Recipe uses an easy homemade pizza dough. It is then filled with tomato sauce, sautéed veggies and lots of cheese. The buns are then baked in an oven or an air fryer until crispy and the cheese is melty. A must try recipe for all pizza and cheese lovers.
About the Recipe
We are a big pizza loving family. I frequently make pizza at home. This no yeast thin crispy pizza and this Indian style veggie pizza are our favorites. These pizza buns or veggie pizza pinwheels are basically pizza dough stuffed with cheese and fillings. My kids love spinach, mushroom, bell peppers etc. But the filling choices are endless. You can even use cinnamon sugar or chocolate spread to make them sweet instead of savory. Either way these vegetarian pinwheels are soft, cheesy and absolutely delicious. The dough is very very easy to work with. You can also use store bought pizza dough instead of making it at home. I have included some ideas in the Expert Tips section. Dip the warm pizza pinwheels in marinara sauce and enjoy!!
Ingredients
For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below. Here are the ingredients you need to make the pizza dough:
Flour - I use a combination of bread and whole wheat flour. But you can make it entirely with bread flour.Instant YeastSalt and SugarOlive OilWarm water
You can make these stuffed pizza buns with store-bought pizza dough. You can also use crescent roll dough or even puff pastry. Check the Tips section on details. Here are the ingredients you need for the filling or stuffing:
Pizza or marinara sauce - store bought or homemade.Grated cheese - any good melting cheese like mozzarella, Monterey jack or cheddar.Veggies - use whatever vegetables you like as your pizza topping. We love lightly cooked onions, bell peppers, mushroom, corn, roasted and chopped vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers etc.). Adding veggies is optional, but I highly recommend them.
Instructions
For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below. Here is how to make pizza buns aka veggie pizza pinwheels recipe:
Make pizza dough
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of the stand mixer, combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, salt, sugar, oil and water. Add more whole wheat flour if the dough seems too sticky. Mix and knead well to form a smooth, pliable dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and set aside to rise for 60~90 minutes. Dough should double in size by the end of the first rise. You can use the Instant pot for the first rise. Lightly grease the inner pot and place the dough inside. Cover with a glass lid and set it in Yogurt mode for 1 hour. If it doesn’t rise enough by the end of 1 hour, add an additional 10 minutes.
Make veggie filling
While the dough is rising, make the filling. Heat oil in a medium size pan on medium heat. Add the onions, garlic and cook till the onions turn translucent. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and bell peppers. Cook till they are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool.
Make pizza pinwheels
Gently deflate the dough. On a lightly grease work surface, roll the dough into 12"x18" rectangle. Spread the dough evenly with the marinara sauce, veggie filling and cheese. Starting with the long end, roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12~18 equal pieces, depending on how big you want your buns. Place the rolls, cut side down, on 2 parchment lined baking sheets. Cover lightly with a plastic wrap and let rise for 60~90 minutes.
Oven Bake
Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25~30 minutes or until the rolls are lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Place the pizza pinwheels in the air fryer and bake for 8~12 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve right away with some marinara sauce on the side.
Expert Tips
You can make the dough entirely with bread flour. I like to add 1~1½ cups of whole wheat flour for some fiber.You can skip the pizza dough making step in this recipe. Here are a few alternative ideas:Store bought pizza dough - skip the first rise, then make the pinwheels and let the dough rise for 60~90 minutes. Bake according to the recipe.Canned crescent roll dough - Unroll and press the perforations firmly to close. Cut into 4 rectangles. Then spread with marinara sauce, veggies and cheese. Roll and cut each into 6 slices. Place cut side down on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12~16 minutes until golden brown.Puff pastry - thaw the pastry according to package instructions. Spread and roll as written in the recipe. Bake at 375°F for 15~18 minutes or until golden.Adding veggies is totally optional, but I highly it for taste. Also this is a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids.Here are a few vegetarian savoury pinwheels fillings ideas: spinach, bell peppers, onions, roasted zucchini, eggplant, carrot, mushroom etc.Make sure to finely chop the veggies. This is ensure the rolls to be sliced evenly. You can even use cinnamon sugar or chocolate spread to make them sweet instead of savory.
You might also like
Here are a few more kid friendly cheesy dishes that you might like: I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don’t forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.
Recipe Card
