Pizza Wheel Hacks: 100+ Foods You Can (and Can't) Slice!

Updated at: 14/12/2024

Pizza wheels. Those ubiquitous little metal contraptions, designed for the seemingly simple task of slicing pizza. But what if we told you that their applications extend far beyond the cheesy confines of a pepperoni pie? From delicate pastries to hearty vegetables, the possibilities are surprisingly vast and varied. This isn't just about cutting pizza; it's about unlocking a world of culinary efficiency with a tool you already own. We’re diving deep into the surprisingly versatile world of the pizza wheel, exploring its hidden potential and revealing unexpected uses you've probably never considered.

Prepare to have your mind expanded (and your food sliced with precision) as we unveil over 100 different foods, detailing which are perfectly suited to the pizza wheel's sharp edge and which should definitely be avoided. Follow along as we guide you through a step-by-step exploration of these innovative slicing techniques, highlighting the benefits, potential pitfalls, and surprising results of using a pizza wheel for a wide variety of culinary creations.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a sharp pizza wheel to avoid slippage and potential injury. Dull blades require more force, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Be mindful of your fingers! Keep them well clear of the blade's path while slicing. A cutting mat or board can help protect your hands and surface.
  • Ensure the pizza wheel is clean and free of debris before use to prevent contamination of your food.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparing a Side Salad

    • Slice iceberg lettuce into strips.
    • Slice plum tomatoes.
    • Slice cucumbers.
    • Slice coriander, olives, and feta cheese for a salad.
    Slice coriander, olives, and feta cheese for a salad.Slice coriander, olives, and feta cheese for a salad.Slice coriander, olives, and feta cheese for a salad.Slice coriander, olives, and feta cheese for a salad.
    Preparing a Side Salad

  2. Slicing Desserts

    • Slice lemon meringue pie, cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, ice cream, and apple pie.
    Slice lemon meringue pie, cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, ice cream, and apple pie.
    Slicing Desserts

  3. Slicing Breads and Simple Sandwiches

    • Slice naan bread, pita bread, garlic bread, and sliced bread.
    • Butter bread (slightly challenging).
    • Slice fish finger sandwich (works well).
    • Slice wraps, bagels, crumpets, and soft cheese.
    Slice wraps, bagels, crumpets, and soft cheese.Slice wraps, bagels, crumpets, and soft cheese.Slice wraps, bagels, crumpets, and soft cheese.Slice wraps, bagels, crumpets, and soft cheese.
    Slicing Breads and Simple Sandwiches

  4. Slicing Savory Foods (Part 1)

    • Slice hard cheese, cheese on toast, and fried egg on toast.
    • Slice hard-boiled eggs, scotch eggs, small pork pies, and sausage rolls.
    • Slice steak, quiche, salami, and sausage.
    • Slice hot dog (partially successful).
    Slice hot dog (partially successful).Slice hot dog (partially successful).Slice hot dog (partially successful).Slice hot dog (partially successful).
    Slicing Savory Foods (Part 1)
    • Slice McDonald's cheeseburger, quarter pounder (partially successful), and Big Mac (partially successful).
    • Slice cooked steak (depends on toughness).
    • Slice rack of ribs.
    Slice rack of ribs.Slice rack of ribs.Slice rack of ribs.
    Slicing Savory Foods (Part 1)

  5. Slicing Savory Foods (Part 2)

    • Slice sandwich ham.
    • Slice spam.
    • Slice spaghetti bolognese.
    • Slice potato waffles.
    Slice potato waffles.Slice potato waffles.Slice potato waffles.Slice potato waffles.
    Slicing Savory Foods (Part 2)
    • Slice carrots, leek, onion, asparagus, runner beans, bell pepper.
    • Slice courgette, mushrooms, celery, spring onions, and tofu.
    • Slice pak choi and chili pepper.
    Slice pak choi and chili pepper.Slice pak choi and chili pepper.Slice pak choi and chili pepper.
    Slicing Savory Foods (Part 2)

  6. Slicing for a Stir-fry

    • Slice chives.
    Slice chives.
    Slicing for a Stir-fry

  7. Slicing Vegetables and Tofu

    • Slice avocado, ginger, and beetroot.
    Slice avocado, ginger, and beetroot.
    Slicing Vegetables and Tofu

  8. Slicing Fruits

    • Slice banana, strawberries, mango, kiwi, grapes, peach, pineapple rings, and tinned pears.
    • Slice melon.
    Slice melon.Slice melon.
    Slicing Fruits

  9. Slicing Pastries and Baked Goods (Part 1)

    • Slice puff pastry, apple strudel, croissants, chocolate eclair, cinnamon swirls, jam tart, apple frangipan, cherry bakewell, and marzipan.
    Slice puff pastry, apple strudel, croissants, chocolate eclair, cinnamon swirls, jam tart, apple frangipan, cherry bakewell, and marzipan.
    Slicing Pastries and Baked Goods (Part 1)

  10. Slicing Pastries and Baked Goods (Part 2)

    • Slice cookie dough and baked cookies.
    • Slice brownies and chocolate tray bake.
    Slice brownies and chocolate tray bake.Slice brownies and chocolate tray bake.
    Slicing Pastries and Baked Goods (Part 2)

Read more: Sharpening a Pizza Knife: Achieving Razor-Sharp Precision

Tips

  • The pizza wheel works best on softer foods and those that aren't too thick or tough.
  • Avoid using it on extremely hard or stringy foods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using a dull pizza wheel

Reason: A dull wheel requires more force, leading to uneven cuts and potential tearing of the pizza crust or toppings.
Solution: Replace your dull pizza wheel with a sharp, new one.

2. Applying too much pressure

Reason: Excessive pressure can crush the pizza, making it less appealing and harder to serve individual slices.
Solution: Use a light, even pressure while smoothly guiding the wheel.

3. Cutting too quickly

Reason: Rushing the process often results in jagged cuts and messy slices, especially with thicker crusts or loaded toppings.
Solution: Slice slowly and deliberately for cleaner, more professional-looking results.

FAQs

Can I use a pizza wheel to cut anything besides pizza?
Absolutely! A pizza wheel's sharp, thin blade makes it great for cutting soft foods like cakes, pastries, quesadillas, and even soft cheeses. However, avoid hard or brittle foods that could damage the blade.
What's the best way to clean my pizza wheel after using it?
Hand washing is recommended. Immediately after use, rinse the blade under warm, soapy water. A small brush can help remove stuck-on food particles. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as the high heat can damage the blade or handle.
My pizza wheel isn't cutting cleanly. What should I do?
A dull blade is the most common culprit. Try sharpening it with a honing steel or replacement blade. Also, ensure you're using the correct cutting technique – a smooth, even motion is key. If the problem persists, the wheel itself might be damaged and need replacing.