Homemade Pizza Rolls

The irresistible aroma of melted cheese and savory tomato sauce wafting through your kitchen is just the beginning when you make Homemade Pizza Rolls from scratch. These crispy, bite-sized pockets of pizza goodness deliver all the flavors you love about pizza in a fun, poppable format that’s perfect for snacking, parties, or a creative dinner option. Unlike store-bought versions, these Homemade Pizza Rolls pack authentic flavors and quality ingredients that you control. You’ll learn how to create perfectly golden, cheese-filled rolls that will disappear from your table faster than you can say “pizza night.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Homemade Pizza Rolls will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the textural contrast is simply magnificent—crispy, golden-brown exteriors give way to gooey, molten cheese and savory fillings, creating that perfect bite experience every single time.

The versatility is unmatched; you can customize each batch with your preferred pizza toppings, making them perfect for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike. The recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that transform into something extraordinary when combined.

What’s more, these pizza rolls are surprisingly straightforward to prepare, requiring no advanced cooking skills. They’re perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen while creating memories. The best part? These homemade treats contain no artificial preservatives or mystery ingredients found in store-bought alternatives, just honest, delicious pizza flavors in convenient, bite-sized packages.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup (180ml) pizza sauce (homemade or quality store-bought)
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup (40g) grated parmesan cheese
• 4 oz (115g) pepperoni, finely diced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)

The pizza sauce provides the quintessential tomato base, while the combination of mozzarella and parmesan delivers that authentic pizza cheese pull. Use high-quality pepperoni for the best flavor concentration in these miniature pizza bites. The Italian seasoning and garlic powder are crucial for achieving that classic pizza parlor taste in your Homemade Pizza Rolls.

Pro Tips

Master the Dough Consistency: The secret to perfect Homemade Pizza Rolls starts with the dough. It should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add water by the teaspoon. Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes after kneading – this relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll thin without springing back.

Prevent Filling Leakage: Don’t overfill your pizza rolls! A scant tablespoon of filling per roll is plenty. Always leave a half-inch border around the edges when adding filling, and be sure to pinch the seams firmly to seal. For an extra secure seal, use a fork to crimp the edges, just as you would with a pie crust.

Achieve the Perfect Golden Finish: For that irresistible golden-brown exterior, brush the rolls with melted butter before baking. For an extra touch, mix a pinch of garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the butter. Position your oven rack in the upper third of the oven, which helps create that perfect crispy top while ensuring the bottom doesn’t over-brown before the filling is hot and bubbly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the warm water and olive oil. Mix until everything comes together, then transfer to a floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 2: Create the Filling Mixture
While the dough rises, combine the mozzarella, parmesan, diced pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly, but keep the pizza sauce separate for now – adding it directly to the cheese mixture would make it too wet and potentially soggy.

Step 3: Roll and Fill
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Divide the risen dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a thin rectangle, approximately 9×12 inches. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each rectangle, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle the cheese and pepperoni mixture evenly over the sauce.

Step 4: Form the Rolls
Working with one rectangle at a time, carefully roll the dough from the long edge (like a jelly roll), keeping it tight as you go. When completely rolled, pinch the seam to seal and place seam-side down. Using a sharp knife, cut into 1-inch pieces. Transfer the pieces to a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing them cut-side up, about 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush each Homemade Pizza Roll with melted butter. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving – the filling will be extremely hot straight from the oven! Serve with additional warm pizza sauce for dipping if desired.

Variations

Mini Veggie Pizza Rolls: Create a vegetarian delight by replacing the pepperoni with a flavorful mix of finely diced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and onions. Sauté the vegetables briefly before adding them to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavors. These colorful homemade pizza roll variations pack a nutritional punch while maintaining all the cheesy goodness of the original.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls: For a spicy twist, substitute the pepperoni with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles to the cheese mixture and serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. These buffalo-inspired homemade pizza rolls bring the popular flavor of buffalo wings to your appetizer table.

Dessert Pizza Rolls: Transform this savory treat into a sweet indulgence by filling the dough with a mixture of chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and a thin spread of Nutella instead of pizza sauce. After baking, dust these sweet pizza rolls with powdered sugar and serve with a strawberry dipping sauce for an unexpected dessert version that kids especially love.

Storage and Serving

Homemade Pizza Rolls stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the completely cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag where they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated rolls in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or from frozen for 10-12 minutes, until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes them soggy rather than crisp.

Serve these delicious bites with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete game day spread, arrange your Homemade Pizza Rolls on a platter alongside garlic knots and a fresh Caesar salad. They also make an excellent after-school snack paired with vegetable sticks and ranch dip. For an elegant appetizer presentation, place them on a wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces like pesto, alfredo, or spicy arrabbiata to complement the classic pizza flavors.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After kneading, place it in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling out your Homemade Pizza Rolls.

Why are my pizza rolls leaking filling?
Overfilling is usually the culprit. Keep the filling to about 1 tablespoon per roll and be sure to leave a clean border. Pinch the seams firmly and consider using a fork to crimp the edges for a more secure seal on your Homemade Pizza Rolls.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Pre-made pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. One pound of store-bought dough will yield approximately the same amount as our homemade version.

How do I prevent my pizza rolls from becoming soggy?
Avoid using too much sauce and consider patting wet ingredients (like pineapple or vegetables) dry before adding. Properly preheating your oven ensures the dough starts cooking immediately, creating a barrier that keeps the filling from making the Homemade Pizza Rolls soggy.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry your Homemade Pizza Rolls at 375°F for 7-8 minutes, checking halfway through. This method creates extra-crispy exterior while maintaining the gooey interior, though you may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

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