Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe

Homemade Pizza Rolls are the ultimate answer to every craving for something cheesy, gooey, and packed with zippy flavor. Bite-sized and endlessly customizable, these little rolls are a guaranteed hit with kids, adults, and even picky eaters. Picture stretchy mozzarella, classic pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce, all wrapped up in golden, homemade (or store-bought!) pizza dough. Whether you’re feeding a game day crowd or just want a fun family dinner, these rolls are a total joy to make and share.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines thanks to a handful of easy, everyday ingredients. Each one plays its own delicious part, from the pillowy dough to the bold seasonings and gooey cheese. Here’s what you need and why you don’t want to skip a thing:

• Refrigerated pizza dough: The foundation of perfect Homemade Pizza Rolls; use ready-made or homemade for a personal touch.
• Pizza sauce: Adds authentic tang and a layer of moisture that soaks right into the dough.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Meltiness and that signature pizza pull—there’s just no substitute.
• Mini pepperoni or diced pepperoni: Gives each bite its pop of salty, savory goodness; swap for your favorite toppings if you wish.
• Italian seasoning: Brings the herbs and aromatic lifted notes you expect from any great pizza snack.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle kick and extra layer of pizza shop authenticity.
• Olive oil: Brushed on top for color, sheen, and just a touch of richness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty crunch and a golden finish.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the rolls with herby color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and either lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper to ensure your Homemade Pizza Rolls won’t stick. This quick prep step will make the baking and cleanup a breeze later on.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your countertop lightly with flour to keep things from sticking. Unroll your pizza dough (or press your homemade dough) into a large rectangle. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness and keep those edges as even as possible—this will help with uniform rolling and slicing later.

Step 3: Spread on the Sauce

Using the back of a spoon, spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This keeps everything tidy when you roll and stops the sauce from oozing out.

Step 4: Layer the Fillings

Sprinkle a generous, even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by your pepperoni (or favorite topping), Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Each ingredient helps to build that classic pizzeria flavor and mélty goodness.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log. If it’s feeling sticky, use a bench scraper or spatula to help it along. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1-inch slices—these will become your perfect Homemade Pizza Rolls.

Step 6: Arrange and Top

Place the cut rolls, cut-side up, onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you’d like a golden, crispy top.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the rolls are puffed, golden, and the cheese is wonderfully bubbly. Don’t wander too far—the smell will let you know the Homemade Pizza Rolls are just about ready!

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Let the rolls cool for a few minutes—though it’ll be tough to resist diving in! Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor before serving.

How to Serve Homemade Pizza Rolls

Garnishes

Give your Homemade Pizza Rolls a little extra flair by showering them with a bit more grated Parmesan or a scattering of finely chopped parsley. If you’re feeling spicy, try a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning right out of the oven. The right garnish brightens both flavor and presentation!

Side Dishes

Pair your pizza rolls with sides that complement their ooey-gooey personality. Think crisp caesar salad, garlicky green beans, or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. And of course, extra marinara sauce on the side is always a crowd-pleaser for dunking each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family nights, arrange your rolls in a circle on a platter with a bowl of sauce at the center—perfect for grab-and-dip fun. Make mini skewers or sandwich picks if you’re serving these at a gathering, or pack a few into lunchboxes as the main event. Get creative and let the Homemade Pizza Rolls be the star of your appetizer spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra Homemade Pizza Rolls stay delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container to keep them soft and tasty. They’re just as tempting the next day for a snack or easy lunch!

Freezing

To freeze, let the rolls cool, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just pull a few out whenever you need a quick, cheesy treat.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Homemade Pizza Rolls in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until hot and melty. A few minutes in the microwave will work in a pinch, but baking brings back that irresistible crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade dough often adds an extra layer of flavor and chewiness. Just follow your favorite dough recipe and roll it out as you would with store-bought for pizza rolls that truly taste from scratch.

What other fillings can I use in Homemade Pizza Rolls?

Feel free to get creative! Try cooked sausage and peppers, sliced mushrooms and olives, spinach and feta, or even ham and pineapple. The basic method stays the same, so mix and match based on your cravings.

Can these be made vegetarian?

Of course! Just skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes. They’ll still be cheesy and delicious with every bite.

How do I keep Homemade Pizza Rolls from unrolling while baking?

When rolling, keep the log tight, and once sliced, be gentle when moving each roll to the baking sheet. Placing them close together (but not touching) can also help them keep their shape as they bake.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time to bake later?

Yes! Assemble and slice the rolls, then cover and refrigerate overnight on the baking sheet. When you’re ready to bake, just bring to room temperature for about 10 minutes, brush with olive oil, and bake as directed. Perfect for planning ahead!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Homemade Pizza Rolls, let this be your tasty invitation! They’re easy, incredibly satisfying, and always a crowd favorite. Dive in, mix up the fillings, and enjoy some warm cheesy goodness with your favorite people—happy rolling!

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