1. Homepage
  2. Dishes
  3. Pepperoni Parmesan Pizza Wheels

Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Wheels

Section: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipes for Quick Meals

These pizza wheels are bite-sized swirls made by rolling dough topped with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni into a log, then slicing and baking until crispy. The crust is firm and cornmeal adds a delightful crunch with every bite. Topped with Parmesan, they pair perfectly with a tangy marinara dipping sauce. Variations include veggie, sausage, and Hawaiian styles, while alternate sauces like pesto or ranch bring more flavor options. Make-ahead friendly by refrigerating or freezing before baking.

Pin This Recipe Share Recipe Email This Recipe Print Recipe Now Skip to Recipe
A man wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By Ryan
Last modified on Sun, 31 Aug 2025 21:31:53 GMT
A plate of pizza wheels with sauce. Bookmark
A plate of pizza wheels with sauce. | palatablelife.com

Pizza wheels are a fun twist on classic pizza that are perfect for parties or a casual snack. These bite sized swirls of dough are filled with pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, then rolled up and sliced to reveal their beautiful spiral shape. Every bite has crispy edges and a delicious crust that stays crunchy thanks to a dusting of cornmeal.

I first made this recipe for a family game night, and it quickly became everyone’s favorite snack because it combines all the best parts of pizza with an easy to handle format.

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough: forms the base and crust, choose fresh or storebought for convenience
  • Cornmeal: dusted on the baking surface to ensure extra crispiness on the crust
  • Marinara sauce: provides the classic tangy tomato flavor, homemade or storebought both work well
  • Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully giving that gooey, cheesy goodness
  • Pepperoni: adds spice and savory depth, choose quality slices with good marbling for best results
  • Parmesan cheese: sprinkled on top to give a salty and nutty finish that enhances the flavor

Instructions

Spread dough:
Roll out your pizza dough into a 9 by 12 inch rectangle on a floured surface to get an even thickness that will cook consistently
Add marinara:
Spread an even layer of marinara sauce all over the dough leaving about a half inch border so the sauce doesn’t leak out when rolling
Layer cheese and pepperoni:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce then add pepperoni slices evenly across to ensure every bite has flavor
Roll the pizza:
Starting at the long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log making sure it is sealed at the edge to hold shape when sliced
Slice into wheels:
Use a sharp knife to cut the log into inch thick slices to create the iconic pinwheel shape
Prepare for baking:
Place the slices on a cornmeal dusted baking sheet leaving space between them so they bake evenly crisping all around
Bake until golden:
Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until the wheels are golden and cheese is bubbly
Serve with sauce:
Let cool slightly before serving with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for a perfect snack or appetizer
A bowl of sauce next to a plate of pizza wheels.
A bowl of sauce next to a plate of pizza wheels. | palatablelife.com

One of my best memories with these pizza wheels was making them with my kids on a quiet Sunday afternoon. They each picked toppings and loved seeing their own creations come to life baked and ready to eat.

Storage tips

Store leftover pizza wheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven to refresh the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust chewy and softer instead of crisp.

Ingredient substitutions

You can easily swap the pepperoni for other toppings depending on what you have. Sliced mushrooms and bell peppers work great for a vegetarian version. For a little twist try pesto instead of marinara or add fresh basil for a burst of herbal flavor.

Serving suggestions

These pizza wheels pair wonderfully with salads like Caesar or a light green salad with vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside soup or a side of roasted vegetables to keep things balanced.

A bowl of pizza wheels with sauce.
A bowl of pizza wheels with sauce. | palatablelife.com

These pizza wheels are an easy crowd pleasing snack that can be customized for any season. They reheat well and are perfect for parties.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What dough is best for making pizza wheels?

A basic pizza dough works great, especially one with cornmeal to create a crispy crust. Store-bought dough can be used for convenience.

→ Can I use different toppings instead of pepperoni?

Yes, alternatives like mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, or ham with pineapple make delicious variations to customize flavors.

→ How do I store pizza wheels before baking?

Slice and cover them tightly to refrigerate for up to two days, or freeze slices individually for up to three months.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with pizza wheels?

Marinara is classic, but pesto, ranch, garlic butter, creamy vodka, or Alfredo sauces also complement the flavors beautifully.

→ Can pizza wheels be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely, they can be sliced and stored refrigerated or frozen, then baked fresh when ready to serve.

Pepperoni Parmesan Pizza Wheels

Bite-sized pizza wheels filled with pepperoni and Parmesan, served with marinara sauce for a tasty treat.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Brought to You By: Ryan

Recipe Category: 5 Ingredients

Skill Level: Perfect for Beginners

Culinary Inspiration: Italian-American

Yields: 8 Portion Size (Approximately 16 pizza wheels (1-inch slices))

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Dough

01 1 package active dry yeast (7 g)
02 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
03 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
04 1 teaspoon sugar (4 g)
05 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
06 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
07 1 tablespoon cornmeal (15 g)

→ Filling and Toppings

08 1/2 cup marinara sauce (120 ml)
09 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (113 g)
10 30 slices pepperoni (about 50 g)
11 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (10 g)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Dissolve active dry yeast and sugar in warm water; let stand 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 03

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 05

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface sprinkled with cornmeal, roll dough into a 9x12 inch rectangle.

Step 06

Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top.

Step 07

Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 1-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 08

Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced apart. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each slice.

Step 09

Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping.

Handy Tips

  1. For a crispier crust, sprinkle cornmeal on the baking sheet before placing pizza wheels.
  2. Pizza wheels can be sliced and refrigerated up to two days before baking or frozen for up to three months.

Must-Have Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Potential Allergens

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if needed.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and possibly yeast

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional information is provided for reference and shouldn’t replace expert guidance.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Proteins: 9 grams