Transform your pizza experience into a delightful, bite-sized adventure! These homemade Pizza Rolls are the ultimate treat, perfect for bustling after-school afternoons, lively game day gatherings, or simply when you crave a fun, novel way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages!
If you share our undeniable passion for pizza, you’re in for a treat! Beyond these irresistible pizza rolls, we invite you to explore more of our cherished pizza recipes. Why not try our smoky and succulent BBQ Chicken Pizza for a flavor-packed meal, or indulge in the creamy, garlicky goodness of our White Pizza? Each offers a unique spin on this classic comfort food.
Ah, carbohydrates – my lifelong culinary companions. I’ll wholeheartedly admit that severing ties with carbs is a challenge I’m simply not built for. I once embarked on a low-carb journey, and to put it mildly, it was far from pretty. The experiment was short-lived, marked by a perpetually grumpy and irritable demeanor that made me less than ideal company. It quickly became clear: carbs, in all their glorious forms, are a permanent and essential fixture in my life.
This commitment to carbs becomes even more profound when they manifest as pizza. Here on the blog, I’ve likely extolled the virtues of pizza so frequently that you might be weary of hearing about our profound affection for it. Yet, the thought recently struck me: why not create a pizza-inspired appetizer to enjoy *before* our main pizza course? (Is there such a thing as too much pizza? Never, I say!)
While the concept of pizza rolls is by no means revolutionary, it may surprise you to learn that I had never attempted to make them from scratch until developing this very recipe. Now, I find myself lamenting all those lost years, a vast expanse of time devoid of these perfectly carby, delightfully cheesy, and explosively flavorful bites. Each roll is a miniature celebration, a testament to the irresistible combination of golden-brown crust, savory sauce, zesty pepperoni, and gooey melted cheese. They are, quite simply, pure joy.
Why Homemade Pizza Rolls Are a Must-Try
It truly doesn’t get much simpler, or more satisfying, than these homemade Pizza Rolls. This recipe is an absolute game-changer for pizza night, largely because it begins with my trusted homemade pizza dough. If you’ve ever made my dough, you know it yields a generous batch, making these rolls an excellent way to utilize any leftover dough if you’re not planning to bake a dozen full-sized pizzas! The process is straightforward: simply spread a vibrant layer of pizza sauce over the rolled-out dough, layer on your favorite pepperoni, and sprinkle generously with cheese. Then, gently roll it up, slice it into perfect pinwheels, and bake them to golden perfection, crowned with even more melted cheese. The result? Pure, unadulterated, ooey-gooey, carb-filled bliss.
These delightful rolls aren’t just an incredible appetizer to kick off pizza night; they are also perfectly suited for a myriad of other occasions. Imagine the joy of hungry kids coming home to a warm batch as an after-school snack, or the roar of approval when you serve them up on game day. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for sharing, and their comforting flavors make them universally loved. I can almost guarantee that these savory little pockets of happiness will vanish from the platter in record time, making you an instant hero in your household. They offer all the beloved flavors of pizza in a fun, portable, and utterly irresistible format that’s hard to beat.
The Joy of Rolling Your Own Pizza
Creating these pizza rolls from scratch isn’t just about the delicious outcome; it’s a wonderfully interactive and rewarding culinary experience. From kneading the dough to layering the ingredients and watching them bake to bubbly perfection, each step is simple enough for even novice bakers. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is absolutely intoxicating, promising the cheesy, savory goodness that awaits. Plus, customizing the fillings allows for endless variations, ensuring that everyone’s preferences are met. It’s a fantastic way to engage the whole family in the cooking process, making meal prep a fun activity rather than a chore. The satisfaction of pulling a pan of these golden, cheesy spirals from the oven is unmatched.
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions for Your Pizza Rolls
Crafting the perfect batch of homemade pizza rolls starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to suit your taste and pantry:
- Pizza Dough: For an unparalleled flavor and texture, I highly recommend using my homemade dough recipe. It truly elevates the rolls, giving them that authentic bakery-fresh quality. However, if time is of the essence, a high-quality store-bought pizza dough or even pre-made puff pastry can serve as a fantastic shortcut, allowing you to whip up these treats in no time. Look for fresh dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store for the best results.
- Pizza Sauce: The sauce is the heart of your pizza roll recipe. Feel free to use your favorite jarred pizza sauce for convenience, or elevate the flavors with a homemade pizza sauce. A robust marinara sauce also works beautifully, offering a slightly different, often richer, tomato flavor. You can even experiment with a white garlic sauce for a unique twist.
- Pepperoni: We adore classic pepperoni for its spicy kick and savory notes. For best results, use thinly sliced pepperoni that crisps up beautifully in the oven. But don’t let tradition limit you! Get creative and customize your rolls with various toppings. Consider finely diced ham, cooked sausage, mini meatballs, or even a vegetarian assortment of mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a personalized touch. Ensure any vegetable fillings are finely chopped and perhaps lightly sautéed to remove excess moisture.
- Cheese: A blend of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses forms the ultimate gooey, savory filling. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of provolone, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, or even a creamy dollop of ricotta to the mix. The more cheese, the merrier!
- Basil: While entirely optional, fresh basil, finely chopped and sprinkled over the hot rolls, introduces a bright, aromatic freshness that beautifully complements the rich pizza flavors. If fresh basil isn’t available, a pinch of dried Italian seasoning or oregano can also add a delightful herbaceous note. This small addition can make a big difference in the overall flavor profile.
Tips for Ingredient Success
To ensure your pizza rolls are truly exceptional, consider these additional tips: always ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling, as it will be much easier to work with. For a richer flavor, you can brush the top of your rolled-out dough with a thin layer of olive oil before adding the sauce. And when it comes to cheese, don’t be shy! A generous hand will result in the ultimate cheesy pull. These small details contribute significantly to the overall deliciousness of your easy pizza rolls.
Discover More Pizza-Inspired Culinary Creations
If these homemade pizza rolls ignite your love for all things pizza, then you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other pizza-inspired recipes that promise to tantalize your taste buds and bring delightful twists to your table. Explore our collection for innovative ways to enjoy those classic flavors:
- Pizza Cups: Perfect for parties, these individual cups are a delightful mini-pizza experience.
- Pizza Topped Grilled Chicken Sandwich: A hearty and flavorful sandwich that combines the best of both worlds.
- Pizza Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese game with melty pizza goodness.
- Pizza Dogs: A fun, kid-friendly meal that wraps hot dogs in pizza deliciousness.
- Pizza Pasta (Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese): The ultimate comfort food fusion, combining pasta and pizza flavors.
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Homemade Pizza Rolls
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Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 3 oz sliced pepperoni
- 1 3/4 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- basil for serving
Instructions
- Prepare your baking dish: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set aside.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll your pizza dough into an approximate 8×12-inch rectangle. Ensure an even thickness for consistent baking. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Generously top with the sliced pepperoni, followed by 1 3/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Distribute the toppings evenly.1 lb pizza dough, 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce, 3 oz sliced pepperoni, 1 3/4 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Form the rolls: Starting from one of the long sides, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. If the edges are uneven, gently trim them to create a neat log. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough log into 9 equal slices, about 1-inch thick each. Place these slices, cut side down, into your prepared baking dish, arranging them in 3 rows of 3 rolls. Cover the dish loosely with foil and let it rest in a warm spot for 20 minutes to allow the dough to rise slightly, which contributes to a softer, fluffier texture.
- Bake to perfection: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Once risen, place the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial covered baking helps the rolls cook through without browning too quickly. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and return the pan to the oven for an additional 20 minutes. The rolls should emerge golden brown, with the cheese inside beautifully melted and bubbly. For the final touch, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella and the 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over the top of the rolls. Return to the oven for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and just starting to bubble.1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Serve and enjoy: Let the freshly baked rolls cool slightly in the pan for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the cheese set and makes them easier to handle. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil for an added layer of aroma and flavor. These are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with an extra side of marinara sauce for dipping!basil