Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza in bite-sized form, these Homemade Pizza Rolls will make you cheer. Stuffed with gooey mozzarella, zesty sauce, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of herbs, they’re everything you adore about pizza, spiraled into a snack that’s perfect for sharing or snacking solo. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for an irresistible appetizer, or want a fun weekend baking project, this recipe delivers on flavor, nostalgia, and pure pizza joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Homemade Pizza Rolls so irresistible is the short and simple ingredient list — yet each component is key to delivering those classic pizza flavors and textures. You’ll find these ingredients easy to source and even easier to fall in love with, as each one brings its own touch of magic to the final dish.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The soft, chewy base that holds it all together — use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra flavor.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Brings tangy, robust flavor and keeps every bite moist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The star of the show; delivers gooey, melty goodness in every swirl.
- Mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni (1/2 cup): Adds a pop of savory, spiced richness — also easily swapped for other favorite toppings.
- Dried oregano (1/4 teaspoon): Provides essential herby aroma, transporting your palate straight to pizza night.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a mellow, savory depth to each roll.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Delivers a salty, umami-packed crust.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the rolls brown beautifully and adds Mediterranean richness.
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes: For those who love a little extra kick on top!
How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything set up before you start assembling ensures that your pizza rolls bake evenly and perfectly golden.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches. Aim for an even thickness so that every roll bakes up soft and fluffy, with just the right touch of crustiness at the edges.
Step 3: Spread the Pizza Sauce
With a spoon, spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges. This border is key — it stops the sauce from oozing out as you roll, ensuring a tidy, saucy spiral in every bite.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni, oregano, and garlic powder. This layering assures every bite is packed with flavor, and you can mix things up here by adding your own favorite toppings.
Step 5: Roll Up and Slice
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, just like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal so the filling stays inside. With a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch rolls. You should end up with about a dozen nicely sized pizza spirals.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the cut rolls, spiral side facing up, onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil for a gorgeous golden finish, then sprinkle over the Parmesan cheese. This simple step adds irresistible flavor and helps create a pretty, crisp top layer.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up, deep golden, and the cheese is bubbling. Let them cool just enough to handle—the anticipation makes the first bite even better!
How to Serve Homemade Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
For extra pizzazz, sprinkle fresh parsley, a touch more grated Parmesan, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over your Homemade Pizza Rolls right before serving. It makes the rolls look even more inviting and adds a hint of freshness or heat, depending on your garnish of choice.
Side Dishes
Pair these pizza rolls with a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or even a bowl of warm soup. They also go hand-in-hand with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping. This way, you get a complete meal or a more luxurious appetizer spread that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the pizza rolls in a bread basket lined with a checkered napkin for a cozy, pizza-parlor vibe. Or, arrange them in a spiral on a wooden board, with dipping sauces in the center, for a playful game night platter. They also shine as part of a larger “pizza bar” with other easy-to-grab Italian-inspired snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Homemade Pizza Rolls cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they actually taste delicious cold for next-day snacking!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked (and cooled) pizza rolls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. This keeps them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab just a few at a time. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to their warm, cheesy best, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until hot and melty inside. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven keeps the outside nicely crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes Homemade Pizza Rolls incredibly quick and easy to prepare, but if you have the time and inclination, homemade dough can take the flavor up a notch.
What other fillings can I add?
Get creative with your fillings—try adding sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, black olives, or even cooked sausage for your own signature spin on these pizza rolls.
How do I keep the filling from spilling out?
Leaving a clean border around the edges and rolling the dough tightly really helps keep the sauce and cheese inside. Pinching the seam well before slicing is key to less mess and more beautiful spirals.
Can I make Homemade Pizza Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them (unbaked) for several hours or even overnight. Bake just before serving so they’re piping hot and fresh.
Are Homemade Pizza Rolls vegetarian?
They can be! Simply skip the pepperoni or swap in your favorite vegetarian toppings. Mozzarella, sauce, and herbs do most of the heavy lifting, so these rolls are delicious with or without meat.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of these Homemade Pizza Rolls is like a mini celebration — warm, gooey, and full of familiar pizza flavors, but in the most snackable, shareable form. If you try them once, I’m convinced they’ll become a new favorite in your house. Gather your favorite people and give these pizza rolls a whirl — fun times and happy taste buds are virtually guaranteed!
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Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Pizza Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, these pizza rolls are a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Pizza Rolls:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
- Add toppings: Spread pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, oregano, and garlic powder over the dough.
- Roll the dough: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch rolls.
- Bake: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite toppings like sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- Serve with warm marinara or ranch for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
