Description of this recipe: Indulge in the comforting flavors of childhood with these homemade pizza rolls! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into bite-sized pockets of pizza goodness, perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or a fun family meal. Forget the frozen aisle – these homemade versions are bursting with fresh flavor and are incredibly easy to customize.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Nostalgic Appeal: Recreate the beloved taste of pizza rolls from your childhood, but with a homemade twist that elevates the flavor profile.
- Easy and Quick: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Customizable: Adapt the fillings to suit your preferences. Experiment with different cheeses, meats, vegetables, and sauces to create your signature pizza roll combination.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with children, these pizza rolls are a fun and interactive way to involve kids in the kitchen.
- Versatile: Serve them as a snack, appetizer, party food, or even as a side dish alongside a salad or soup.
Introduction
Pizza rolls. The very name conjures up images of after-school snacks, birthday parties, and cozy evenings spent in front of the television. For many, they represent a simple, yet satisfying comfort food. While frozen pizza rolls have their place, there’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked, homemade versions. This recipe offers a fun and accessible way to recreate that nostalgic experience, but with the added benefits of fresh ingredients and customizable flavors.
These homemade pizza rolls are more than just a snack; they are a canvas for creativity. Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni and cheese, or prefer to experiment with more adventurous fillings, this recipe provides a solid foundation for culinary exploration. The use of store-bought pizza dough streamlines the process, making it a perfect project for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Imagine the aroma of warm, cheesy pizza filling your kitchen as these little rolls bake to golden perfection. Picture the satisfying crunch as you bite into the crispy exterior, followed by the molten blend of cheese, sauce, and your favorite toppings. These homemade pizza rolls are a celebration of simple pleasures and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we make ourselves.
Ingredients:
- 2 tubes (13.8 oz each) refrigerated pizza crust dough (such as Pillsbury)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices, or other desired pizza toppings (cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus more for serving
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the pizza rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. While the oven preheats, prepare your work surface by lightly flouring it. This will prevent the dough from sticking as you roll it out.
Step 2: Remove the pizza dough from the tubes and unroll them onto the prepared surface. Gently stretch each dough round into a slightly larger rectangle, about 12×16 inches. This will ensure that you have enough surface area for the fillings and that the rolls are not too thick.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over the surface of each dough rectangle. This step adds a layer of flavor to the dough and helps the toppings adhere.
Step 4: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over each dough rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Next, distribute the pepperoni slices (or your chosen toppings) evenly over the cheese. Finally, spoon the pizza sauce or marinara sauce over the toppings, using the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer. Be careful not to overfill the dough, as this can make it difficult to roll and cause the filling to leak out during baking.
Step 5: Starting with a short end, tightly roll each dough rectangle into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it shut. If the dough is sticky, you can brush it with a little water before sealing. Use a serrated knife or pizza cutter to slice each log into 1-inch thick rounds. You should get approximately 12-16 rolls per log, depending on the size of your dough rectangles.
Step 6: Arrange the pizza rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll. Brush the tops of the rolls with a little extra olive oil or melted butter for a golden-brown finish.
Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.
Step 8: Remove the pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving plate. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or appetizer with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or pesto for dipping.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a fun and portable midday treat.
- Serve them alongside a salad or soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Arrange them on a platter for a party or game day gathering.
- Get creative and serve them with different dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a creamy cheese sauce.
Tips:
- Don’t overfill the dough: Too much filling will make it difficult to roll and can cause the rolls to burst open during baking.
- Seal the seam tightly: This will prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Use a serrated knife or pizza cutter: These tools will make it easier to slice the rolls cleanly.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on the rolls and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Let them cool slightly before serving: The filling will be very hot straight out of the oven.
- For extra crispy pizza rolls Place the rolls seam side down for half of the bake time, then flip them over.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
10-12 minutes
Total Time:
30-32 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximately 2-3 pizza rolls)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 250-350 calories Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams Sodium: Approximately 400-600mg
Conclusion
These homemade pizza rolls are a delicious and easy way to satisfy your cravings for classic comfort food. They’re perfect for a quick snack, a fun party appetizer, or a satisfying meal. With their customizable fillings and simple preparation, these pizza rolls are sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, cheesy goodness!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese in these pizza rolls?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations. Provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well. Just be sure to shred the cheese finely so that it melts evenly.
Q2: What other toppings can I add besides pepperoni?
A: The possibilities are endless! Consider adding cooked sausage, ground beef, ham, bacon, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple for a sweet and savory twist. Just be sure to chop any larger toppings into small pieces so that they fit easily inside the rolls.
Q3: Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! You can assemble the pizza rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the rolls are cold. You can also freeze assembled pizza rolls. Place the uncooked pizza rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and place in the freezer until solid. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q4: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
A: Of course! If you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, feel free to use it in place of the store-bought dough. Just be sure to roll it out to the same thickness as the store-bought dough so that the rolls bake evenly. Let the dough rise before working with it if you prefer a fluffier pizza roll.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza rolls?
A: The best way to reheat leftover pizza rolls is in the oven or toaster oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become a bit soggy. Place the rolls on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. An air fryer works well, too!
