A Fun, Flavor-Packed Twist On Pizza And Tacos, These Taco Pizza Pinwheels Are Cheesy, Spicy, And Delicious – Perfect For A Snack, Appetizer, Or Dinner!
These Taco Pizza Pinwheels are a hit in our house because they combine two of our favorite foods – pizza and tacos – into one easy-to-eat, bite-sized treat! I decided to make them because I wanted something that was both comforting and fun, and these pinwheels deliver all the cheesy, flavorful goodness of taco pizza, rolled up into a crispy, golden pinwheel.
My family loves them because they’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a party snack. The taco seasoning and melted cheese create the perfect bite every time!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use a different type of dough?
A: Yes! While store-bought pizza dough is perfect for this recipe, you can use crescent roll dough or even flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be sure to roll them up tightly to keep the filling inside.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, and then bake them when you’re ready. Alternatively, you can bake them and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and use black beans, refried beans, or extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I make these spicier?
A: Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños, spicy taco sauce, or even hot sauce to the filling to give them a spicy kick. Adjust the level of heat to your preference.
Q: How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling?
A: Be sure to roll them tightly and pinch the ends of the dough together before baking. You can also press down gently on the edges to seal them and prevent the filling from spilling out.
What You Need to Make Taco Pizza Pinwheels
For the Pinwheels:
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or taco sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or guacamole (for dipping, optional)
How to Make Taco Pizza Pinwheels
1. Prepare the filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or your chosen protein) until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and pizza sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Roll out the dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. If you’re using store-bought dough, you can also use a large baking sheet and roll it directly on that.
3. Assemble the pinwheels:
Spread the taco filling evenly across the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the filling, and add sliced olives and green onions if desired.
4. Roll up the dough:
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
5. Slice the pinwheels:
Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into 1-inch-wide pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake the pinwheels:
Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges of the dough should be slightly crisp.
7. Serve:
Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping!
Tips
- For extra crunch: Brush the top of the pinwheels with olive oil or melted butter before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
- Customize the filling: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Make them mini: You can make smaller pinwheels by slicing the dough into smaller sections, perfect for appetizers or party snacks.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “These Taco Pizza Pinwheels are fantastic! They’re crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor. The perfect snack for movie night!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “I made these for a party, and they were a hit! Everyone loved the combination of taco flavors and pizza – they disappeared in no time!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “These pinwheels are so delicious! I used ground turkey and added some extra spice, and they were perfect. Great for dinner or a snack.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “These are so easy to make and so tasty! The dough is crispy, and the taco filling is packed with flavor. I love dipping them in sour cream!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “I love how versatile these are! I made them with chicken and added jalapeños for extra heat. So good! Definitely making them again.”
Printable Recipe
Taco Pizza Pinwheels
These Taco Pizza Pinwheels are a crispy, cheesy, and savory treat with all the bold flavors of taco pizza, rolled up into bite-sized pinwheels. Perfect for a snack or meal!
Ingredients
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or taco sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or guacamole (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or your chosen protein) until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and pizza sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Roll out the dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12x8 inches. If you're using store-bought dough, you can also use a large baking sheet and roll it directly on that.
3. Assemble the pinwheels:
- Spread the taco filling evenly across the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the filling, and add sliced olives and green onions if desired.
4. Roll up the dough:
- Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
5. Slice the pinwheels:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into 1-inch-wide pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake the pinwheels:
- Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges of the dough should be slightly crisp.
7. Serve:
- Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Taco Pizza Pinwheels, please share them with your friends and family! They’re perfect for parties, snacks, or an easy dinner, and I’m sure everyone will enjoy them. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your pinwheels turn out!
