If you’ve been on the hunt for a low-carb snack that actually tastes like your favorite comfort food, look no further than Keto Pizza Pinwheels. Imagine gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and tangy marinara, all swirled up in a golden, tender dough that’s keto-friendly and gluten free—yes, dreams do come true! These pinwheels are portable, quick to make, and deliver pizza satisfaction without the carb crash. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a get-together, or just treating yourself to a flavorful bite, Keto Pizza Pinwheels instantly become everyone’s favorite way to enjoy pizza while staying on track.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Keto Pizza Pinwheels starts with a handful of familiar ingredients, cleverly transformed into something totally crave-worthy. Each element plays a role in creating chewy, melty, zesty perfection—so don’t skip or swap unless you’re ready for a little recipe adventure! Here’s what you’ll need, with a tip on why every ingredient matters:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): This is the backbone of the dough, creating a stretchy, authentic pizza texture without any gluten.
- Cream cheese (2 oz): Makes the dough extra tender and rich, blending seamlessly with the mozzarella for that just-right bite.
- Almond flour (3/4 cup): A low-carb swap for wheat flour, giving body and subtle nuttiness to your pinwheels.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a little lift, so the pinwheels bake up fluffy rather than dense.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with that classic, irresistible pizza aroma.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings out traditional pizzeria flavors.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and helps the dough bake into soft swirls.
- Low-carb marinara sauce (1/4 cup): Brings the tangy, saucy heart to each roll without the extra sugar.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, for filling (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully inside, delivering that classic pizza pull.
- Mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni (1/4 cup): Adds spicy, savory pockets in every spiral bite.
- Optional: Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish: These finishing touches instantly elevate the look and taste!
How to Make Keto Pizza Pinwheels
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Set the stage by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready to create melty magic. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Keto Pizza Pinwheels won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Cheese Base
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella with the cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. This gooey blend is the secret to that soft, pizza-like dough you crave!
Step 3: Make the Dough
Add almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the egg into your cheesy bowl. Stir everything together until it forms a cohesive dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit sticky—that’s exactly what you want. Keto dough is a little different from classic pizza dough, but it’s just as satisfying.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to flatten it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This makes sure your pinwheels bake evenly and gives you lots of swirly layers for saucy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Step 5: Add the Pizza Filling
Spread the low-carb marinara sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle with that extra 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, then scatter the mini pepperoni on top. The more evenly you spread the fillings, the prettier your spirals will look!
Step 6: Roll Up and Slice
Using the parchment for support, carefully roll the dough into a log. Don’t rush—take your time so the filling stays inside. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels. You should get about 10 neat pieces, ready for the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Goodness
Arrange your pinwheels cut-side down on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and irresistible. The kitchen will smell like your favorite corner pizza shop!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Let the pinwheels cool for just a couple of minutes—they’ll hold together better and keep those cheese pulls extra gooey. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil if you like. Serve warm, with extra marinara for dipping if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
How to Serve Keto Pizza Pinwheels
Garnishes
For those final flourishes, a dusting of grated Parmesan makes your Keto Pizza Pinwheels look irresistible and adds savory depth. Scatter fresh basil ribbons over the top for a pop of color and an aromatic, fresh punch that wakes up all the flavors. If you want a restaurant-worthy presentation, a drizzle of olive oil or even some red pepper flakes brings extra flair.
Side Dishes
Keto Pizza Pinwheels pair perfectly with a crisp, fresh salad—think arugula or baby spinach tossed with a light vinaigrette. Roasted veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms add extra goodness and keep you feeling satisfied. For a party or game night, set out a platter of celery sticks, olives, or a colorful antipasto tray alongside your pinwheels to create a balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Keto Pizza Pinwheels into the centerpiece for casual gatherings by stacking them in a pyramid or arranging them in a spiral on a wooden board with bowls of dipping sauces. For lunchboxes, tuck them into snack containers with cherry tomatoes and cheese cubes. Hosting friends? Try threading pinwheels onto skewers to make playful, party-ready pizza pops!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Keto Pizza Pinwheels left (which is rare!), pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days without losing their texture. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to prevent any sogginess from steam.
Freezing
Keto Pizza Pinwheels are fabulous for prepping ahead! Let them cool completely, then freeze on a tray until solid before transferring to a zip-top bag. Individually frozen pinwheels won’t stick together, and you can reheat them straight from the freezer for a quick snack or lunch in minutes.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these is in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes—the pinwheels will crisp up beautifully and taste almost freshly baked. In a pinch, the microwave also works, but keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t get rubbery.
FAQs
Can I substitute coconut flour for almond flour?
Almond flour adds the perfect texture here; coconut flour is much more absorbent and can make the dough dry and crumbly. If you must use coconut flour, reduce the amount to about 1/4 cup and expect the texture to be a little different!
Is it possible to make these dairy free?
Because the fathead dough relies heavily on cheese for texture and flavor, it’s tricky to make Keto Pizza Pinwheels completely dairy free. However, you can experiment with dairy-free mozzarella and cream cheese substitutes if you’re up for a little kitchen adventure.
What other keto-friendly toppings can I use?
Absolutely! Give your pinwheels a twist with cooked ground sausage, sautéed mushrooms, sliced olives, or a handful of fresh spinach. Get creative and customize the filling just like you would your favorite pizza.
How do I keep the dough from sticking when rolling it out?
Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper is the trick. If it still sticks, chill the dough in the fridge for a few minutes—this firms it up and makes handling much easier.
Can I make Keto Pizza Pinwheels ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Assemble and slice the pinwheels, then refrigerate them on a baking sheet until you’re ready to bake. Pop them in the oven just before guests arrive, and you’ll have fresh, warm pinwheels with zero last-minute fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving all the joy of pizza without the carbs (or gluten), Keto Pizza Pinwheels are your ticket to savory satisfaction. Give them a try—you might just discover your new go-to snack, appetizer, or party favorite. Let your creativity run wild with fillings and toppings, and enjoy this playful, totally guilt-free way to eat pizza anytime!
Print
Keto Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 10 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Keto Pizza Pinwheels are a delicious low-carb snack or appetizer featuring a flavorful fathead dough filled with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara sauce. Perfect for satisfying pizza cravings without the carbs!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1/4 cup low-carb marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for filling)
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt cheeses: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Make dough: Stir in almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and egg until a dough forms. Roll out into a rectangle between parchment paper.
- Add fillings: Spread marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni over the dough. Roll into a log, slice, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Garnish with Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
- Best served warm with extra marinara for dipping.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
- You can customize with other keto-friendly toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or olives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
