These Veggie Pizza Pinwheels are a fun and tasty snack! With yummy cream cheese, colorful veggies, and a sprinkle of herbs, they are perfect for gatherings or a quick lunch.
They look fancy but are so easy to make! Just spread, roll, slice, and enjoy. I love serving them with a side of marinara for dipping—it’s like having pizza on the go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is perfect for a flaky texture. If you want to avoid it, you can use pizza dough, puff pastry, or even homemade dough. Each option will give a slightly different feel but still taste great.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Both options will maintain creaminess while changing the flavor profile a bit.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that gooey melt. If you’re looking to keep it vegan, try dairy-free mozzarella. For more flavor, blend in some sharp cheddar or provolone.
Vegetables: Feel free to swap veggies based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are all great in this recipe. Just chop them finely for even cooking!
How Do You Roll Pinwheels Without Them Falling Apart?
The right technique for rolling your pinwheels is crucial to keeping them together. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with a rectangle of dough laid flat on a clean surface. This helps you roll evenly.
- Spread the filling mixture fully but leave a small border around the edges—this prevents spills when rolling.
- Begin rolling from one long side, keeping a tight but gentle grip as you go. The tension helps the roll hold together.
- Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it before slicing. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts to avoid squishing your pinwheels.
- Place the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet to help them hold their shape while baking.
Following these steps will help you achieve beautiful and intact pinwheels for your gathering or snack time!
Veggie Pizza Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (10 oz) 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 shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 15-18 minutes to bake the pinwheels. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before digging in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will keep your pinwheels from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
Next, unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough or stretch out the pizza dough until it forms a large rectangle. Make sure it’s on a clean surface for easy rolling.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help keep the filling from spilling out while rolling.
5. Add the Veggies:
Now, sprinkle the shredded carrot, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, broccoli, and corn evenly over the cream cheese layer. Mix it up and make it colorful!
6. Roll It Up:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, making sure to encase all the fillings. Pinch the seam closed to help it stay together.
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, gently slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place each pinwheel flat on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. If you’re using marinara sauce, pour it into a bowl for dipping. Enjoy these delightful veggie pizza pinwheels with family, friends, or just for yourself!
Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in These Pinwheels?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with any veggies you have on hand. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great options. Just make sure to chop them finely so they fit well in the pinwheels.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping them in the oven.
How Do I Make Them Vegan?
To make these pinwheels vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or hummus, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the mozzarella and Parmesan. Ensure your dough is also dairy-free since some brands may contain milk.
