Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are the ultimate comfort food, a delightful bite-sized treat that brings the joy of pizza into a portable and easy-to-eat form. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a party, or simply craving a snack, these cheesy, pepperoni-filled rolls are sure to please everyone. With a golden, crispy exterior and a gooey, melty interior, pizza rolls are a perfect choice for any occasion. The best part? You can make them with store-bought or homemade pizza dough, making it a versatile recipe that fits into your lifestyle.
Why Pizza Rolls is Worth Your Time
Making pizza rolls is not just about the end product; it’s an experience that brings people together. The aroma of baking pizza rolls fills your kitchen, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy movie nights. Plus, they are incredibly customizable! You can fill them with your favorite ingredients, whether it’s pepperoni, veggies, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing inside. This recipe is straightforward, and the rewards are plentiful, making it a fun culinary adventure for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs.
Shopping List
- 14-16 ounces pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- Mixing bowl – for combining your ingredients.
- Baking sheet – to hold your pizza rolls while they bake.
- Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Pastry brush – for applying melted butter.
- Rolling pin – to roll out your pizza dough if it’s homemade.
Pizza Rolls Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, take it out of the fridge to bring it to room temperature. If you’re making your own, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Once your dough is ready, cut it into squares, approximately 3 inches by 3 inches. In a bowl, mix together the chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese. Place a spoonful of this mixture into the center of each dough square.
Step 3: Seal the Rolls
Carefully fold the corners of the dough over the filling, pinching the edges firmly to seal. You don’t want any filling to escape during baking! If desired, you can roll the sealed dough into a ball for an even neater appearance.
Step 4: Brush with Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of each pizza roll with this mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden color and a burst of flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza Rolls
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pizza rolls on it, leaving space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once baked, remove the pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy goodness with your friends and family!
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- Veggie Delight: Replace pepperoni with a mix of bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian option.
- BBQ Chicken Rolls: Use shredded cooked chicken mixed with BBQ sauce and cheese for a twist.
- Buffalo Style: Add buffalo sauce and cooked chicken for a spicy kick!
- Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Just cheese and garlic butter for a simple yet flavorful roll.
Things That Go Wrong
- Leaking Filling: Ensure that the edges of the dough are pinched tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out.
- Undercooked Dough: If you find your rolls are browning too quickly, but the dough is still raw, lower the oven temperature and bake a bit longer.
- Too Much Filling: Overfilling can lead to messy rolls. Stick to a spoonful of filling per roll for best results.
- Sticking to the Pan: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Storing Tips & Timelines
Pizza rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
If you want to freeze your pizza rolls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To cook frozen pizza rolls, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Your Top Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with provolone, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well. Just be mindful of the flavor combinations.
How do I make my own pizza dough?
Making pizza dough at home is simple! Combine flour, yeast, salt, water, and a bit of olive oil. Knead, let rise, and you’ve got delicious homemade dough!
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza rolls ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving for fresh, hot bites.
What can I serve with pizza rolls?
Pizza rolls pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli for dipping. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Let’s Eat
These pizza rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or even a cozy dinner at home, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—feel free to customize the filling to suit your preferences. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious pizza rolls!
Pizza Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using store-bought pizza dough, bring it to room temperature. Roll out homemade dough to 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 3-inch squares. Mix chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Optionally, roll sealed dough into a ball.
- Combine melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture over the tops of each roll.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolls on it. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute pepperoni with bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
- To freeze, arrange rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- These rolls can be made ahead and baked fresh just before serving.
