Pizza Crescent Roll Pinwheels (Party Saver)
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s both effortless and irresistibly tasty? Pizza Crescent Roll Pinwheels (Party Saver) are your go-to solution. With just one can of crescent roll dough and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create savory, cheesy, and colorful pinwheels that disappear faster than you can say “pizza party.” These bite-sized delights combine the classic flavors of pizza with the convenience of a quick bake, making them perfect for get-togethers, game days, or a cozy night in. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and customizable, which is why they’ve quickly become a favorite in my recipe rotation.
Why It Deserves a Spot
This recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons. First off, it’s unbelievably easy—no rolling out dough or complicated steps needed. The crescent roll dough provides a buttery, flaky base that crisps beautifully in the oven. Paired with shredded cooked chicken, gooey mozzarella, vibrant bell peppers, and a zesty pizza sauce, these pinwheels taste like little slices of heaven.
Also, the addition of Italian seasoning and garlic powder amps up the flavor to pizza perfection. If you want an extra savory touch, toss in some chopped Turkish bacon substitute, but it’s just as delicious without it. These pinwheels are a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies too, thanks to the bell peppers and olives. Whether you’re hosting a party or need an easy after-school snack, these pinwheels deserve a spot on your menu.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 can crescent roll dough – the base that makes these pinwheels flaky and light
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded – adds protein and heartiness
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – for that perfect melty pull
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce – rich tomato flavor and moisture
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers – for crunch and a pop of color
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives – briny contrast to the cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – herbaceous and aromatic
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – a subtle savory boost
- Chopped Turkish bacon substitute (optional) – adds a smoky, meaty note
Equipment & Tools
- Baking sheet – to bake the pinwheels evenly
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy
- Mixing bowl – to combine your toppings
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for slicing the rolled dough into pinwheels
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
Pizza Crescent Roll Pinwheels (Party Saver) Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your pinwheels don’t stick and clean up is a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Toppings
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, sliced bell peppers, black olives, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. If you’re using the chopped Turkish bacon substitute, toss that in as well. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface, pressing the seams together gently to create one solid rectangle. This will be your canvas for layering the delicious filling.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture
Evenly spread the topping mixture over the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border along one edge to help seal the roll.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from the edge with the filling, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. This allows the cheese to set a bit, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
If You’re Out Of…
- Crescent roll dough: Use puff pastry sheets or pre-made pizza dough as a substitute.
- Cooked chicken: Swap with cooked turkey, canned chickpeas (for a vegetarian option), or omit for a cheese-and-veggie version.
- Mozzarella cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Pizza sauce: Use marinara, tomato paste thinned with water, or even a pesto spread for a different flavor twist.
- Bell peppers: Substitute with chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Black olives: Green olives or sun-dried tomatoes can add an equally delicious punch.
Errors to Dodge
- Don’t overfill the dough – too much filling can cause the pinwheels to fall apart or bake unevenly.
- Make sure to press the crescent roll seams together firmly to avoid leaks during baking.
- Slice pinwheels evenly so that they cook uniformly; uneven sizes may result in some undercooked pieces.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Overbaking can dry out the dough and toughen the cheese.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
These Pizza Crescent Roll Pinwheels (Party Saver) are excellent candidates for batch cooking and freezing. After slicing the rolled dough into pinwheels, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen pinwheels into a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen pinwheels on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time, baking until golden and bubbly. This makes last-minute entertaining or quick snacks a breeze.
Your Top Questions
Can I make these pinwheels vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and Turkish bacon substitute, and increase the veggies or cheese for added flavor and texture. You can also add ingredients like spinach or mushrooms for a heartier bite.
How long do these pinwheels stay fresh?
Store the pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze as mentioned above.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce instead of store-bought?
Yes! Homemade pizza sauce works wonderfully and adds a fresh, personalized touch. Just ensure your sauce isn’t too watery to prevent soggy dough.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover pinwheels?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.
Weekend Projects
- Try making Spiderweb Quesadilla Pizzas for a spooky twist on classic quesadillas.
- Whip up some Creamy Pesto Chicken Flatbreads for a fresh take on flatbread pizzas with a creamy pesto base.
Serve & Enjoy
These Pizza Crescent Roll Pinwheels (Party Saver) are best served warm, right out of the oven. Their golden, flaky exterior and melty filling make them a perfect handheld treat that’s perfect for dipping in extra pizza sauce or a creamy ranch dressing. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or veggie sticks to balance out the indulgence. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving a simple snack, these pinwheels deliver on flavor and convenience every time.
With their unbeatable combination of ease, taste, and versatility, these pinwheels are bound to become your next party favorite. So grab that can of crescent roll dough and get ready to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Share on Pinterest
Pizza Crescent Roll Pinwheels (Party Saver)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your pinwheels don’t stick and clean up is a breeze.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, sliced bell peppers, black olives, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. If you’re using the chopped Turkish bacon substitute, toss that in as well. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface, pressing the seams together gently to create one solid rectangle. This will be your canvas for layering the delicious filling.
- Evenly spread the topping mixture over the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border along one edge to help seal the roll.
- Starting from the edge with the filling, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. This allows the cheese to set a bit, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- Freeze sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container for easy future baking.
- Omit chicken and bacon substitute for a vegetarian version, adding extra veggies or cheese instead.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent soggy dough.
