If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack that checks every box—crisp edges, gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a perfect handheld shape—look no further than Pizza Rolls. These bite-sized rolls are essentially all the fun and flavor of classic pizza, swirled up into a warm, cheesy spiral you can dip, share, and devour in moments. Whether you’re putting together a game day spread, hunting for an easy weeknight treat, or just craving the kind of comfort food that brings everyone running to the kitchen, Pizza Rolls are your new best friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pizza Rolls comes from keeping things simple and using just a handful of essentials, each in perfect proportion. Every ingredient adds its own delicious personality—think pillowy dough, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and those zesty little pops of pepperoni. Here’s what you’ll gather before rolling up the goodness:
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The shortcut to pizza perfection, giving you that golden, fluffy base without any kneading.
- Pizza sauce: Delivers that punchy, herby tomato flavor right at the heart of every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into oozy, stretchy goodness for the ultimate cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a touch of sharp, nutty depth for a grown-up twist.
- Mini pepperoni slices (or chopped pepperoni): Each piece gives a burst of classic pizzeria taste and just the right amount of spice.
- Italian seasoning: A must for that unmistakable herby aroma and flavor you crave in pizza.
- Garlic powder: Amps up the savory notes and brings everything together beautifully.
- Olive oil (for brushing): Ensures those rolls get gloriously crisp and golden on top.
- Optional marinara sauce for dipping: Because extra sauciness is always a good idea when it comes to Pizza Rolls.
How to Make Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so clean up is a breeze and those rolls don’t stick. This gets everything ready for your Pizza Rolls to bake up perfectly crisp and golden.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Aim for a shape that’s about 10×14 inches—no need to break out a ruler, just get it close! A thinner, even layer ensures every roll will get the right balance of filling and dough.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Cheese
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Next, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses all across the surface. These cheeses will melt together into that irresistible, stretchy layer we all love in Pizza Rolls.
Step 4: Layer on the Pepperoni and Seasonings
Scatter mini pepperoni slices or your preferred chopped pepperoni evenly over all that cheese. Then, give the whole surface a quick shake of Italian seasoning and garlic powder—these two ingredients dial up the authentic pizza shop flavor in a big way.
Step 5: Roll, Slice, and Arrange
Starting from one of the long sides, gently but firmly roll up the dough into a log. Take your time so the roll stays tight and even. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 1-inch pieces—this technique helps keep the spirals nice and neat. Arrange the rolls cut side up on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of each roll lightly with olive oil for that gorgeous golden finish. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the Pizza Rolls are puffed up, golden, and bubbling at the edges. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!
Step 7: Serve Warm
Let the rolls cool for just a couple of minutes (if you can wait that long!), then serve them warm and fresh. If you love extra sauce, set out a bowl of marinara for dipping and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
A little finishing touch goes a long way. Sprinkle the warm Pizza Rolls with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color, or dust with a bit of extra Parmesan for extra cheesiness. You can even shake on some crushed red pepper if you want a little heat. These simple garnishes take your rolls from tasty to absolutely irresistible!
Side Dishes
These savory rolls are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad (think arugula or Caesar) balances the richness and rounds out the meal. They’re also fantastic with a classic minestrone soup or served on a platter with roasted veggies for a party-friendly spread. No matter how you serve them, Pizza Rolls always shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the rolls in concentric circles on a large platter and place a bowl of warm marinara or ranch dip in the center. For a fun twist, skewer each Pizza Roll with a decorative toothpick and serve as easy grab-and-go appetizers. They also make a whimsical lunchbox treat—just keep a batch handy for school or work snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Pizza Rolls cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are just as delicious cold as they are reheated—perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
Pizza Rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when you need a hot, cheesy snack on the fly.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Pizza Rolls in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 7 to 10 minutes, until warmed through and crisp on the edges. You can use the microwave in a pinch, but they’ll be softer. Either way, they’re still delicious—especially if you reheat them with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top!
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Rolls with homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you have a trusty homemade dough recipe, use it in place of refrigerated dough. Just make sure to roll it out evenly for easy assembly and perfect spirals.
What other toppings can I add inside Pizza Rolls?
Feel free to get creative! Sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, chopped bell peppers, olives, or even bits of pineapple work wonderfully. Just avoid overly wet ingredients to keep the rolls crisp.
How do I keep Pizza Rolls from unrolling while baking?
Rolling the dough tightly and placing the cut rolls close together on the baking sheet helps them keep their shape. If you’re worried, you can secure the roll ends with a small wooden skewer during baking.
Can I make Pizza Rolls ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Assemble and bake the rolls, let them cool, then refrigerate or freeze. Just reheat before serving, and they’ll taste freshly made. They’re practically made for make-ahead entertaining.
Are Pizza Rolls kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the gooey cheese and familiar pizza flavors. You can even let them help add the toppings—building their own Pizza Rolls is half the fun for little chefs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack that’s fun to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to be gobbled up by both kids and adults, you need to try these Pizza Rolls. Whip up a batch the next time you need a comfort food fix or a sure-fire party hit—I promise, you won’t want to stop at just one!
Print
Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy to make pizza rolls filled with gooey cheese, pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun family meal.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
Filling:
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Add Sauce and Fillings: Spread pizza sauce over the dough, sprinkle with cheeses, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough into a log, slice into rolls, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the rolls with olive oil and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives.
- These rolls freeze well after baking for easy snacks later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
