Homemade pizza rolls|

Homemade Pizza Rolls are a delightful and versatile snack that combines the classic flavors of pizza in a bite-sized, portable form. These rolls are perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner. Stuffed with gooey cheese, tangy marinara, and your favorite pizza toppings, they deliver all the satisfaction of a traditional pizza in an easy-to-make and shareable package. Whether you’re catering to kids or adults, these pizza rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize the fillings and control the quality of the ingredients. Best of all, they’re simple enough for beginners but offer endless creative possibilities for experienced cooks. Whether you love classic pepperoni, vegetarian options, or bold flavors like barbecue chicken, these rolls can be adapted to suit any palate. They’re freezer-friendly too, making them a perfect snack or meal to enjoy anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines all the classic pizza flavors in a fun, handheld snack.
• Perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prep.
• Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and sauces.
• Easy to make and great for involving kids in the kitchen.
• Freezer-friendly and reheatable for quick snacks or meals.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 pizza rolls
• Serving Size: 3–4 rolls

Nutritional Information (per serving, 4 rolls)

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup diced pepperoni, cooked sausage, or any preferred topping
• ½ cup diced vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives)

For Brushing:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For Dipping:

• Extra marinara or ranch dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

6. Prepare Toppings: While the dough rises, dice and cook your chosen toppings if necessary (e.g., sauté mushrooms or cook sausage). Let cool.

Assemble the Pizza Rolls

7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.
8. Spread the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
9. Add the Fillings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and any additional toppings evenly over the sauce.
10. Roll the Dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
11. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch pieces (about 24 rolls).

Bake the Pizza Rolls

12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
13. Arrange the Rolls: Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
14. Brush with Butter: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture.
15. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve

16. Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza rolls to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.

Ingredient Background

• Dough: The base of the pizza roll is a simple yeast dough that’s soft, airy, and perfectly complements the cheesy filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides the gooey, melty texture essential to any pizza dish.
• Toppings: Classic options like pepperoni, sausage, and vegetables can be customized to suit your preferences.
• Garlic Butter: Adds a rich, savory finish to the rolls, enhancing the overall flavor.

Technique Tips

• Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent-sized rolls that bake evenly.
• Sealing the Rolls: Pinch the seam tightly when rolling the dough log to prevent it from unrolling during baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the dough with toppings to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy or difficult to slice.
• Use Cold Cheese: Cold cheese helps keep the filling intact while slicing and prevents it from melting out too much during baking.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Pizza Bites: Cut the rolls into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks, ideal for parties or appetizers.
• Skillet Pizza Rolls: Bake the rolls in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Pizza Ring: Arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on the baking sheet to create a festive pull-apart pizza ring.

Additional Tips for Success

• Prep Ahead: Assemble the pizza rolls and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
• Reheating Leftovers: Reheat leftover pizza rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
• Meat Lovers: Add a mix of cooked sausage, bacon, and pepperoni for a protein-packed roll.
• Buffalo Chicken: Replace marinara sauce with buffalo sauce and use shredded chicken and blue cheese as the filling.
• Pesto Rolls: Swap marinara for pesto and add mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Unbaked Rolls: Assemble the rolls, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Rolls: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Refrigeration: Store baked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Dough: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduced-Fat Cheese: Use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat Parmesan to cut calories.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or diced tomatoes for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Day Appetizer: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for a crowd-pleasing snack.
• Family Dinner: Pair with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
• Potluck Favorite: Transport baked rolls in a covered dish and reheat briefly in the host’s oven before serving.

Special Equipment

• Rolling Pin: Essential for evenly flattening the dough.
• Sharp Knife: Ensures clean slices for the pizza rolls.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly if you’re short on time.

2. Can I use frozen ravioli dough or puff pastry instead?
Absolutely! Puff pastry creates a flakier, buttery version of pizza rolls.

3. What other cheeses work well?
Cheddar, gouda, or provolone are great alternatives or additions to mozzarella.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe or pre-made gluten-free dough.

5. Can I make this vegan?
Swap dairy cheese for vegan cheese and use a plant-based dough recipe.

6. What dipping sauces pair well?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy sriracha mayo all complement pizza rolls.

7. How do I prevent soggy rolls?
Use minimal sauce and cold cheese, and avoid overfilling the rolls.

8. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Homemade Pizza Rolls are a fun, delicious twist on traditional pizza that’s perfect for any occasion. These cheesy, customizable bites are easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making them a staple for game days, family nights, or casual gatherings. With endless variations and the option to prep ahead or freeze, this recipe is as versatile as it is crowd-pleasing. Whether you stick to classic pepperoni and cheese, opt for a veggie-packed version, or experiment with bold flavors like buffalo chicken or pesto, these pizza rolls are guaranteed to please. Try it today, and watch these savory treats become a favorite in your household! Their portability and convenience make them perfect for serving as appetizers, snacks, or even light meals. Plus, they’re great for getting creative with toppings, so every batch feels fresh and exciting. Homemade pizza rolls are always a hit!

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