Pizza Rolls Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than these irresistible Pizza Rolls—a delicious, cheesy, and comforting treat that’s perfect for everything from after-school snacks to game-day parties. Imagine golden, pillowy dough coiled around gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and bits of savory pepperoni, all crowned with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Each bite delivers the familiar flavors of your favorite slice, but in a fun, handheld roll that’s endlessly customizable and always a hit. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring a warm batch all to yourself, Pizza Rolls deliver big flavor in the smallest, most munchable package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about bringing together simple ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one plays an essential role, adding flavor, texture, or cheesy goodness that makes these Pizza Rolls irresistibly tasty.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The soft, fluffy backbone that gives each roll its satisfying bite; you can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra freshness.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): Delivers that signature tangy tomato flavor—choose a good-quality jar or make your own!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The star melter, providing that perfect, stretchy, gooey layer in every bite.
- Mini pepperoni slices or diced pepperoni (1/2 cup): Adds the beloved, savory punch you expect from classic pizzeria flavors.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings a blend of herby, aromatic notes that turn simple dough and cheese into something truly special.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty kiss that crisps up beautifully as they bake.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushed on for an inviting golden finish and just a hint of richness.
- Optional garnishes: Red pepper flakes or fresh basil for a pop of color and an extra lift of flavor.
How to Make Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s good and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly flour your counter or a large board, then roll out the pizza dough into a big, even rectangle about 12 by 8 inches. The thinner you roll it, the more luscious layers you’ll get in each roll!
Step 2: Sauce It Up
Spread the pizza sauce generously over the entire surface of the dough, making sure to leave a 1/2-inch border clear all the way around the edges. This helps keep all that tasty filling neatly tucked inside your Pizza Rolls once they bake. Don’t worry about being too precise—just smooth it out for even pizza flavor in every spiral.
Step 3: Pile On Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the saucy dough, letting it reach nearly to the edges. Scatter the mini pepperoni slices (or diced pepperoni) on top, then shower everything with Italian seasoning for that unmistakable pizzeria aroma. Feel free to add extra pepperoni, or toss in some chopped veggies if you’re feeling adventurous!
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Arrange
Starting from the long edge, gently but tightly roll the dough into a log—think cinnamon rolls, but savory! Pinch the seam at the end to seal in all those goodies, then flip the log seam-side down to keep it closed. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, evenly spaced so they can puff and brown.
Step 5: Brush and Sprinkle
Brush the tops of each roll lightly with olive oil for a golden, glossy finish. Next comes the magic: sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the tops. This step adds a delightfully crispy, flavorful touch that will have you sneaking “just one more” even before they hit the table!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the Pizza Rolls in your preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until they’re lightly golden and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. As the rolls bake, your kitchen will smell so inviting, it’ll be nearly impossible to wait for them to cool.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Let the rolls cool for several minutes so the cheese sets just enough, making them easy to pick up and eat. For a finishing touch, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or fresh basil if desired. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping—because more sauce is always a good idea!
How to Serve Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a dusting of red pepper flakes takes these Pizza Rolls to the next level, adding a little pop of color and extra flavor. For something extra, you could finish with a drizzle of garlic butter or a few shavings of Parmesan, making them feel extra special with zero extra effort.
Side Dishes
These Pizza Rolls are delicious all on their own but truly shine alongside a few simple sides. A crisp green salad, creamy ranch for dipping, or even roasted vegetables offer a fresh contrast to their cheesy glory. At a party, serve them with an assortment of dipping sauces like pesto or garlic aioli for a make-your-own adventure.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Pizza Rolls in a circular “pizza” pattern on a platter and tuck little bowls of different sauces in the center. Stack them in a bread basket for a cozy appetizer, or skewer them on cocktail picks for an eye-catching finger food. However you plate them, these rolls will draw everyone in for a second—okay, maybe a third—helping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Pizza Rolls completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for lunchboxes or quick snacks. The texture remains soft, and the flavors are just as satisfying even after a day or two!
Freezing
Pizza Rolls actually freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking and makes it easy to grab one or a few as needed. Label with the date, and you’ll have homemade snacks ready to enjoy for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop Pizza Rolls into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quick fix, a minute in the microwave works too, although the crust will be softer. For the best texture, avoid reheating in their original baking container, and always warm on a baking sheet or plate.
FAQs
Can I use different fillings in my Pizza Rolls?
Absolutely! One of the joys of Pizza Rolls is their versatility. Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach. You can also experiment with different cheeses—just keep the quantities about the same so your rolls bake evenly.
Do I need to let the dough rise before making rolls?
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, you can usually use it right out of the package, though letting it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes makes it easier to roll out. Homemade dough should have its first rise, but after that, you’re ready to fill and roll.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the pepperoni or swap in your favorite vegetarian pizza toppings. Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or olives all work wonderfully. The base recipe for Pizza Rolls is totally vegetarian as long as the fillings stay meat-free.
Why are my pizza rolls leaking cheese?
A little cheese escape is totally normal, but to reduce the mess, make sure to leave that border when adding sauce, roll tightly, and pinch the seam well to seal. Also, slicing with a sharp knife helps keep the rolls neat, so fillings don’t tumble out before baking.
What’s the best way to keep Pizza Rolls warm for a party?
If you want to serve these at a gathering, just keep them wrapped in foil on a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) until you’re ready to serve. This keeps them soft and melty, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as when they came out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
These Pizza Rolls are just the kind of treat that brings everyone to the kitchen, eager for a taste. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or saving extras for a midnight snack, they’re a guaranteed hit every time. Try them once and you’ll see why they’re a personal favorite—I can’t wait for you to enjoy this cheesy, saucy, utterly snackable creation!
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Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Pizza Rolls are a delicious snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion. Made with pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, these rolls are flavorful and easy to make. Customize them with your favorite fillings for a tasty twist!
Ingredients
Pizza Rolls:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or diced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning over the dough.
- Roll the Dough: Roll the dough into a log and slice into pieces.
- Bake: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes or basil and serve with extra sauce.
Notes
- You can customize these by adding other fillings like sausage, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a pizza stone.
- These can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
