Description: Forget the freezer aisle! These homemade pizza rolls are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family night in. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have warm, cheesy, pepperoni-filled delights ready to devour in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tubes (13.8 oz each) refrigerated pizza crust dough (such as Pillsbury)
- Garlic salt, to taste (approximately ½ – ¾ teaspoon)
- Italian seasoning, to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim works well)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced and chopped pepperoni (or mini pepperoni)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (store-bought or homemade)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). This ensures the pizza rolls cook evenly and get that perfectly golden-brown crust. While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a large baking sheet. You can use cooking spray, a drizzle of olive oil spread with a paper towel, or even line the sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Having everything prepared in advance streamlines the process and makes for a smoother cooking experience.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust a clean, flat surface with flour. This prevents the pizza crust dough from sticking and makes it easier to roll out. Remove one tube of refrigerated pizza crust from its packaging and unroll it onto the floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough out to create a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. Repeat this process with the second tube of pizza crust dough. The thinner you roll the dough, the more rolls you will be able to make, and the crispier they will be!
Step 3: Season the Dough
Now comes the fun part – adding flavor! Evenly sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning over both sheets of rolled-out pizza crust. The garlic salt adds a savory punch, while the Italian seasoning provides a classic blend of herbs that complements the cheese and pepperoni perfectly. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking – if you prefer a bolder flavor, add a bit more.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both pizza crust rectangles, leaving a ½-inch border along the edges. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. The mozzarella provides that gooey, melty cheese pull, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Finally, evenly distribute the chopped pepperoni over the cheese, again leaving that ½-inch border. The pepperoni will release its delicious oils as it cooks, adding a wonderful savory element to the rolls. If you are adding vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers, be sure to pre-saute them before adding to the dough. You can even add a light layer of pizza sauce!
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting with one of the short ends of the pizza crust rectangle, tightly roll the dough up into a log. It’s important to roll tightly to ensure the rolls hold their shape during baking. Repeat this process with the second pizza crust rectangle. Once both logs are rolled, use a serrated knife or a pizza cutter to slice each roll into 1-inch sections. Gently transfer the pizza rolls to the prepared baking sheet, placing them with the cut side facing up. Be sure to cut the pizza rolls firmly to prevent them from unrolling.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet with the pizza rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. You’ll know they’re done when the crust is nicely browned and the cheese is oozing out.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizza rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the warm, cheesy rolls and the tangy marinara sauce is simply irresistible!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make, using just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, spontaneous gatherings, or when you’re simply craving a cheesy, savory snack. Secondly, these homemade pizza rolls are infinitely customizable. You can easily adapt the fillings to suit your preferences, using different cheeses, meats, vegetables, and seasonings. This makes it a great way to use up leftovers and create a unique snack every time. Finally, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike love the warm, cheesy, pepperoni-filled goodness of these pizza rolls, making them perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family night in. They are also much healthier than store-bought pizza rolls, as you have complete control over the ingredients.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or pesto for dipping.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes.
- Arrange the pizza rolls on a platter for a party or gathering.
- These are great for kids lunches!
- A side of vegetables such as broccoli or carrots.
Tips:
- For extra crispy rolls, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.
- If you want to make the rolls ahead of time, assemble them and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the rolls from browning evenly.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Use a pizza cutter for cleaner, more uniform slices.
- If you are looking for a specific shape, you can cut the rolls into squares instead of circles.
- To avoid the dough from sticking to your hands or work surface, be sure to add more flour.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 10-12g
- Sodium: 500-600mg
Conclusion:
Homemade Pizza Rolls are a simple, delicious, and customizable snack or meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. So ditch the freezer aisle and get ready to enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of homemade pizza rolls! There is a lot that can be done with the recipe, such as different dipping sauces, fillings, shapes, and seasonings. The only limit is your imagination!
Questions and Answers about Homemade Pizza Rolls:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese for the pizza rolls?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations. Provolone, cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results.
Q2: Can I freeze the pizza rolls for later?
A: Yes, you can freeze these pizza rolls for later enjoyment. Assemble the rolls as directed, but do not bake them. Place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen rolls on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425°F (218°C) for a few extra minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
Q3: Can I use a homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated crust?
A: Yes, using homemade pizza dough will definitely elevate the quality of your pizza rolls. Prepare your favorite pizza dough recipe and roll it out to the desired thickness. Follow the remaining steps in the recipe, adjusting the baking time as needed. Homemade dough will generally give you a chewier and more flavorful result.
Q4: What can I do to make the pizza rolls healthier?
A: There are several ways to make these pizza rolls healthier. Use whole-wheat pizza dough, reduce the amount of cheese, and load up on vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can also use lean turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni to cut down on the fat content.
Q5: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, air frying is a great option for cooking these pizza rolls! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Air frying will give you a crispy exterior with a soft and cheesy interior.
