If you have a craving for something warm, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe is about to become your new go-to snack or appetizer. Packed with gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and pepperoni all wrapped inside golden, freshly baked dough, these rolls bring the magic of your favorite pizza flavors into a perfectly portable bite. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a fun kids’ lunch, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a delightful experience every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with simple ingredients that come together to create wonderful flavors and textures. These essentials not only build the classic taste of pizza but also make these rolls delightfully chewy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade to add your personal touch and freshness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty heart of your pizza rolls, ensuring every bite is cheesy heaven.
- ½ cup pizza sauce: Adds that bold tomato tang that defines the pizza experience.
- ½ cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni: Little bursts of savory, spiced flavor that make these rolls sing.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle, aromatic punch that deepens the overall taste.
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic blend that infuses a herbaceous note reminiscent of your favorite pizzeria.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush the rolls for a golden, shiny crust and a hint of richness.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top to add savory saltiness and a lovely baked finish.
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil for garnish: These elevate your presentation and add extra layers of flavor if desired.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and preparing a baking sheet with either a light grease or parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your pizza rolls bake evenly without sticking. Then, on a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle about a quarter-inch thick. This step is key to achieving the perfect thin crust that will wrap your delicious fillings just right.
Step 2: Layer the Flavor
Spread your pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small half-inch border around the edges to prevent spillover while rolling. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni pieces. Finally, dust the surface with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, which will infuse your rolls with that classic, savory pizza aroma.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough from one of the longer sides into a tight log, making sure to pinch the seam shut to keep the rolls intact while baking. Placing the log seam-side down helps keep everything sealed in. Then, slice the log into twelve uniform pieces. These bite-sized pizza rolls make sharing easy and looks super inviting arranged on your baking sheet.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the tops of your pizza rolls with olive oil to help them get that beautiful golden crust in the oven, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and a bit of that savory crispiness that makes each bite extra special.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the rolls bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re bubbly, golden brown, and irresistible. Once baked, give them a few minutes to cool so you can enjoy the perfect melty, chewy texture without burning your mouth.
How to Serve Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These pizza rolls are great on their own but a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the rich cheese and pepperoni. Fresh basil leaves can be torn and scattered on top for a fragrant, herbaceous pop that makes the dish feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve your pizza rolls with a crisp salad – think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad. A side of marinara or ranch dressing also works wonderfully as a dip, letting everyone customize their bites with an extra layer of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe on a platter lined with parchment and scattering various colorful toppings around them like olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for added visual appeal. You could also serve them on a wooden board to create a rustic pizza party vibe that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They hold their flavor and texture well for up to three days, making them perfect for quick snacks or lunches on the go.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, freeze the unbaked rolled log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, slice, and bake as usual. Alternatively, you can freeze baked rolls and reheat them straight from the freezer for a quick treat.
Reheating
To bring your pizza rolls back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes until they’re warmed through and re-crisped on the outside. This method keeps them tasting fresh and delicious without losing that signature chew.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of parmesan inside for extra depth. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt differently and may affect texture.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Use vegan pizza dough, plant-based cheese substitutes, and veggie toppings instead of pepperoni. The combination will still give you loads of flavor and a satisfying texture.
How do I prevent the dough from becoming soggy?
Leaving a small border around the edges when spreading your sauce helps prevent leaks, and rolling the dough tightly seals the ingredients inside. Also, don’t overload with sauce—thin, even layers are best.
Can I add other toppings besides pepperoni?
Definitely. Cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even caramelized onions are all excellent choices to customize your pizza rolls to your taste.
What should I serve with these pizza rolls to make a meal?
A fresh salad, some roasted veggies, or a light soup pairs wonderfully with these rolls so you get a balanced meal with plenty of flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe is not just a delicious adventure but also a fun way to bring people together around something comforting and familiar. Whether you keep it classic or venture into new topping ideas, the joy of sharing warm, cheesy rolls fresh out of the oven is unbeatable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite for every occasion.
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Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Pizza Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring soft pizza dough filled with classic pizza ingredients like mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Baked to golden perfection and topped with Parmesan cheese, they make a perfect snack or party treat that’s customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Filling
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately ¼-inch thick, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Add the sauce and toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow when baking. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly over the sauce.
- Roll and slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, pinching the seam to seal it securely. Place the roll seam-side down and cut into 12 equal slices to form individual rolls.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the sliced rolls cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly and melted.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the pizza rolls to cool for about 5 minutes to set. Optionally, garnish with crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil before serving to add a kick of heat and freshness.
Notes
- Customize your rolls by adding cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or any favorite pizza toppings inside before rolling up.
- You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a quick, delicious snack.
- Adjust the amount of garlic powder and Italian seasoning to suit your taste preference.
- These rolls freeze well before baking – freeze them on the baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
