If you love the flavors of pizza but crave something easier to share at parties or for a quick family snack, look no further than these Homemade Pizza Rolls. This dish takes all the best parts of pizza—the gooey cheese, zesty sauce, savory toppings—and wraps them up in a soft, golden roll that’s perfect for dunking, sharing, or even packing in a lunchbox. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, you’ll fall in love with their simplicity, fun factor, and endless ways to make them your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Pizza Rolls comes from simple ingredients that come together to make something truly irresistible. Each component serves a purpose, ensuring every bite is flavorful, melty, and satisfying.
- Pizza dough (1 can, refrigerated or homemade): This is the base that holds everything together and bakes up beautifully soft and golden.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of tangy tomato flavor and moisture for the perfect bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection, essential for true pizza flavor.
- Mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni (1/2 cup): Brings savory, spiced bites in every piece; you can swap in your favorite toppings, too!
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that gives each roll an unmistakable pizza aroma and taste.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth that takes these up a notch.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for brushing): Makes the tops golden and helps any sprinkled toppings stick.
- Optional: grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil for topping: These extras let you tailor the flavor and add color, crunch, or a touch of heat.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Before diving in, set your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. A hot oven ensures your pizza rolls puff up and get golden, while lining the pan makes clean-up a breeze later on.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your countertop with flour and roll the pizza dough out into a large rectangle, roughly 10 by 14 inches. This shape will help you achieve evenly sized Homemade Pizza Rolls, and a thin layer keeps the rolls tender and not too doughy.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaks. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then scatter the pepperoni on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and garlic powder—these unlock so much classic pizza flavor in every bite!
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from a long side, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log, just like making cinnamon rolls. Using a sharp knife or (here’s a pro tip!) unflavored dental floss, slice the roll into 1-inch pieces. This method helps keep the beautiful spiral shape intact.
Step 5: Arrange and Add Extras
Place each cut roll, cut-side up, onto the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one. Brush the tops with olive oil for shine and to help toppings adhere. Sprinkle on a little Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or anything extra you love to boost flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let them cool for just a few minutes so you don’t burn your tongue, then scatter fresh basil on top and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. It’s pizza, but so much more fun!
How to Serve Homemade Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
Fresh basil brings a burst of color and freshness, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a final layer of flavor. Don’t forget a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping—kids and adults alike can’t resist dunking.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded spread, try pairing Homemade Pizza Rolls with a crisp Caesar salad, a tangy Italian chopped salad, or simple roasted vegetables. If you want to lean into the pizza party spirit, garlic knots or a platter of fresh fruit make it a festive meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Homemade Pizza Rolls into a party centerpiece by arranging them in a spiral or wreath on a platter surrounded by dipping sauces, or stack them into a tower for a fun, interactive snack bar. Kids love them as lunchbox surprises, and they make fantastic game-day bites, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy them as an easy snack or a speedy lunch.
Freezing
These are perfect for freezing—just arrange unbaked or fully cooled baked rolls on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. Label with the date so you always know when fresh pizza happiness awaits!
Reheating
To reheat, pop rolls in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until hot and crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven restores the best texture and that just-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Pizza Rolls vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or your favorite veggies. Or go wild and toss in a mix of cheeses for an extra indulgent option.
How do I keep the rolls from unrolling or leaking?
Make sure to leave a border around the dough’s edge when you spread the sauce and toppings, roll the log tightly, and place the seam side down or pressed onto the baking sheet. Chilling the log for 10 minutes before cutting can also help keep the rolls neat.
Why use dental floss for slicing?
Unflavored dental floss is surprisingly handy for cleanly cutting through soft, filled dough. It avoids squishing or tearing the rolls, giving you picture-perfect spirals every time!
Can I double the Homemade Pizza Rolls recipe?
Absolutely! Just use two cans of dough and double all the toppings. Bake in batches or on two trays. These disappear fast, so having extras is always a good idea for hungry crowds.
What other sauces work for dipping?
Marinara is classic, but you can serve Homemade Pizza Rolls with ranch, creamy garlic dip, hot honey, or even pesto. Mixing and matching sauces keeps snack time exciting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a new favorite family snack, you simply have to give Homemade Pizza Rolls a try. They offer all the fun and flavor of pizza in a delightfully portable package, and they’re just as easy to customize as they are to devour. Have fun experimenting, share them with friends, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Print
Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Pizza Rolls are a fun and delicious snack or appetizer that’s perfect for parties or game day. Stuffed with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings, these baked pizza bites are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil for topping
Dough:
Filling:
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
- Add toppings: Spread pizza sauce over the dough, sprinkle with mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Roll and cut: Roll the dough into a log, slice into rolls, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with olive oil, sprinkle optional toppings, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy warm with extra sauce.
Notes
- Customize with different fillings like sausage or veggies.
- Freeze before or after baking for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
