If you have a craving for something warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying, this Cheesy Pizza Rolls Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine bites packed with melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and a touch of Italian herbs all wrapped in soft, golden-baked dough. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just want a delicious snack, these pizza rolls hit all the right notes. They bring the flavors of your favorite pizza to a handheld, shareable form that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet totally essential to creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component helps build layers of cheesy, saucy goodness wrapped in soft, buttery dough.
- 1 pound pizza dough room temperature: This forms the soft and chewy base that holds all the fillings together perfectly.
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, divided: It adds tangy, tomatoey sweetness and keeps every bite juicy.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stretchy cheese that makes these rolls oh-so-cheesy.
- 0.5 cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni: A little spicy and smoky, pepperoni brings that classic pizza flavor punch.
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that complements the mozzarella.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses irresistible aroma and depth.
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder: This subtle garlicky kick elevates the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted: Brushed on top for a golden crust and rich flavor.
- Optional toppings like cooked sausage, olives, bell peppers: Perfect for customizing your pizza rolls to your taste.
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your pizza rolls don’t stick. Next, on a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle about 0.25 inches thick. This creates the perfect canvas to build your flavorful layers.
Step 2: Spread the Sauce and Layer the Cheese
Spread 0.75 cup of the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures every bite is saucy without being messy. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously, allowing that gooey cheese to melt into delicious pockets throughout the rolls.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni, Parmesan, and Seasonings
Scatter the mini pepperoni slices (or chopped versions) over the cheese, followed by grated Parmesan. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly on top. These seasonings turn simple ingredients into a savory marvel.
Step 4: Roll and Slice the Dough
Carefully roll the dough tightly starting from the long side to create a log, sealing in all those tasty layers. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. This helps each portion hold its shape while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the rolls cut-side up in your prepared baking dish. Brush the tops with melted butter to ensure they bake up golden and irresistibly shiny. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until they’re bubbly and beautifully browned. Remove, let them cool slightly, then serve warm with the remaining pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can add a lovely pop of color and freshness to your cheesy pizza rolls. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can offer exciting flavor contrasts that delight the palate.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with crisp green salads or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness. For more indulgent gatherings, serve alongside creamy ranch or blue cheese dips to elevate each bite even further.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Cheesy Pizza Rolls Recipe on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, clustered around small dipping bowls. You can even skewer a couple together for easy grabbing or serve them in individual mini baskets for a fun twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheated pizza rolls remain deliciously soft and cheesy, making them a convenient snack anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pizza rolls by assembling them as directed, then wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual for a freshly baked treat.
Reheating
To reheat, place pizza rolls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough less crispy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using refrigerated pizza dough is a convenient option and still delivers fantastic results with great texture and flavor.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, feel free to add or swap toppings like cooked sausage, olives, or bell peppers to suit your taste buds perfectly.
How long do these pizza rolls stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, they’re best enjoyed within 3 days to keep the cheese melty and the dough tender.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the pepperoni and add more veggies or cheeses to make a delicious vegetarian version.
What dipping sauce goes best with cheesy pizza rolls?
Traditional marinara sauce or pizza sauce is classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy ketchup can be fantastic alternatives.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little joy to your next meal or gathering, give this Cheesy Pizza Rolls Recipe a try. It’s straightforward, fun to make, and brings everyone together over warm, cheesy, flavorful bites. Once you taste these, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again because it truly hits the spot every time.
Print
Cheesy Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Pizza Rolls featuring a soft pizza dough rolled with marinara sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings. Perfect as a savory appetizer or snack, these pizza rolls bake until golden and bubbly and are served with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Pizza Rolls
- 1 pound pizza dough, room temperature
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, divided
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Cooked sausage
- Olives
- Bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 0.25 inch thick for an even base.
- Spread Sauce: Spread 0.75 cup of marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to seal the rolls after rolling.
- Add Fillings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce, then add mini pepperoni slices, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Optionally, add cooked sausage, olives, or bell peppers if desired.
- Roll Dough: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log to evenly distribute the filling and seal the edges.
- Slice Rolls: Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted unsalted butter to promote browning and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with the remaining marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use refrigerated pizza dough for convenience or homemade dough for extra flavor.
- These pizza rolls can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking to save time.
- Optional toppings such as cooked sausage, olives, and bell peppers can be added to customize the rolls.
