If you’ve ever dreamed of pizza night in a bite-sized, handheld form, Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Packed with savory Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, herby marinara, and the irresistible aroma of pizza dough baking to golden perfection, these rolls are the ultimate union of comfort food and party snack. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together, need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just want a fun dinner project, Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls deliver a punch of flavor and that “just one more” factor you’ll crave all week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls is just how simple and accessible the ingredients are—each one matters, bringing its own element of flavor, texture, or ooey-gooey satisfaction. This is a dish that proves you don’t need a long shopping list to create something truly special.
- Pizza dough: The backbone! Whether you snag it from the store or make it from scratch, it’s your soft, chewy foundation.
- Italian sausage: All that classic savory, herby spice gives the rolls their signature flavor; remove the casings for crumbling ease.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy, and oh-so comforting—don’t skimp on this!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a punch of saltiness and sharpness for true pizzeria vibes.
- Pizza or marinara sauce: This brings the moisture and tangy richness—plus, save some extra for dipping!
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for that unmistakable pizza shop aroma in every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat in their rolls.
- Olive oil: A little drizzle adds flavor and helps the tops brown beautifully.
- Egg: Whisked up for a golden, shiny finish thanks to the egg wash.
- Flour (for rolling dough): This keeps your dough from sticking and makes rolling a breeze.
How to Make Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Let’s kick things off by browning the sausage to unlock all those incredible savory flavors. Simply heat a skillet over medium, crumble in the Italian sausage (without the casings), and cook until it’s deeply browned and cooked through. Break it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks for maximum sausage-in-every-bite appeal. Once finished, drain away any extra grease and set the sausage aside to cool for a few minutes—it just needs to be cool enough to not melt the cheese the moment it goes on the dough.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Sprinkle your work surface generously with flour and plop down your dough. Use your rolling pin (or even a wine bottle in a pinch!) to roll it out into a big rectangle, roughly 12 x 15 inches. The goal: thin enough so you can easily roll it up, but not so thin that it tears once you add the toppings. Especially with Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls, an even surface leads to perfectly spiraled, hearty bites.
Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff
Spread your favorite pizza sauce or marinara all over the dough, but leave about a one-inch border along the edges to help with sealing later. Next, scatter the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if you love a bit of spice. Finally, distribute the cooled sausage crumbles from edge to edge—you want generous sausage morsels in every roll.
Step 4: Roll & Slice
Now for the fun part! Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up as tightly as you can into a snug log, just like making a cinnamon roll. Pinch the seam closed along the edge. Use a sharp knife (a serrated one works great!) to cut the log into 12 even pieces. You’ll start to see all those beautiful pinwheels of sausage, cheese, and sauce—pure magic.
Step 5: Prep to Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange your spiraled rolls cut side up, leaving a bit of space between each one so they can puff and crisp as they bake. Whisk an egg with a splash of water and brush the tops for a glossy, bakery-style finish. Drizzle each roll with a touch of olive oil for golden, crackly perfection.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Slide the tray into a preheated 400°F oven and let those Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls bake for 18 to 22 minutes. As the cheese bubbles and the dough turns golden, your kitchen will smell like an Italian pizzeria. Serve warm with plenty of extra marinara for dipping—the perfect touch for dunking and savoring every swirl.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle your Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls with a little extra grated Parmesan, fresh chopped basil, or even a dash of red pepper flake if you love layered flavors. These simple touches add color, aroma, and that homemade “wow” factor friends will rave about.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza rolls with a simple green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette, some crisp roasted vegetables, or a classic antipasto platter for a well-rounded meal. If you’re serving a crowd, set out a trio of sauces—think ranch, garlic butter, and extra marinara—for dipping variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to level up your party spread? Pile the Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls high on a rustic wooden board, nestle them in parchment-lined baskets for a game day snack, or skewer them for an appetizer kabob twist. No matter how you serve them, these rolls guarantee you’ll be the host everyone asks for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls left (a big “if”), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—they’ll stay soft and flavorful for easy snacking or quick lunches.
Freezing
For make-ahead magic, freeze your baked, cooled pizza rolls in a single layer on a tray, then store them packed in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. This makes it simple to pull out just a few rolls at a time to heat up whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To recapture the fresh-baked taste and texture, pop refrigerated or frozen Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls into a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes (slightly longer from frozen), or until heated through and re-melted. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven delivers the best cheesy, crispy results.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is fast, convenient, and works perfectly for Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls. If you have time, homemade dough adds a special touch, but either version yields delicious results.
What kind of Italian sausage should I use?
Either mild or spicy Italian sausage is great—the choice is all about your heat preference. Pork is most classic, but turkey or chicken sausage can lighten things up if you like.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or your favorite plant-based sausage for a delicious vegetarian twist on Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls.
How do I keep the rolls from unrolling while baking?
Pinching the seam of the dough tightly after rolling is key, and placing the rolls cut side up helps hold their shape. If any start to open, gently press the edges together before baking.
Can I make Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and slice the rolls, then refrigerate on the baking sheet (covered) for up to a day before baking. Bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Few things beat the joy of sharing a warm tray of Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls with friends or family. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and impossible to resist. Dive in, roll up your sleeves, and give these a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to snack or party dish!
Print
Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls are a savory and satisfying snack or appetizer, perfect for gatherings or game day. Filled with flavorful Italian sausage, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice, these rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), flour for rolling dough
Italian Sausage Filling:
1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
Cheese Mixture:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping), 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Egg Wash:
1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook Sausage: Cook Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and let cool.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface. Spread sauce, cheeses, seasonings, and cooked sausage over the dough.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough into a log, slice into pieces, and place on the baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the rolls with egg wash, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize these rolls by adding ingredients like pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives.
- Perfect for game day, snacks, or lunchboxes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
