Save The kitchen counter was covered in flour dust and my roommate stood there holding a rolling pin, threatening to make pizza from scratch on a Tuesday night. I talked her down with a bag of tortillas from the back of the pantry, and what started as a lazy compromise turned into something we ended up making every week for the rest of the year. Sometimes the best recipes happen when you are too tired to do things the proper way.
My niece grabbed one off the platter during a family game night and announced she was never eating regular pizza again. She went back for fourths, leaving grease smudges on the score sheet, and suddenly everyone was asking when I would make them again instead of ordering delivery for our weekly gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas: Large and pliable tortillas roll without cracking, so do not use the small street taco size or they will tear
- Cooking spray or olive oil: Brushing the tops helps them turn golden and crisp instead of soggy
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Spread thin because too much sauce makes the tortillas soggy and they will unroll in the oven
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than the pre-shredded bags with anti-caking coating
- 1 cup diced pepperoni: Mini pepperoni works great here, or chop regular slices into small pieces
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives: Drain them well or they will add too much moisture
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers: Any color works, but red peppers add a sweetness that balances the salty pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkle this over the cheese for a background note that ties everything together
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Dried oregano and basil add that pizza parlor aroma
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, but they give a gentle heat that cuts through the cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the base:
- Spread 1/4 cup of sauce evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border at the edges so the sauce does not spill out when rolling.
- Add the toppings:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the sauce, then top with 1/4 cup pepperoni, 1 tablespoon bell peppers, and 1 tablespoon olives.
- Season it:
- Dust each tortilla with a pinch of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Roll them tight:
- Start from one end and roll the tortilla into a tight cylinder, keeping the filling tucked inside as you go.
- Repeat and arrange:
- Make the remaining rolls and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet so they do not unroll while baking.
- Brush and bake:
- Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or cooking spray, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and slice:
- Let them rest for 5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly, then cut each roll into bite-sized pieces.
Save These became my go-to when friends dropped by unexpectedly, and somehow a platter of spiral rolls felt more thoughtful than a frozen pizza. They disappeared fast at every party, and I eventually stopped making anything else for game day.
Make Them Your Own
Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or leave it meatless and load up on mushrooms and spinach. Cheddar or pepper jack change the flavor profile completely, and a drizzle of ranch over the top after baking is surprisingly good.
Freezing Ahead
Assemble the rolls and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Add about 5 minutes to the baking time and bake straight from frozen for easy weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
Serving Ideas
Set up a dipping station with warmed pizza sauce, ranch, or even garlic butter. These work as an appetizer, a fun dinner, or packed in lunchboxes the next day.
- Cut them into smaller pinwheels for party appetizers
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal
- Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave, to keep them crisp
Save Hope these bring as much easy joy to your kitchen as they have to mine over the years.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What's the best way to customize these pinwheels?
These spirals are incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, diced ham, or even crumbled bacon. For vegetables, consider sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or corn. Just ensure any wet ingredients are well-drained to prevent sogginess.
- → Can I prepare these rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls completely and freeze them unbaked. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time until golden brown and bubbly. They make for excellent meal prep or party snacks.
- → What type of cheese works best for a good melt?
Shredded mozzarella is ideal for its melty texture and classic pizza flavor. However, you can experiment with blends like cheddar-mozzarella, a sharp provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. The key is using a good melting cheese.
- → How do I get a crispy exterior on the rolls?
Brushing the tops of the rolls with a little olive oil or cooking spray before baking helps achieve that desired golden-brown and crispy finish. Baking them at a slightly higher temperature, like 400°F (200°C), also contributes to a satisfying crunch.
- → Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?
The base recipe includes pepperoni, so it's not vegetarian as written. However, you can easily make them vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers, or even a plant-based sausage crumble.