Homemade pizza rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that brings all the classic flavors of pizza into a fun, bite-sized form. Made with soft pizza dough, these rolls are packed with gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and seasoned to perfection with garlic salt and Italian spices. Baked to golden-brown perfection, they offer a crispy outer layer while remaining soft and cheesy inside. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, these pizza rolls are ideal for parties, appetizers, or a cozy movie night snack. They’re versatile, customizable, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
It was a chilly Friday evening, and Sarah had just returned home from a long week at work. She wanted something comforting but quick, something that would make her feel like a kid again, indulging in her favorite snack after school. As she stared into the fridge, her eyes landed on two tubes of refrigerated pizza dough. That’s when the idea hit her—homemade pizza rolls!
Growing up, Sarah’s family would always order pizza on Fridays, but tonight, she decided to put her own twist on the tradition. She rolled out the dough, sprinkled on garlic salt and Italian seasoning, and generously spread Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. She remembered how her mom used to toss in some chopped pepperoni to give each bite a little kick.
As the pizza rolls baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the irresistible smell of bubbling cheese and toasty dough. It brought back memories of those simple yet magical family nights, where pizza meant more than just a meal—it meant laughter, togetherness, and comfort.
When she pulled the golden-brown rolls out of the oven, Sarah couldn’t wait to dip them into warm marinara sauce and take that first bite. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, they were exactly the nostalgic treat she needed. That night, she sat down with a plate of homemade pizza rolls and a movie, feeling the same warmth and joy she had as a child—only this time, she had created the magic herself.
And so, a new Friday night tradition was born, one that blended the best of old memories with new flavors, all wrapped up in the perfect bite-sized pizza roll.
How To Make Homemade Pizza Rolls
Ingredients:
- Refrigerated pizza dough tubes
- Garlic salt
- Italian seasoning
- Shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Pepperoni
- Marinara sauce
Instructions:
To begin making pizza rolls, start by preparing the dough. While you can make your own pizza dough from scratch, we often use the convenience of refrigerated pizza dough.
You can usually find the dough in the refrigerated section, near items like biscuits and crescent rolls. It’s packaged in long tubes, and you can choose between brand-name or store-brand options.
When you’re ready to get started, lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out into a large rectangle. At this point, you’ll need to decide whether to add a small amount of pizza sauce. If you do, use just a tiny bit—enough to help the cheese and pepperoni stick to the dough, but this step is optional.
Next, sprinkle garlic salt and dried Italian seasoning over the dough. Follow with an even layer of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then top with pepperoni. Dicing the pepperoni can make slicing the rolls easier, but you can use whole slices if you’re short on time.
Now, carefully roll the dough from one of the shorter ends, creating a tight log. Be sure to pinch the seam to seal it closed.
Cutting Tips:
- Use a serrated knife: This helps you cut cleanly through the dough without squashing the filling.
- Chill the dough slightly: For easier slicing, refrigerate the rolled log for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
- Pizza cutter method: If using a pizza cutter, make sure it’s sharp for smooth slices without tearing the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I cook these in my air fryer?
Yes! To air fry pizza rolls, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook them for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they’re evenly cooked and golden brown.
Can I use other ingredients?
Absolutely! These pizza rolls are versatile. Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a blend of cheeses. You can also experiment with different seasonings or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
I don’t need 24 pizza rolls, can I decrease the amount of servings?
Yes, you can easily cut the recipe in half. Just use one tube of refrigerated pizza dough and halve the other ingredients. You’ll end up with around 12 pizza rolls, which is perfect for smaller gatherings or a light snack!
Homemade Pizza Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 tubes of refrigerated pizza crust
- Garlic salt to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni sliced and chopped
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Prepare your workspace by dusting a large surface with flour.
- Roll out the pizza dough: Unroll both tubes of refrigerated pizza crust onto the floured surface.
- Season the dough: Sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning evenly over each rolled-out crust.
- Add the toppings: Distribute the shredded Mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and chopped pepperoni over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
- Roll it up: Starting from one of the short ends of the dough, roll it tightly into a log shape.
- Slice the rolls: Using a serrated knife or a sharp pizza cutter, slice each rolled log into 1-inch sections.
- Bake the pizza rolls: Place the slices on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pizza rolls are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Once baked, serve immediately with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customizable toppings: Try adding different ingredients such as cooked sausage, veggies, or olives to create your favorite flavor combinations.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta for added taste.
- Perfect dipping sauces: Aside from marinara, you can also serve these with ranch, garlic butter, or Alfredo sauce for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just extend the baking time by a few minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
These homemade pizza rolls are a fun, easy, and customizable snack that can be whipped up in no time. With their crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a quick family meal. Whether you dip them in marinara or experiment with your favorite toppings, they deliver all the deliciousness of pizza in a convenient bite-sized form. Perfect for game days, parties, or weeknight cravings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again!
