Name: Easy Homemade Pizza Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12-16 rolls
Ingredients: 1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough or store-bought pizza dough ball; 1 ½ cups beef pepperoni slices; 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

Pizza Rolls are more than just a snack; they’re a nostalgic gateway to childhood sleepovers, late-night study sessions, and impromptu gatherings. Who doesn’t remember the sheer joy of popping those golden, crispy pockets of cheesy goodness into your mouth? The magic of Pizza Rolls lies in their perfect balance: a satisfyingly chewy dough giving way to a molten core of savory tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. They’re incredibly versatile, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties, game nights, or simply when you need a quick and comforting bite. But what if I told you we could elevate this beloved classic beyond the freezer aisle? Today, we’re diving deep into creating homemade Pizza Rolls that will redefine your expectations. Get ready for a burst of flavor that’s both familiar and thrillingly fresh, proving that the best Pizza Rolls are the ones you make yourself, with love and a few secret ingredients.

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

Preparing the Pizza Rolls

First things first, let’s get our ingredients prepped and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step to ensure our Pizza Rolls get that perfectly crispy exterior and gooey interior. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will prevent any sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Now, let’s talk about the filling. If you’re using fresh vegetables, make sure they are finely diced. This ensures they cook through properly in the relatively short baking time of the Pizza Rolls and don’t create large, watery pockets. In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. You can also add your pepperoni slices here if they are larger and you wish to chop them into smaller pieces, or if you are using whole slices for a more classic look. Don’t worry about cooking these vegetables beforehand; they will soften and cook beautifully in the oven alongside the dough.

Assembling the Pizza Rolls

Unroll or prepare your pizza dough. If you’re using a tube of Pillsbury pizza dough, carefully unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. If you’re using a dough ball, you’ll want to roll it out into a large rectangle, aiming for a thickness of about ¼ inch. The goal is to create a uniform canvas for our delicious fillings.

Now, spread the 1 cup of pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) along one of the longer edges. This border will act as a “glue” to help seal the roll later. Don’t go too heavy on the sauce, as too much moisture can make the dough soggy and harder to roll.

Next, sprinkle the 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. This is where the magic happens! The cheese will melt and bind everything together. Then, scatter your prepared vegetable mixture (mushrooms, onions, bell peppers) over the cheese. Finally, arrange your 1 ½ cups of pepperoni slices (or plant-based pepperoni) on top of the vegetables. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible so each bite of your Pizza Roll gets a good amount of everything.

Rolling and Baking the Pizza Rolls

Starting from the longer edge that does NOT have the sauce border, carefully and tightly roll up the pizza dough, just like you would a jelly roll or a sushi roll. The sauce border you left will help seal the seam. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to ensure it stays closed during baking. If the dough feels a bit sticky, you can lightly flour your hands.

Once you have your log of dough, it’s time to slice it. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into individual Pizza Rolls, about 1 inch thick. You should aim for roughly 12-16 rolls, depending on how generous you want to make them. Place the sliced Pizza Rolls cut-side down onto your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space between each one, as they will puff up and spread slightly as they bake.

The Finishing Touches and Baking

In a small bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup of melted salted butter, 1 minced clove of garlic, and the optional 1 teaspoon of parsley. This herbed garlic butter is going to add an incredible flavor and a beautiful golden sheen to our Pizza Rolls. Brush this mixture generously over the top of each Pizza Roll. This step is key to achieving that irresistible savory aroma and taste.

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Pizza Rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary. You want them cooked through but not burnt.

Serving Your Delicious Pizza Rolls

Once they’re out of the oven, let the Pizza Rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from falling apart. While they’re still warm, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor. Serve them immediately with extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce on the side for dipping. These are fantastic as an appetizer, a fun snack, or even a quick and easy weeknight meal. Enjoy your homemade Pizza Rolls!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delightful journey into creating your own homemade Pizza Rolls! We’ve walked through each step, from preparing the dough to assembling those irresistible bites packed with your favorite pizza flavors. These are more than just a snack; they’re a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner the whole family can enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations and toppings to make these Pizza Rolls truly your own. Remember, the joy of cooking lies in personalization, so have fun with it!

For serving, I love these warm and fresh out of the oven, perhaps with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic addition to a buffet or potluck spread. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or try using different herbs like oregano or basil in your filling. So go forth, embrace your inner chef, and bake up a batch of these amazing Pizza Rolls. I’m confident you’ll be hooked!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pizza Rolls:

Can I make Pizza Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Pizza Rolls and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze them individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can then bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What are the best dipping sauces for Pizza Rolls?

Classic marinara sauce is always a winner! Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a honey mustard sauce can also be surprisingly delicious and offer a different flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your dipping options!

Can I make Pizza Rolls gluten-free?

Yes, with a good quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can achieve delicious gluten-free Pizza Rolls. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly in the dough recipe to reach the desired consistency, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.