Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are a baked snack made from soft dough filled with classic pizza ingredients such as sauce, cheese, and toppings. They are rolled into spirals, sliced, and baked until golden. These rolls are great for snacks, parties, lunches, or family meals.
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 10–12 rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza Filling
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni slices or chopped cooked sausage
1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
For the Topping
2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Baking sheet or baking dish
Parchment paper
Knife or pizza cutter
Clean kitchen towel
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and allow it to sit for about 5–10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy, which shows that the yeast is active.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a small well in the center of the flour.
Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly soft.
If the dough feels sticky, add a small amount of flour while kneading. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Turn the dough once so it is coated with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza filling ingredients. Chop the pepperoni if necessary and prepare the vegetables.
In a small bowl, mix the oregano, garlic powder, and dried basil with the pizza sauce.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release excess air.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it into a large rectangle about 12 by 16 inches.
Step 7: Add the Sauce
Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving about one inch of space along the edges to prevent the sauce from spilling out while rolling.
Step 8: Add the Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Add the Parmesan cheese, pepperoni or sausage, chopped bell peppers, onions, and olives if using.
Make sure the toppings are evenly distributed across the dough.
Step 9: Roll the Dough
Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Press gently as you roll to keep the layers together.
Once fully rolled, pinch the seam to seal the dough.
Step 10: Slice the Rolls
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled dough into pieces about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.
You should get about 10 to 12 pizza rolls.
Step 11: Arrange the Rolls
Line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper.
Place the rolls cut-side up on the sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can expand during baking.
Step 12: Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely with a towel and allow them to rise again for about 20–30 minutes. This second rise helps create softer rolls.
Step 13: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 14: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter or olive oil with garlic powder.
Brush this mixture lightly over the tops of the pizza rolls.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the rolls.
Step 15: Bake the Rolls
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the rolls become golden brown and the cheese inside melts.
Step 16: Cool Slightly
Remove the pizza rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Pizza rolls are best served warm. They can be served with extra pizza sauce, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
They work well as party appetizers, lunchbox snacks, or casual dinners. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes or microwave them for 30–40 seconds.
Freezing Instructions
Pizza rolls can be frozen after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Variations
Different toppings can be used to create many variations. Cooked chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or bacon can be added for different flavors.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, corn, and olives instead of meat. For a spicier version, add chili flakes or sliced jalapeños to the filling.
