Easy Homemade Pizza Rolls for Every Craving
If you’re craving a snack that hits all the right spots, let me introduce you to Homemade Pizza Rolls. These little pockets of deliciousness are filled with gooey cheese, savory toppings, and wrapped in a golden, crispy dough that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re whipping them up for a party, a quick after-school treat, or just because, they’re the ultimate comfort food with endless possibilities to satisfy every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Prepare: The recipe uses common ingredients and requires little downtime, making it perfect for any skill level.
- Customizable Fillings: You can mix and match different cheeses, meats, or veggies to suit your taste buds.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized snacks are ideal for gatherings, kids, and movie nights alike.
- Great Make-Ahead Snack: Prepare a batch ahead and freeze for whenever hunger strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for these Homemade Pizza Rolls are straightforward but carefully selected to deliver that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role, from the dough’s softness to the savory filling’s richness.
- Pizza Dough: Use store-bought or homemade dough as the soft, chewy base that holds everything together.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded for that signature gooey stretchiness inside each roll.
- Pepperoni Slices: Adds savory, slightly spicy flavor, but you can swap for any favorite meat.
- Marinara Sauce: Brings the classic tomato tang and moisture for every bite.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and garlic powder to boost the aroma and taste.
- Olive Oil: For brushing the dough, creating a golden, crispy crust.
Variations for Homemade Pizza Rolls
Feel free to customize your Homemade Pizza Rolls to fit your cravings or dietary needs. This is one of those recipes that welcomes experimentation and can be endlessly tweaked to keep things exciting.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to keep it meat-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños inside for a fiery twist.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Mix mozzarella with parmesan or cheddar for extra cheesy goodness.
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use a gluten-free pizza dough base to make the recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle some caramelized onions for a surprising flavor combo.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 12×15 inches to create an even base for your filling.
Step 2: Layer Your Fillings
Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the dough, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, place pepperoni slices, and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Roll it Up Tight
Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside and the roll is tight but not stretched thin.
Step 4: Slice Into Rolls
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into equal pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, creating individual pizza rolls ready for baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush the tops with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Pizza Rolls
- Don’t Overfill: Too much sauce or cheese can cause the rolls to ooze during baking.
- Use Cold Dough for Easier Handling: Chilled dough is less sticky and easier to roll.
- Brush With Olive Oil: This step adds a beautiful golden crust and prevents drying out.
- Allow Slight Cooling: Let the rolls cool for a couple of minutes before eating to avoid burning from the hot cheese.
- Use Parchment Paper: It ensures easy release and less mess when baking.
How to Serve Homemade Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A dusting of grated parmesan also adds an extra savory touch.
Side Dishes
Serve with a small bowl of extra marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, alongside a crisp green salad or crunchy veggie sticks to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the pizza rolls on a wooden serving board with multiple dipping sauces for a party platter or stack them in a bread basket lined with colorful napkins for casual sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, preserving freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Place unbaked rolls on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag; they can be baked straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to baking time.
Reheating
Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture or pop in the microwave for a quick snack, though the crust won’t retain its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-made dough is a convenient option that works perfectly for homemade pizza rolls without sacrificing taste or texture.
How long do homemade pizza rolls last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for about three days before the quality starts to decline.
Can I make these pizza rolls vegan?
Yes, substitute cheese with plant-based alternatives and replace meat with veggies or vegan sausage to suit a vegan diet.
Are homemade pizza rolls freezer-friendly?
Definitely! They freeze well both pre-baked and after baking, making them a great option for meal prep and quick snacks later on.
What dipping sauces go best with homemade pizza rolls?
Marinara, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even spicy sriracha mayo complement the rolls beautifully and add variety to your snack time.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into warm, gooey homemade pizza rolls that you crafted with just a handful of simple ingredients. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for satisfying any craving in a flash. Give this recipe a try and watch these irresistible snacks become your go-to for any occasion!
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Homemade Pizza Rolls
Homemade Pizza Rolls are delicious bite-sized snacks filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and marinara sauce, wrapped in soft, chewy pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. They are simple to prepare, customizable, perfect for sharing, and great for make-ahead convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 pizza rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 batch store-bought or homemade pizza dough (about 12x15 inches rolled out)
Filling
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, garlic powder)
- 20 slices pepperoni (or preferred meat/veggie alternative)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Finishing
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare Your Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 12×15 inches to create an even base for your filling.
- Layer Your Fillings: Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the dough, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, place pepperoni slices, and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll it Up Tight: Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside and the roll is tight but not stretched thin.
- Slice Into Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into equal pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, creating individual pizza rolls ready for baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush the tops with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent oozing during baking.
- Use cold dough for easier handling and rolling.
- Brush rolls with olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.
- Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly before eating to avoid burning from hot cheese.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy release and less mess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pizza rolls
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: pizza rolls, homemade pizza snacks, appetizer, kid-friendly snacks, party snacks, make-ahead pizza rolls