There’s something irresistibly comforting about biting into a warm, crispy pizza roll with melty cheese and savory fillings oozing out. These homemade pizza rolls transform the beloved flavors of pizza into fun, poppable bites that are perfect for game day snacking, after-school treats, or casual entertaining.
Unlike their frozen counterparts, these made-from-scratch pizza rolls pack in fresh ingredients and can be customized exactly to your taste preferences. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make and will disappear from your serving plate in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick 45-minute recipe that delivers restaurant-quality appetizers
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and cheeses
- Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters
- Great make-ahead option for parties or busy weeknights
- Crispy exterior with gooey, flavorful filling in every bite
Ingredients
- 1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough or store-bought pizza dough ball
- 1 ½ cups pepperoni slices or plant-based pepperoni for vegetarian recipe
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- ½ cup mushrooms, finely diced
- ½ cup onions, finely diced
- ½ cup bell peppers, finely diced
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, dried or fresh (optional)
- Pizza sauce, for dipping
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the middle. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or brush with cooking oil of choice.
- If using store-bought pizza dough ball, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about ½” thick. If using a tube of Pillsbury pizza dough, unroll and place the dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper or kitchen counter.
- Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, followed by an even distribution of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Evenly distribute any pizza toppings of your choice (such as onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers) over the cheese. Lastly, add an even layer of pepperoni.
- Use a knife or pizza cutter to make 12 evenly spaced markings along the long edge of the dough. Cut into 12 strips, then tightly roll each strip into a pizza roll and place in the prepared muffin tin.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley (if using). Brush the garlic butter over the tops of each pizza roll.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Garnish the cooked pizza rolls with shredded parmesan cheese and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian option, replace pepperoni with mushrooms, olives, or extra vegetables.
- Try using different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend for varied flavors.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- If the dough is too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Make mini versions by cutting the dough in half lengthwise before adding toppings.
- For a shortcut version, use crescent roll or puff pastry dough instead of pizza dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pizza rolls with extra warm pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. They pair perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette for a complete meal, or alongside other finger foods like garlic knots and mozzarella sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
For a family movie night, arrange the pizza rolls on a large platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces (marinara, garlic butter, pesto) to please everyone’s preferences.
Notes
- Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or use an air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- The rolls are done when golden brown on top and the dough is fully cooked through (no doughy centers).
- These can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
FAQs
Can I freeze these pizza rolls?
Yes! Freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and often yields an even better flavor and texture.
Why are my pizza rolls leaking filling?
Make sure not to overfill the rolls and seal the long edge well when rolling. A light pinch along the seam helps keep the filling inside.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, checking frequently as air fryer temperatures can vary.
[recipe_card]
