When I was a kid, pizza night was the best night of the week. But as I got older and started cooking for myself, I realized that making a full pizza from scratch could be a little intimidating. That’s why homemade pizza rolls are such a game-changer—same great flavors, but in a bite-sized, beginner-friendly package. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, an easy party appetizer, or a quick meal, these pizza rolls are the perfect solution.
This recipe is ideal for beginners because it requires minimal effort, uses simple ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Plus, they bake in just 10 minutes, making them a quick and satisfying option for busy days.
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Why This Recipe is Special
Homemade pizza rolls bring all the flavors of a classic pizza into an easy-to-make, mess-free package. They are:
- Beginner-Friendly – No complicated dough-making process, just store-bought pizza crust for convenience.
- Customizable – You can switch up the fillings with your favorite ingredients.
- Quick and Easy – Prep time is minimal, and they bake in just 10-12 minutes.
- Great for Any Occasion – Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make these homemade pizza rolls, you will need:
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough – The base of the rolls, providing a soft yet crispy texture.
- Garlic Salt & Italian Seasoning – Adds flavor to the dough for that authentic pizza taste.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Gives that gooey, melty goodness inside.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a rich, nutty flavor to complement the mozzarella.
- Pepperoni – The classic pizza topping that brings a savory, slightly spicy kick.
- Marinara Sauce – Used for dipping, giving each bite that signature pizza flavor.
Ingredient Alternatives
- Dough Swap: If you prefer homemade dough, you can use your favorite pizza dough recipe.
- Cheese Options: Try cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
- Meat Variations: Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, ham, or even shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Twist: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a veggie-packed version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Flour a clean surface and roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangular shape. If desired, spread a very thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough—just enough to help the toppings stick.
Step 3: Sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning evenly over the dough. Then, add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, covering the surface but leaving about half an inch around the edges.
Step 4: Evenly distribute the chopped or whole pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer. If you’re using additional toppings, add them now, but avoid overloading the dough.
Step 5: Starting from the shorter side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, pinch the seam closed to keep everything intact.
Step 6: Using a serrated knife or a sharp pizza cutter, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch sections. This will create individual pizza rolls.
Step 7: Arrange the pizza rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for even cooking.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a minute before serving. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Cutting Hack: Use a serrated knife or a pizza cutter for clean, even slices. A dull knife may squash the dough instead of cutting through it.
- Prevent Overfilling: Too many toppings will make the dough hard to roll and slice. Stick to moderate amounts for the best results.
- Crispier Crust Option: Brush the top of the rolls with melted butter before baking for a golden, slightly crispier texture.
- Air Fryer Method: Reduce the temperature by 25°F and cook in an air fryer for about 8 minutes, checking frequently.
Serving Suggestions
- As an Appetizer: Serve with extra marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
- With a Side Dish: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- For Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Freezer-Friendly: Flash-freeze the unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Try It and Share Your Thoughts
Homemade pizza rolls are an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that anyone can make. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking for a quick and tasty meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out—share your experience in the comments below!
By making these pizza rolls at home, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of pizza with a fun and easy twist. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Homemade Pizza Rolls
Yes! You can prepare the rolls, slice them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked and bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Make sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam closed before slicing. Placing the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet will also help keep them intact while baking.
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great, though you may need to roll it thinner to achieve the same texture as store-bought dough. Just be sure to let it rest before rolling to prevent shrinking.
Marinara sauce is the classic choice, but you can also try ranch dressing, garlic butter, buffalo sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a twist.
More Relevant Recipes
- Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Pizza Pot Pies: A Fun and Flavorful Twist on Classic Pizza
- Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls
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Easy Homemade Pizza Rolls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 pizza rolls 1x
Description
These homemade pizza rolls are a quick and easy way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of pizza in a bite-sized, dippable snack. Made with refrigerated pizza dough, melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and classic Italian seasonings, they bake up golden and crispy in just minutes. Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or even a fun twist on pizza night!
Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated pizza crust
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced and chopped pepperoni
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll each pizza crust into a large rectangular shape. If using homemade dough, ensure it’s about ¼-inch thick.
- Season the base: Sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning evenly over the dough to enhance the flavor. Optionally, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, but use sparingly to prevent sogginess.
- Add the toppings: Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the surface. Scatter chopped pepperoni across the dough, ensuring every bite has flavor.
- Roll the dough: Starting from the shorter side, tightly roll the dough into a log, keeping it compact to prevent air pockets. Pinch the seam closed to secure the roll.
- Slice into rolls: Using a serrated knife or sharp pizza cutter, slice the log into 1-inch pieces, ensuring clean cuts without squishing the dough.
- Arrange on the baking sheet: Place each roll cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for even baking.
- Bake until golden: Transfer the sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving. Pair with warm marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- To prevent sticking, use parchment paper on the baking sheet.
- Brush melted butter or olive oil on top before baking for extra crispiness.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza roll
- Calories: 111
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 293mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg