Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe
If you’re searching for a recipe that combines all your favorite pizza flavors with the fun of a shareable, snackable roll, look no further than Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls. These irresistible bundles feature gooey melted cheese, bold Italian sausage, tangy sauce, and just the right amount of herbs, all rolled up in fluffy pizza dough and baked until golden. Whether you serve them on game day, at family gatherings, or as a new weeknight staple, they’re sure to disappear in a flash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It only takes a handful of simple, essential ingredients to create these crowd-pleasing rolls. Each element brings something special—flavor, moisture, or that iconic stretch of cheese—so don’t skip the details!
- Pizza dough: The foundation of the rolls! Use homemade for extra love or store-bought for speed—just let it come to room temperature first.
- Italian sausage: Cooked and crumbled, this brings juicy, savory flavor with a little spice. Use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates those lovely, stretchy bits everyone loves in pizza-inspired snacks.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch and helps develop a flavorful, golden crust.
- Pizza sauce: Tangy and herby, just a light spread brings everything together. Save extra for enthusiastic dippers!
- Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that infuses the rolls with warmth and aroma.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile and mimics classic pizzeria flavor in every bite.
- Olive oil: A quick brush on top helps the rolls bake up crisp and shiny.
- Flour: Just a sprinkle for rolling out the dough—a little insurance to avoid sticking.
How to Make Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures every Italian Sausage Pizza Roll gets that perfect golden crust. Lightly flour a clean work surface so your dough won’t stick once you start rolling—it’s a small step, but it makes everything go smoothly.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, aiming for about 12×8 inches. Don’t stress if it isn’t perfectly shaped—just try to keep it even, which makes rolling and slicing much easier. Letting the dough rest at room temperature for a few minutes can help if it resists stretching.
Step 3: Top with Sauce and Fillings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaks. Next, sprinkle your cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, then the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, finishing with oregano and garlic powder. The order matters—each layer ensures every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, keeping the filling tucked neatly inside. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to slice the log into 8–10 even pieces. Don’t worry if a little filling escapes—those crispy bits are so tasty!
Step 5: Bake
Arrange your rolls cut-side up on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a golden, crisp finish. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are bubbling and deeply golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls to cool slightly before serving—this helps the cheese set, so you get a beautiful cross-section with each roll. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping and watch them vanish!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle extra Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, or even a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes over your Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls. These little touches bring color, aroma, and an extra pop of flavor to each roll.
Side Dishes
Pair the rolls with a fresh Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of minestrone soup for a heartier meal. They also play beautifully with a platter of marinated olives or a crisp Italian slaw if you’re hosting a party or casual brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls in a spiral on a wooden board, serve them in a breadbasket with dipping sauces, or spear each with a toothpick for appetizer-style bites. You can also stack them pyramid-style on a serving platter for a fun, shareable centerpiece that highlights just how irresistible Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls are!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any extra rolls in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a fabulous quick snack or lunchbox surprise.
Freezing
Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls freeze beautifully! Pop them onto a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight or reheat straight from frozen in the oven.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, which restores crispness and keeps the cheese melty. A quick zap in the microwave also works, but the crust may be softer. Either way, serve with extra sauce for dipping.
FAQs
Can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage, sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or any of your favorite meatless pizza toppings. The Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls are just as delicious when customized for your diet.
What’s the best way to keep the rolls from unraveling while baking?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam gently to seal. Placing them cut-side up on the baking sheet also helps keep everything together as they puff up and bake.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Of course! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and makes these Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls a breeze to whip up on busy days. Just let the dough rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes so it’s easy to roll out.
Can I add extra vegetables or spices?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, onions, or even a handful of spinach with the filling. Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or Italian seasoning for more depth and heat.
What if I want to double the recipe?
No problem at all! Double all ingredients and divide the dough into two rectangles so your rolls bake evenly. Two trays are better than one—especially since Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls disappear so quickly!
Final Thoughts
Once you try Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls, you’ll find yourself dreaming up reasons to bake them again! They bring together all the best elements of comfort food in a clever, irresistible package. Round up your favorite people, grab some extra dipping sauce, and enjoy making these little rolls a regular highlight on your table.
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Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls are a delicious twist on traditional pizza, with a savory filling rolled up in pizza dough for a fun and easy-to-eat snack or appetizer. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering!
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Filling:
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional:
- Flour for rolling out the dough
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
- Add toppings: Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, then add the cooked sausage, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Roll and slice: Roll the dough into a log, slice into pieces, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with olive oil and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings with your favorite pizza toppings.
- For a vegetarian option, swap the sausage for veggies like bell peppers and onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
