Appetizers · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card
Spicy Nduja Pizza Pinwheels with Honey Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 6
Tips for success
For the best texture, serve the pinwheels warm, within 15 minutes of baking. If they cool completely, the cheese will set and the crust may soften.
To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the dough chewy.
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the nduja to 50 g and add a layer of tomato sauce or sautéed spinach. For extra heat, sprinkle chili flakes over the top before baking. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese after baking for a savory finish.
Variations
- Mild version: Replace the nduja with a layer of tomato sauce and cooked Italian sausage (crumbled). Omit the honey and instead top with grated Parmesan and fresh oregano for a classic pizza flavor.
- Vegetarian: Skip the nduja and spread the dough with roasted red pepper strips, sautéed mushrooms, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Use smoked provola or mozzarella. Drizzle with honey and basil as directed.
- Extra cheesy: Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella along with the provola. For a richer flavor, add a few spoonfuls of ricotta dolloped over the filling before rolling. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and honey.
- Breakfast pinwheels: Spread the dough with nduja, then add cooked scrambled eggs and shredded cheddar. Roll, slice, and bake. Serve with maple syrup instead of honey for a sweet-savory breakfast.
Storage and make-ahead
- Fridge
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and crisp.
- Freezer
- Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 450°F for 18-20 minutes.
- Reheat
- Reheat baked pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For frozen unbaked pinwheels, bake at 450°F for 18-20 minutes without thawing.
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
The honey and basil are best added fresh before serving, so if storing, keep them separate and add just before reheating.
The pinwheels can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Roll, slice, and arrange in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Serving ideas
Serve the pinwheels as an appetizer at parties, game-day gatherings, or as a fun dinner with a side salad.
They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is still stretchy and the crust is crisp. Arrange them on a platter with extra honey for drizzling and extra basil for garnish.
Pair with a crisp, dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a light Italian beer. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water with lemon. The sweetness of the honey and the heat of the nduja are balanced by the acidity of the wine or the effervescence of the water.
Frequently asked questions
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
What is nduja and where can it be found?
Can the pinwheels be frozen?
What can be used instead of smoked provola?
Why does the dough shrink when rolling?
Spicy Nduja Pizza Pinwheels with Honey

Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough, at room temperature
- 100 g spicy nduja, at room temperature
- 100 g smoked provola cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp blossom honey
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 450°F (230°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 by 10 inches. Spread the nduja evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge. Scatter the shredded provola over the nduja.
- Starting from the bottom edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pressing gently to seal the seam. Using a sharp knife, slice the log crosswise into 12 even pinwheels, about 1 inch thick.
- Place the pinwheels cut-side up in a lightly greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is blistered and bubbly, 12 to 15 minutes. The internal temperature of the nduja should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Drizzle the hot pinwheels with the honey and scatter the torn basil over the top. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Estimated nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 13 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 17 g
This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.






