If you’ve been searching for a fun and flavorful low-carb snack, I’m beyond excited to share this Keto Pizza Pinwheels Recipe with you! These bite-sized pinwheels combine melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni rolled into a soft, cheesy dough that’s completely gluten-free and keto-friendly. They’re perfect for satisfying those pizza cravings while sticking to your goals, plus they’re incredibly easy to whip up with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, let me assure you that the ingredients here are wonderfully straightforward but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each element works together to create that classic pizza taste with a keto twist, ensuring every pinwheel is cheesy, hearty, and irresistible.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Provides the stretchy, cheesy base that forms the dough’s backbone.
- Cream cheese (2 oz): Adds creaminess and helps meld the dough ingredients together smoothly.
- Almond flour (¾ cup): Keeps the dough low-carb while lending a tender, slightly nutty bite.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Ensures the dough gets a bit of lightness and lift.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, giving structure to the dough.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle savory note for more depth.
- Italian seasoning (¼ teaspoon): Brings classic herb flavors reminiscent of your favorite pizza.
- Sugar-free pizza sauce (⅓ cup): Adds tang and richness without the sugar—so important for keto!
- Mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni (â…“ cup): Packs in that beloved meaty, spicy punch.
- Shredded mozzarella for filling (½ cup): Sprinkled inside for extra cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Optional: grated Parmesan and fresh basil: Perfect finishing touches to elevate your presentation and flavor.
How to Make Keto Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Cheeses
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things easy and mess-free. Then, melt the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring until you have a smooth, gooey mixture. This melty combo is what turns into your dough, so patience here creates the best stretchy texture later!
Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Egg
Next, stir in the almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the egg into the cheese mixture. You’ll soon notice the dough starting to come together into a tacky, pliable ball. This step is essential because it balances the moist cheese with dry almond flour to create a dough that you can roll out.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Place your dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. This is your canvas for the delicious fillings to come!
Step 4: Add the Pizza Toppings
Spread the sugar-free pizza sauce evenly across the dough surface, making sure every bite will have a burst of that classic pizza flavor. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella followed by the pepperoni pieces. These layers add juicy, cheesy pockets that make the pinwheels so addictive.
Step 5: Roll and Chill the Dough
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log with the help of the parchment paper underneath. This rolling step builds the iconic pinwheel shape. Place the log in the freezer for 10 minutes so it firms up, making it easier to slice cleanly without squishing.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Once chilled, slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange them flat on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the heated oven for 15–18 minutes until the pinwheels are golden and bubbling with melted cheese peeking through. The smell during baking alone will have everyone eagerly waiting!
How to Serve Keto Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
To really wow your friends, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and scatter fragrant basil leaves over the warm pinwheels right before serving. These finishing touches bring bright herbal notes and a little salty kick that elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted garlic cauliflower for a keto-friendly, balanced meal. They also work great alongside a bowl of marinara for dipping to double down on that pizza vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these pinwheels on a wooden platter with small bowls of assorted dipping sauces—like ranch, spicy buffalo, or pesto—adds a party flair and lets everyone customize their bites. They’re also fantastic as finger foods at game nights or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for 3 to 4 days, making them a perfect snack to grab throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pinwheels after slicing and arranging them on the baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake them frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s such a handy way to always have a keto-friendly snack ready!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty—microwaving can sometimes make them a bit soggy. Just a few minutes at 350°F does the trick wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour instead of almond flour?
Almond flour is key for keeping this Keto Pizza Pinwheels Recipe low-carb and gluten-free. Using other flours with more carbs will change the texture and nutritional benefits, so it’s best to stick to almond flour here.
Is it okay to use regular pepperoni instead of mini pepperoni?
Absolutely! Just chop the regular pepperoni into small pieces to evenly distribute throughout the filling. The flavor impact is fantastic either way.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Since the dough relies heavily on cheese for structure, it’s tough to make this recipe dairy-free without compromising texture. However, experimenting with dairy-free mozzarella and cream cheese alternatives could be interesting if you’re adventurous!
How long do these pinwheels stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, they remain fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their best texture and flavor.
Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or different cheeses to make the pinwheels your own keto-friendly masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Pizza Pinwheels Recipe is one of those dishes that brings pure joy with every bite. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and so satisfying without any of the carb guilt. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making these at home—you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for snacks, parties, or just indulging a pizza craving on keto. Trust me, these pinwheels might just become your new favorite go-to!
Print
Keto Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto
Description
Keto Pizza Pinwheels are a delicious low-carb snack made with a fathead dough base of mozzarella and cream cheese, rolled with sugar-free pizza sauce, pepperoni, and extra cheese. These savory pinwheels are easy to prepare, baked until golden and bubbly, and perfect as an appetizer or snack for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for filling)
- Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup almond flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other
- 1 large egg
- â…“ cup sugar-free pizza sauce
- â…“ cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Melt Cheeses: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese together by microwaving in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Make Dough: To the melted cheese mixture, stir in the almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until the dough forms into a cohesive ball.
- Roll Out Dough: Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it into a roughly ¼-inch thick rectangle.
- Add Toppings: Spread the sugar-free pizza sauce evenly across the dough rectangle. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and mini or chopped pepperoni evenly over the sauce.
- Form the Log: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using the parchment paper to assist if needed. This ensures a compact roll that will hold together when sliced.
- Chill the Log: Freeze the rolled dough log for 10 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to slice cleanly into pinwheels.
- Slice and Arrange: Slice the chilled dough log into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them flat on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough log before slicing helps the pinwheels hold their shape during baking.
- Store leftover pinwheels in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven for crispy, fresh texture rather than a microwave.
