If you love the cozy comfort of pizza but want a fun, handheld twist, this Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe is just what you need. These little pockets of melty cheese, zesty sauce, and savory pepperoni wrapped in soft, golden dough are irresistible crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re making a snack for movie night, a party appetizer, or a treat to enjoy anytime, these pizza rolls bring all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a perfectly bite-sized form. The best part? They’re super simple to make, using everyday ingredients that come together quickly so you can enjoy fresh-baked goodness without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a key role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. From stretchy mozzarella that melts just right to Italian seasoning that adds that classic herbaceous kick, these ingredients make the pizza rolls pop with familiar, delicious taste.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade): The soft, pliable base that holds all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- Pizza sauce: Adds vibrant tomato flavor with a bit of tang that complements the cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts and stretches beautifully for that gooey, cheesy center.
- Mini or chopped pepperoni: Brings that classic, slightly spicy porky savoriness everyone loves.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the rolls a fragrant, authentic pizza taste.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, warm depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for brushing to create a golden, crispy finish on the outside.
- Optional toppings (grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil): These make the presentation pop and add extra layers of taste.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly flour your surface, then unroll or roll out the pizza dough into a neat rectangle roughly 10 by 14 inches. This creates the perfect canvas to layer all the flavorful fillings.
Step 2: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges so nothing oozes out when baking. Next, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella, scatter the mini or chopped pepperoni, and dust with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. These ingredients will combine in the oven to create that signature pizza flavor inside each roll.
Step 3: Roll It Up Tightly
Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough as tightly as you can into a log shape. This step is crucial—keeping it snug ensures the rolls hold their shape and that every bite is packed with fillings. Use a sharp knife or culinary floss to slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls. This is where the pizza transforms into convenient, bite-sized delights.
Step 4: Arrange and Brush
Place each pizza roll cut side up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them just a bit apart so they have room to puff up. Brush the tops with olive oil to encourage a golden, crisp crust. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a touch of extra flavor and flair before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza rolls for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn beautifully golden brown and the cheese starts bubbling at the edges. After removing them from the oven, let the rolls cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle and allows the flavors to settle before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can turn your pizza rolls from delicious to extraordinary. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds vibrant color and a lovely herbal aroma that balances the richness of cheese and pepperoni. A dash of grated Parmesan gives a salty, nutty lift, and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat if you like a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
Pairing your pizza rolls with sides enhances the eating experience. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while a bowl of extra pizza sauce on the side makes for the perfect dipping companion. For something heartier, serve with roasted veggies or a simple soup to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, try arranging pizza rolls on a festive platter with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara in small bowls around them. You can also stack them in a breadbasket lined with a colorful napkin for casual serving. These little touches make your Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe even more inviting and fun to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they disappear fast!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispness, store them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking together.
Freezing
You can freeze your pizza rolls either before baking or after they’re cooked. For unbaked rolls, place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Baked rolls freeze well layered with parchment too, making it easy to reheat just what you need later.
Reheating
To reheat and bring back that fresh-baked texture, pop the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or use an air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaves if you want to keep the crust crisp. Reheating is quick and keeps your Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe tasting as delightful as the first time.
FAQs
Can I make these pizza rolls with homemade dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully for this recipe and lets you customize flavor and thickness. Just roll it out into the rectangle shape as instructed and proceed with the fillings.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
If pepperoni isn’t your thing, try cooked sausage, diced ham, or even sautéed veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. The rolls are very versatile, and you can mix and match fillings to suit your preferences.
Are these pizza rolls kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the hands-on shape and fun cheese pull. You can adjust the spices to make them milder if needed, and even let the kids help roll them up for an engaging cooking activity.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls in advance and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking, or freeze them ahead of time and bake directly from frozen, adding a few more minutes to the bake time.
What dipping sauces go best with these pizza rolls?
Classic marinara or pizza sauce is always a hit, but ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo can add exciting flavors to your dipping experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about sharing a batch of these Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe at the table. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to lively parties. Give this recipe a try and watch how these cozy, cheesy delights bring smiles with every bite.
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Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Pizza Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring soft pizza dough filled with classic pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, all rolled up and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as party snacks or a fun family treat, these rolls offer a comforting blend of Italian-inspired flavors with a convenient handheld twist.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
Filling
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping & Finishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches. This will serve as the base for your pizza rolls.
- Add Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges so the sauce doesn’t spill out during rolling.
- Layer Fillings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by mini or chopped pepperoni. Then, season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for added flavor.
- Roll Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls to create individual pizza bites.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the pizza rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for expansion while baking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil for a golden crust and optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the rolls cool slightly after baking, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize the filling by adding cooked sausage, vegetables, or using different types of cheese to suit your taste.
- These pizza rolls freeze well both before and after baking. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot for a quick snack.
