Puff Pastry Pizza Pinwheels

Flaky, cheesy, and bursting with pizza flavor, these pinwheels are the perfect quick appetizer or snack. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in under 30 minutes.

Once Upon a Snack…

In my Weddings by Bella series, the Rossi family’s pizzeria, Parma John’s, sits proudly on the Strand in Galveston—where the sea breeze carries the scent of bubbling cheese and fresh-baked crust.

Uncle Laz, ever the maestro of mozzarella, runs the place. And trust me when I say there’s Dean Martin music blaring in the background. Never Sinatra. Always Dean-o. And Jenna (who works at the restaurant) is a key player in the story, too!

Jenna answered on the fourth ring, breathless, as always. “Welcome to Parma John’s. We deliver.”

I tried to spit out a “hello,” but, as always, she forged ahead.

“Want to share a pizza with a friend, but can’t settle on the topping? You’re keen on pepperoni; he’s got his heart set on Canadian bacon? Why not try our Simpatico special—a large hand-tossed pizza, split down the middle with your choice of toppings on either side. Now you can both be happy for just $14.95.”

“Well, if I had someone to share it with, I might be happier,” I said with a laugh. “In the meantime, how about sharing some Tiramisu and a great chat with an old friend?”

Jenna giggled. “Bella, we’ve got to figure out some kind of a signal or something. . .so I know it’s you.”

“It’s called Caller I.D. Just look down at the phone in your hand.”

No doubt Laz would approve of the recipe I’m sharing with you today. These swirled bites of comfort come together so easily and are perfect when you’re in a hurry. They may not be his signature deep-dish or hand-tossed pies, but they carry that same spirit: buttery layers wrapped around tangy pizza sauce, melty cheese, and bits of pepperoni, baked until golden.

I happened to be taking mine to the local grandkids as an after-school snack, but whether they’re served on a sun-dappled patio near the beach (Hey, who doesn’t love a good trip to Galveston?) or on the coffee table during game night, they’re meant to be shared, laughed over, and loved.

What are we waiting for? Let’s dive in!

Pizza Pinwheel Ingredients

You will find a full recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need. These are simple ingredients, available at any grocery store.

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but very cold (see note)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped pepperoni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Note: This recipe works best if you put the thawed puff pastry back into the freezer for about 5-10 minutes before starting. You don’t want it to go too soft on you.

How to Make Puff Pastry Pizza Pinwheels

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut up your pepperoni into smaller pieces.

Lay out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.

Add chopped pepperoni.

Finish with a layer of shredded mozzarella.

Roll the pastry up tightly from one long edge, forming a log. I use the parchment paper to help me roll.

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12–14 slices.

Arrange the slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Bake for about 20-21 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. (You might want to start checking them at about the 18 minute point.)

Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Happily Ever After (Until the Plate is Empty)

Like most good stories—and most of Uncle Laz’s pizzas—these pinwheels don’t linger for long. They vanish in a flurry of hands, laughter, and “just one more” bites. Keep a second puff pastry sheet in the freezer, because once you’ve made these once, you’ll want to invite them back for an encore.

From Parma John’s Kitchen

If you’ve ever wandered down the Strand in Galveston, you might have caught the aroma of bubbling cheese drifting from Parma John’s. That’s Uncle Laz in the kitchen—flour on his apron, a grin on his face—making magic with mozzarella.

These Puff Pastry Pizza Pinwheels aren’t on the official Parma John’s menu (yet), but they carry the same heart and flavor as every pie that comes out of Uncle Laz’s oven. Quick to make, easy to share, and just right for those moments when you need a taste of home—no matter where you are.

Before you Go. . .

Why not pin some photos?

About the Author

Janice Thompson is a multi-published author, baker, and blogger with a knack for blending humor, heart, and a dash of whimsy into everything she creates. Best known for her beloved Weddings by Bella series, Janice draws inspiration from her own Gulf Coast roots—and her love of family, faith, and food. When she’s not crafting unforgettable characters, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up recipes for her Storybook Kitchen—a cozy corner where fiction meets flavor, and every dish tells a story.