):
- Calories: 100–120
- Fat: 6–7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11–13 grams
- Protein: 3–4 grams
Nutrition will vary depending on cheese, meat, and dough choices.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 13 ounces) (370 g)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115 g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (113 g)
- 6 slices pepperoni or turkey pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach, washed and dried (15 g)
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (40 g)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon milk, only if dough is dry
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough into a 12×8-inch (30×20 cm) rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
- Sprinkle chopped pepperoni, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the cheese layer, folding delicate ingredients like spinach in gently last.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 equal pinwheels.
- Place pinwheels cut side up on the baking sheet about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese mix for a spicy kick
- Serve with marinara or ranch dipping sauces for extra flavor
- Try swapping pepperoni with cooked sausage, ham, or bacon bits
- Underbake slightly for gooey cheese centers that stay soft when cooled
- Garnish baked pinwheels with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil and warm briefly in the oven before serving
- Use crescent roll dough for a quicker, softer variation
FAQs
Q: Can I make these pinwheels vegan or dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute vegan cream cheese, plant-based cheese, and meat alternatives. Choose a dairy-free dough if needed.
Q: Can I assemble the pinwheels ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking, then bake fresh when ready.
Q: How can I reheat leftover pinwheels?
A: Warm in a 350-degree F (175-degree C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly on a microwave-safe plate.
Save This for Later (Pinterest)
Love easy party bites? Save this Game Day Pinwheels recipe on Pinterest to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor at your next get-together!
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