There’s something incredibly satisfying about the process of rolling your own pizza bites, isn’t there? When I first decided to make homemade pizza rolls, my kitchen quickly transformed into a comforting haven filled with the warm aroma of baking bread and melting cheese. Each roll I crafted was a blank canvas waiting to be packed with savory fillings, like zesty pepperoni and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in a golden, crispy shell.
These pizza rolls aren’t just a simple snack; they turn an ordinary meal or gathering into a delicious feast! Whether it’s game day, a cozy movie night, or a cheerful potluck, they’re a versatile crowd-pleaser just waiting to be customized to fit your taste. And the best part? They’re easy to make in your own kitchen, letting you skip the drive-thru for a slice of pizza perfection. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to impress friends and family alike!
Why are Pizza Rolls the ultimate snack?
Versatile and Customizable: These pizza rolls can be tailored to your taste, allowing you to mix and match fillings from pepperoni to veggies.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Perfect for Sharing: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for parties, family gatherings, or casual game days.
Gooey, Cheesy Goodness: Each roll has that satisfying melty cheese and savory flavor that pizza lovers crave.
Time-Saving Delight: Quick to whip up, you can have your rolls ready in about an hour—a fantastic alternative to takeout!
Ready to get started? Check out our detailed instructions on how to assemble these tasty treats and elevate your next snack time!
Pizza Rolls Ingredients
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For the Dough
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All-purpose or bread flour – Creates a sturdy base for your rolls; opt for gluten-free blends if needed, but expect texture changes.
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Kosher salt – Enhances flavor; it’s essential for dough seasoning, so be careful not to overuse it.
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Lukewarm water – Activates the yeast effectively; it should feel warm, not hot, to keep the yeast active.
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Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds flavor and flexibility to your dough; feel free to swap it with any neutral oil if necessary.
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Granulated sugar – Helps the yeast to rise properly; you can skip this if you prefer a less sweet dough.
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Dry active yeast – The key leavening agent for your pizza rolls; always check for freshness to ensure a great rise.
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For the Filling
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Marinara sauce – Adds moisture and rich flavor; consider using homemade for the freshest taste!
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Dried oregano – Imparts classic Italian flavor; fresh oregano can replace it—just use a bit more.
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Garlic powder – Boosts flavor significantly; feel free to substitute with minced fresh garlic to taste.
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Finely grated Parmesan cheese – Offers a delightful umami touch; you can substitute with pecorino or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
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Shredded part-skim mozzarella – This is the cheese that gives your rolls that delicious melt; other gooey cheeses can be used as well.
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Pepperoni slices – The quintessential pizza flavor; swap with cooked sausage, vegetables, or skip for vegetarian rolls.
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For Baking and Serving
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Extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing) – Creates a beautiful, glossy finish; butter can be an alternative for a different flavor.
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Kosher salt (to taste) – A little more seasoning for that perfect bite; just make sure not to oversalt.
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Cornmeal or semolina flour – Prevents sticking during baking; you can use regular flour if preferred.
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Sliced basil (for serving – optional) – Adds a refreshing garnish; can be swapped with arugula or omitted entirely.
Get ready to roll out some magic in your kitchen with these pizza rolls! They’re perfect for impressing your loved ones while letting you tap into your creative side.
How to Make Pizza Rolls
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Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together lukewarm water, granulated sugar, and dry active yeast. Allow it to sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes; this ensures your yeast is active and ready. -
Knead the Dough:
Add all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and extra-virgin olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8-10 minutes, then place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix marinara sauce, finely grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and dried oregano. Stir until well combined, creating a creamy, savory filling. -
Roll Out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Cut it into squares, roughly 3×3 inches to ensure perfect bite-sized pieces. -
Assemble Rolls:
Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough square. Carefully fold the edges over and pinch to seal tightly, ensuring no filling escapes while baking. -
Bake:
Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with cornmeal or flour. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. -
Serve:
Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping. Your taste buds will thank you!
Optional: Garnish with sliced basil for an herbal touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pizza Rolls Variations
Unleash your creativity in the kitchen by customizing these delightful rolls to match your personal taste and pantry staples.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace all meats with a medley of veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a fresh twist. This flavorful combination adds a hearty crunch to each bite.
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Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your filling for a fiery surprise. You’ll enjoy every mouthful with this added heat!
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Cheesy Extravaganza: Mix in a variety of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese for a flavorful explosion. Each bite will be a cheesy dream, offering gooey goodness that makes you keep coming back for more!
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Sweet Surprise: Create dessert rolls by filling with Nutella, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet treat that’s irresistible.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley mixed into your filling. These will elevate the freshness and make the flavors pop even more!
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Pesto Twist: Swap marinara for pesto and combine with mozzarella for a savory Italian kick. The unique twist is bound to become a new favorite.
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Meat Lovers Paradise: Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, ham, or even crumbled bacon for a protein-packed delight. This variation will please hearty appetites and satisfy all pizza fans.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or soy cheese along with gluten-free dough for a delicious dairy-free twist. Everyone can enjoy pizza rolls without missing out on flavor!
What to Serve with Pizza Rolls?
Elevate your delicious homemade pizza rolls with these perfectly paired sides and drinks that complement their cheesy goodness.
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Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with crisp greens and tangy dressing balances the rich flavors of pizza rolls, providing a refreshing crunch. The mix of colors and textures will brighten up your plate.
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Buffalo Wings: Spicy buffalo wings can bring some heat to your gathering, making them a great match for the cheesy sweetness of pizza rolls. Don’t forget to have a cooling side of blue cheese dressing!
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Creamy Italian Dip: A creamy Italian dip offers a delightful contrast to the rolls’ crunch. Dip your mini pizza bites into a luscious blend of cream cheese and herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
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Vegetable Platter: A vibrant vegetable platter with hummus or ranch dip is a wholesome and crunchy option that complements the rolls without overshadowing their delicious taste. It adds a healthy balance to your snack spread.
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Craft Beer: Pair your pizza rolls with a crisp craft beer, balancing the flavors with its carbonation and bitterness. A light lager or hoppy IPA can enhance the overall experience perfectly.
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Garlic Bread: For the ultimate indulgence, serve garlic bread alongside your pizza rolls. This addition brings a comforting, buttery flavor that goes hand-in-hand with any pizza-themed menu.
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Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers offer a sweet, refreshing contrast to savory pizza rolls. They add a fun, colorful element to your platter, perfect for satisfying cravings.
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Soda or Sparkling Water: Keep drinks simple with cold soda or bubbly sparkling water to cleanse your palate between bites. They will enhance the enjoyment of your cheesy, doughy treats.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with warm chocolate chip cookies. Their gooey, melty goodness serves as a delightful dessert that everyone loves.
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Homemade Marinara Sauce: Serve additional marinara for dipping your pizza rolls. It’s not just a condiment; it’s a way to bring that classic pizza experience right to your table!
How to Store and Freeze Pizza Rolls
Fridge: Store baked pizza rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months—perfect for future snack cravings!
Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen pizza rolls straight from the freezer at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If refrigerated, they can be reheated in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble pizza rolls in advance and freeze them uncooked. Once you’re ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen, adding about 5 minutes to your baking time.
Make Ahead Options
These pizza rolls are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can assemble the rolls and freeze them before baking, making it easy to have a delicious snack on hand. Simply wrap each assembled roll in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate the dough and filling separately. This way, you’ll have fresh, homemade pizza rolls that are just as delicious and golden brown, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Pizza Rolls
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Fresh Yeast Matter: Always check your yeast’s expiration date. It should foam in the lukewarm water! Fresh yeast is essential for the best pizza rolls.
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Avoid Overfilling: Don’t cram too much filling into each roll; overfilling can lead to soggy rolls. Stick to one tablespoon for the perfect balance.
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Seal Tight: Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly when assembling. This prevents any filling from leaking during baking and keeps your pizza rolls intact.
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Flour Power: Use flour generously when rolling out the dough. This keeps it from sticking to your work surface, ensuring a smooth rolling process for your pizza rolls.
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Quick Cooling: Allow rolls to cool slightly after baking; this helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to handle for dipping. Enjoy with marinara sauce!
Pizza Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right flour for pizza rolls?
Absolutely! You can use either all-purpose or bread flour for pizza rolls, with bread flour providing a slightly chewier texture. If you have gluten restrictions, gluten-free flour blends will work, though they might alter the texture. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when substituting!
How should I store leftover pizza rolls?
Very! To keep your baked pizza rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, reheat them in the oven for the best texture—about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick!
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Can I freeze pizza rolls, and if so, how?
Of course! To freeze cooked pizza rolls, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. After they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer!
What should I do if my pizza rolls are soggy?
No worries! If your pizza rolls turn out soggy, it’s often due to overfilling or excess moisture in the filling. To fix this, ensure you’re using the right amount of filling—around a tablespoon per roll is ideal. Also, drain extra moisture from ingredients like marinara sauce or cooked vegetables before mixing them in.
Can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily customize your pizza rolls to be vegetarian by substituting the pepperoni with veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. You might also consider adding more cheeses or even a pesto base for additional flavors—let your imagination run wild!
Is it safe for pets to eat pizza rolls?
While pizza rolls may seem harmless, it’s best to keep them away from pets. Ingredients like garlic and onion can be toxic to dogs and cats. Enjoy these delicious treats yourself and save some plain veggies as snacks for your furry friends!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pizza Rolls: Customize Your Snack Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together lukewarm water, granulated sugar, and dry active yeast. Allow it to sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and extra-virgin olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8-10 minutes, then place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled.
- In a separate bowl, mix marinara sauce, finely grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and dried oregano. Stir until well combined, creating a creamy, savory filling.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Cut it into squares, roughly 3x3 inches.
- Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough square. Carefully fold the edges over and pinch to seal tightly.
- Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with cornmeal or flour. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping.