Broccoli Pinwheels

Growing up, I lived by this pizza place that made the best broccoli pinwheels.  I used to walk there when I was in high school since it was just down the block, and I ALWAYS ordered a broccoli pinwheel with a side of marinara. It was so cheesy and garlicy, it makes my mouth water just thinking it!  That was the inspiration for this recipe.  Ordinarily I like to make my own dough, and you can certainly do that for this recipe, but when you come home from work, sometimes there just isn’t time. Pizza dough from a can works just fine!  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients:

1 can Pillsbury pizza crust dough (or whatever pizza dough you prefer)
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce for dipping

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Heat a pot with water and bring to a bowl. Add the broccoli and some salt. Boil until the broccoli is tender (but not too soft), about 6-10 minutes (depending how large the florets are).  Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool slightly. Then chop up the broccoli.  Transfer to a bowl and add 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Lightly flour a large cutting board.  Roll the dough out with a floured rolling pin to form a rectangular shape. Spread the cheeses over the dough, then spread the broccoli mixture evenly over the cheese, leaving about a half an inch along the perimeter empty.

Step 3: From the long side, Begin rolling the dough into a long, tight cylinder. Brush the cylinder with the remaining tablespoon of oil.  Cut the cylinder into rounds, cutting about every 1 ½ – 2 inches, or to your desired size.

Step 4: Place the pinwheels onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown.

Enjoy!!