Pizza Pinwheels

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delightful and customizable **Pizza Scrolls** – also affectionately known as pizza pinwheels! Imagine soft, pillowy pizza dough wrapped around your favorite savory pizza toppings, baked to golden perfection. These irresistible treats are not just a snack; they’re a versatile culinary marvel, perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunchbox addition, or a crowd-pleasing picnic favorite.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal solution or a fun cooking project with the kids, these homemade pizza scrolls are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Forget bland, store-bought options; with this recipe, you’ll create bakery-quality scrolls that are bursting with flavor and cheesy goodness.

Why you’ll fall in love with these savory pizza scrolls:

• Effortlessly Easy: A straightforward recipe that even novice bakers can master, yielding impressive results every time.
• Incredibly Customizable: The beauty of pizza scrolls lies in their adaptability. From classic pepperoni to gourmet vegetarian options, you can choose any combination of your cherished pizza toppings.
• Super Cheesy & Delicious: Loaded with melted cheese and rich flavors, these scrolls are a true comfort food experience.
• Loved by All Ages: A universally appealing snack that both kids and adults will eagerly devour, making them ideal for family gatherings.
• Make Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Prepare them in advance for busy days or freeze batches for convenient grab-and-go options.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: An excellent choice for picnics, school lunchboxes, road trips, or simply as a comforting snack at home.
• Serve Hot or Cold: Equally delicious straight from the oven or enjoyed chilled, offering maximum flexibility.

This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover homemade pizza dough, transforming it into something new and exciting. The homemade dough ensures a wonderfully pillowy, soft, and flavorful base. However, if time is of the essence, you can certainly expedite the process by using ready-made puff pastry. While puff pastry will yield a crispier texture, opting for homemade dough delivers that authentic, fluffy pizza crust experience that truly elevates these scrolls. Choose the option that best suits your preference and schedule!

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For precise quantities and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

For the Fluffy Pizza Dough

While pre-made pizza dough is a convenient shortcut, there’s truly nothing quite like the taste and texture of homemade. Crafting your own dough is not only a therapeutic process but also results in an incredibly flavorful and soft base for your pizza scrolls. It’s the secret to those perfectly fluffy pinwheels.

• Flour: For the ideal chewy yet tender texture, bread flour is your best friend. Its higher protein content helps develop strong gluten, essential for that satisfying bite. However, don’t fret if you only have plain flour (also known as all-purpose flour) on hand; it will still yield delicious results, albeit with a slightly less chewy crumb.
• Yeast: This recipe calls for either instant dry yeast or active dry yeast. Yeast is the magical ingredient that makes your dough rise, creating that airy, light texture. Always remember to store your yeast in the fridge to maintain its potency and ensure a successful rise.
• Sugar: Just a pinch of sugar is vital for activating the yeast. It acts as food for the yeast, helping it to bloom and work its magic, contributing to the dough’s rise and a subtle sweetness.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient for seasoning the dough, salt enhances all the other flavors and also plays a role in controlling the yeast’s activity, preventing it from rising too quickly.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness, flavor, and helps to create a tender, pliable dough. It also contributes to the beautiful golden crust during baking.
• Warm Water: The correct temperature of water is essential for yeast activation. It should be warm, similar to bathwater – not too hot to kill the yeast, and not too cold to slow down its activation significantly.

The Scrumptious Pizza Scroll Fillings

• Pizza Sauce: The foundation of any great pizza, your choice of sauce makes a big difference. I highly recommend my homemade pizza sauce for its fresh, vibrant flavor and incredible simplicity. It truly elevates the scrolls! Alternatively, a high-quality store-bought pizza sauce or a classic marinara sauce (especially popular in the US) works perfectly.
• Ham / Bacon: Diced ham or crispy bacon are traditional and incredibly popular choices for pizza scrolls, offering a savory, smoky depth. Feel free to experiment with other proteins like thinly sliced pepperoni, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crumbled cooked sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese: The star of the show! A creamy cheddar cheese or the mild, stretchy mozzarella are both excellent options. For the best melt and flavor, I strongly advise purchasing a block of cheese and grating it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting as smoothly and evenly, resulting in a less satisfying cheese pull. For a more sophisticated twist, consider rich cheeses like Gruyère or creamy Gouda – absolutely delicious!
• Other Toppings: While the above form the classic base, the beauty of homemade pizza scrolls is their endless customizability. Don’t be afraid to get creative and incorporate your favorite pizza toppings. Here are some fantastic ideas to add or swap:
  • Pepperoni: Chopped into smaller pieces for an even distribution of that spicy, savory kick.
  • Olives: Sliced black or green olives add a briny, salty note that complements the cheese beautifully.
  • Pineapple: If you’re a pineapple-on-pizza enthusiast, make sure to dry it thoroughly with paper towels and chop it into fine pieces to avoid excess moisture, which can make the scrolls soggy.
  • Spring Onion or Chives: Finely chopped, these add a fresh, subtle oniony flavor. They are particularly fantastic in a cheese and chive roll variation.
  • Capsicum / Bell Pepper: Finely diced red, yellow, or green bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
  • Onion: Very finely chopped red or white onion can add a sharp, pungent flavor that mellows beautifully when baked.
  • Sundried Tomatoes: These intensely flavored gems add a sweet-tart burst of Mediterranean sunshine.
  • Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed mushrooms (to remove excess moisture) offer an earthy umami flavor.
  • Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, finely diced pickled jalapeños can add a fiery kick.
  • Spinach: Wilted and squeezed dry, spinach can add a healthy green element without adding too much moisture.

Get Creative! More Exciting Filling Ideas

Let your imagination run wild when it comes to fillings! Think about all the incredible flavors you adore on your favorite pizzas and translate them into these delicious scrolls. You can effortlessly transform classic pizza recipes into these portable, delightful treats. For instance, imagine a savory BBQ Meat-Lovers Pizza Scroll, packed with smoky BBQ sauce and a medley of meats. Or perhaps a vibrant Chicken Pesto Scroll, offering a fragrant, herby twist. For an exotic touch, a Tandoori Chicken Pizza Scroll could be a fantastic adventure for your taste buds! Why not explore a Mediterranean-inspired version, incorporating fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and a generous sprinkling of aromatic oregano?

A crucial tip for perfectly rolled pizza pinwheels is to avoid overfilling them. While it’s tempting to cram in as many delicious ingredients as possible, too much filling can make the dough difficult to roll, causing spills and an uneven bake. I’ve found that a total of up to 1½ cups of fillings (excluding the cheese) works beautifully, allowing for easy rolling and a well-balanced flavor in every bite.

For complete details on quantities and precise instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

Crafting the Perfect Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: Begin by combining the warm water, a touch of sugar, and your chosen yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and allow this mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes. During this “blooming” process, the yeast will become active, forming a frothy layer on the surface. This is your visual cue that the yeast is healthy and ready to work its magic! If no froth appears, your yeast might be old, and it’s best to start with a fresh packet.
2. Combine Ingredients and Knead: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and your activated yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until the ingredients come together, then increase to medium speed. Knead the dough for approximately 6-7 minutes using a stand mixer, or about 10-12 minutes by hand. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and less sticky to the touch.
3. First Rise (Proofing): Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the kneaded dough inside, flipping it once to ensure it’s lightly coated with oil on all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Set the dough aside in a warm place – a slightly warm oven (turned off), a sunny spot, or near a warm appliance works well. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This crucial step develops flavor and creates that characteristic fluffy texture.

Assembling Your Irresistible Pizza Scrolls

4. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 25cm x 35cm (10×14 inches). Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
5. Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread your chosen pizza sauce over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about half an inch) along one of the long edges to help seal the scroll. If you’re using my homemade pizza sauce, it’s as simple as mixing a few ingredients in a small bowl, and it’s ready to go!
6. Add Fillings and Cheese: Generously scatter your chosen fillings – such as diced ham or bacon, along with any other optional toppings – over the sauce. Remember the golden rule: don’t overfill! Follow this with a liberal sprinkling of most of your shredded cheese, reserving a small handful for topping the scrolls before baking.
7. Roll into a Log: Starting from one of the long sides, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a snug log. A tight roll ensures beautiful spirals and keeps the fillings secure. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 8 equal pieces. A clean, sharp cut is key to maintaining the scroll shape.
8. Prepare for Baking: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the cut pizza scrolls onto the prepared tray, leaving about an inch of space between each. Ensure the cut side is facing upwards to showcase their vibrant, layered fillings. Crown each scroll with the remaining handful of shredded cheese for an extra cheesy top.
9. Egg Wash & Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk with a dash of water or milk to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the sides of each scroll with this mixture; this will help achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. Bake in a preheated oven (refer to recipe card for temperature) for approximately 22-25 minutes, or until the scrolls are golden, puffed, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Flawless Pizza Scrolls

• Blooming the Yeast – A Safety Net: While instant yeast technically doesn’t require blooming, and active dry yeast does, I always recommend taking this extra step for both. It acts as a quick check to ensure your yeast is alive and active. If, after 5-10 minutes in warm, sugary water, your yeast doesn’t become frothy and bubbly, it’s likely expired or inactive. This saves you from wasting valuable ingredients and time on a dough that won’t rise.
• The Goldilocks Zone for Warm Water: When activating yeast, the water temperature is critical. It should be warm, like a comfortable bath – neither too hot nor too cold. Water that’s too hot will kill the delicate yeast organisms, rendering them ineffective. Conversely, cold water will significantly slow down the yeast’s activity, making your dough take an excessively long time to rise. Aim for around 105-115°F (40-46°C).
• Kneading by Hand – Embrace the Stickiness: If you’re kneading the dough by hand, expect it to be quite sticky initially. The key is to resist the temptation to add extra flour! As you continue to knead, the gluten will develop, and the dough will become progressively less sticky, more elastic, and easier to handle. This process typically takes around 10-12 minutes. A dough scraper can be an invaluable tool here, helping you manage the dough on your work surface.
• Moisture Control for Fillings: Some toppings, like mushrooms or pineapple, contain a lot of moisture. To prevent soggy scrolls, it’s best to pre-cook and drain very watery vegetables (like sautéing mushrooms) or blot fruits like pineapple dry with paper towels before adding them to the dough.
• Achieving a Golden Crust: The egg wash brushed on the sides of the scrolls before baking is essential for that beautiful golden-brown color and slightly crisp crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t Overfill: As mentioned earlier, moderation is key with fillings. Aim for a balanced amount (around 1½ cups total for all fillings, excluding cheese) to ensure the scrolls roll easily and bake evenly without spilling their contents.
• Get Creative with Your Flavors: The possibilities are truly endless! Revisit my fillings section above for a wealth of ideas. Experiment with your favorite classic or even gourmet pizza combinations to create unique pizza scrolls every time.
• Oven Temperature Consistency: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the scrolls inside. A consistently hot oven is crucial for a quick rise and even baking. Using an oven thermometer can help verify your oven’s accuracy.

Yield and Serving Suggestions

This versatile pizza scrolls recipe yields 8 generously sized scrolls, each roughly comparable in size to a small fist. These are perfect for a substantial snack or a lighter meal. If you prefer smaller, bite-sized portions, ideal for little hands or party platters, you have a couple of options:

1. Smaller Scrolls from One Log: Instead of cutting the rolled dough log into 8 pieces, slice it into 12. This will give you 12 slightly smaller, yet equally satisfying, pizza pinwheels.
2. Mini Pizza Pinwheels: For an even daintier offering, divide your prepared pizza dough into two equal portions before rolling. Roll each portion into a smaller rectangle, then fill and roll each separately. By doing this, you could yield approximately 16-20 delightful mini pizza pinwheels, perfect for appetizers or a kid-friendly snack spread.

No matter the size, these homemade pizza scrolls are a delightful addition to any meal or snack time!

Storage and Making Ahead for Ultimate Convenience

One of the many benefits of these homemade pizza scrolls is their excellent make-ahead and freezer-friendly properties, making them an ideal solution for meal prepping or unexpected cravings. Here’s how to maximize their shelf life and convenience:

The Pizza Dough

Your freshly made pizza dough can be prepared in advance and stored for later use, offering immense flexibility:

• Overnight Refrigeration: After the initial kneading, instead of letting the dough rise at room temperature, you can place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and let it slowly prove in the fridge overnight (for 8-12 hours). This slow fermentation can even enhance the dough’s flavor. The next morning, simply take it out, roll, fill, and bake for fresh pizza scrolls for breakfast!
• Freezing the Dough: For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza dough. After making the dough and before its first rise, shape it into a ball, lightly coat it with olive oil, and place it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Squeeze out any excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight, or let it sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours until pliable. Then proceed with the recipe as usual.

Preparing in Advance (Unbaked Scrolls)

You can assemble the entire pizza scrolls ahead of time and bake them later:

• Refrigeration: Once the scrolls are assembled and placed on a baking tray, cover them securely with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the dough to relax and come to temperature before baking.
• Freezing Unbaked Scrolls: This is a fantastic option for future meals. Arrange the raw, cut scrolls on a baking tray and freeze them until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container, placing squares of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 3 months. For best baking results, I recommend thawing them first. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.

Already Baked Scrolls

If you have leftover baked pizza scrolls, here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigeration: Baked scrolls will remain fresh and delicious for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: For the best experience, allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer them warm and gooey, a quick zap in the microwave for 30-60 seconds will heat them through beautifully. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy again.
• Freezing Baked Scrolls: Baked pizza scrolls also freeze exceptionally well. Once cooled completely, place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as described above.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these savory pizza scrolls, you’re sure to find more favorites among these related recipes:

• BBQ Meat-Lovers Pizza
• Pizza Fritta (Fried Pizza)
• Chicken Pesto Calzone
• Tandoori Chicken Pizza
• Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
• Homemade Pizza Sauce
• Garlic Dinner Rolls

Ultimate Homemade Pizza Scrolls

Yield:

8
scrolls

Prep Time:

35 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Rising time:

1 hour
hour

Total Time:

1 hour
hour
55 minutes
minutes

5 from
7 ratings

These classic pizza scrolls are just like the beloved treats you’d find at an authentic Aussie bakery. Featuring soft, fluffy homemade bread generously stuffed with all your favorite pizza toppings, they are the ultimate family-friendly snack. Short on time for dough? You can even use puff pastry for a quicker version!

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For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided