If you're not already obsessed with pesto, let this be your sign. You just won't be able to resist making these pesto pizza pinwheels.
This recipe is just three ingredients: store-bought pizza dough, your favorite pesto, and mozzarella cheese, all rolled up into tiny pinwheels, then baked until golden, gooey perfection.
These pinwheels are perfect for meal prep, very kid friendly, and ideal when you crave something quick to snack on.
Pesto is one of my favorite condiments and sauces to make, and I love having it on hand for dishes like a pesto tortellini bake, a panini sandwich, or for a pasta salad as a side dish.
Morgan's Recipe Rundown
- Cook Time - This recipe takes virtually no time to prep and bake. Lay out the dough, slather the pesto, sprinkle the cheese, roll up and bake. Done in just under 20 minutes.
- Cook Level - No need for fancy training for these pesto pizza pinwheels, they're as easy as counting to 100.
- Taste - Sharp, garlicky pesto paired with creamy mozzarella and fluffy, doughy pizza dough. Little bundles of deliciousness is what I like to describe them as.
- Best Served With: Make a batch of these pinwheels as an appetizer before serving Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, my Juicy and Crispy Chicken Cutlets, or my classic Chicken Francese.
Jump to:
The Ingredients
- Pesto - I love making my own and storing and freezing for quick access for a variety of different recipes. If you want to make your own, my homemade 5 minute pesto recipe is PERFECT for this!
- Pizza Dough - You can use any type of pizza dough here. I found it easier to use the dough from Pillsbury in the can.
- Mozzarella - I like using an Italian blend of cheese here, but regular mozzarella works too.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.
Simple Swaps and Substitutions
- Cheese - Swap for your favorite dairy-free alternative instead of the dairy mozzarella.
- Dough - if you're gluten sensitive or have celiac, you can use a gluten-free dough!
- Pesto - Trader Joe's makes an incredible vegan version if you're vegan or looking for a dairy-free option
How to make pesto pizza pinwheels
Step 1: Unroll the pizza dough and shape into an 8x12 square. Preheat the oven to 400º and prep a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Step 2: Spoon a few scoops of the pesto onto the dough and spread evenly to distribute.
Step 3: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese onto the surface of the dough, covering most of the pesto.
Step 4: Using a pizza cutter, cut until equal strips (approximately 1 ½" thick) and roll. Place on baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes.
Pesto Pinwheels FAQs
Place any uneaten or leftover pinwheels in an airtight container. They will stay for 3 days in the fridge. Store any leftover in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer. Thaw and consume up to one month.
If you want to use marinara, caramelized onion, pizza sauce, ricotta cheese, or even vodka sauce, those work well if you want to swap out the pesto.
Yes, if you have your favorite gluten free pizza dough you can definitely use it in this recipe.
Are you pesto obsessed? Here's some of my favorite pesto-forward recipes you'll love!
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
Pesto Mozzarella Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Equipment
- cutting board
- Pizza Cutter
- aluminum foil
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pesto
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cannister Canned Pizza Dough
Instructions
- Unroll the pizza dough and shape into an 8x12 square. Preheat the oven to 400º and prep a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Spoon a few scoops of the pesto onto the dough and spread evenly to distribute.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese onto the surface of the dough, covering most of the pesto.
- Using a pizza cutter, cut until equal strips (approximately 1 ½" thick) and roll. Place on baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes.
Michelle Rosa says
Delicious and easy! Directions are always realistic and easy to understand. Love this blog!
Lindsey E. says
Pinterest doesn’t lie this recipe was amazing. You can’t beat a three ingredient dinner. I think I’d make these for a party or something next time. They’re good for that!!! Either way, awesome recipe!
Nadine L. says
Very easy recipe to make and I had all the ingredients. Needed to get the dough but that was easy enough. My daughter loved as did I. Will make again soon! Thanks!