Master Sourdough Pinwheels: A Technique-Focused Tutorial

Inspired by the viral sensation from Crispy Pizza in Brooklyn, sourdough pinwheels are a fun and flavorful way to use your sourdough starter. While the original recipe sparked a lot of interest, recreating it with sourdough can feel a little daunting. This tutorial focuses on the technique, allowing you to adapt it to your favorite sourdough recipe and fillings. Forget a rigid recipe; we're building skills!

Understanding the Sourdough Pinwheel Technique

The beauty of sourdough pinwheels lies in their versatility. You don't need a specific sourdough recipe to pull them off. As Grant demonstrates in the video below, you can use almost any sourdough dough, adapting the method to your existing skills and preferences. The key is understanding how to roll, fill, and seal the dough to create those beautiful spirals.

Key Dough Considerations

While you can use nearly any sourdough dough, a slightly stronger dough (meaning one with a bit more gluten development) will be easier to roll and less likely to tear. The dough should be pliable and extensible, meaning it stretches easily without snapping back. Grant used his beginner sourdough recipe (linked in the description!), which is a great starting point.

The Buffalo Chicken Filling: A Method, Not a Recipe

The filling itself is equally adaptable. While Grant used a delicious buffalo chicken recipe, you can substitute with anything you love – pizza fillings, breakfast sausage and cheese, even dessert fillings! The important thing is to ensure your filling isn’t too wet, as excess moisture can make the dough soggy. The video provides a great breakdown of his buffalo chicken preparation: pan-frying the chicken, seasoning it generously, and coating it in a flavorful buffalo sauce.

Rolling & Sealing for Spiral Perfection

Rolling the dough into a large rectangle is the first critical step. Pay attention to the tip about placing the drier side of the dough facing inward – this helps prevent sticking. When layering the cheese, buffalo chicken, and rolling the dough, aim for a tight spiral. The exposed edge of dough is crucial for a secure seal. After rolling, gently press the seam to ensure it's fully sealed, preventing any filling from escaping during baking. Brushing the dough with melted butter (or an egg wash) before sprinkling with sesame seeds helps them adhere beautifully.

Baking for Crispy Goodness

Baking at a high temperature (500°F in this case) is essential for achieving that crispy exterior and gooey interior. While Crispy Pizza bakes their pinwheels in a pizza oven, a standard home oven will work wonderfully. Spacing the pinwheels on the baking sheet allows for even baking and maximum crispiness. The caramelization of the cheese and sesame seeds creates a truly irresistible aroma and flavor.

Also read our guide to troubleshooting sourdough dough for more tips.

Original video: Sourdough Pinwheels by Grant