If you’ve ever wished for a perfect snack that combines the irresistible flavors of your favorite pizza but in a convenient, bite-sized form, then you’re about to fall in love with these Pizza rolls. They’re soft, cheesy, and packed with savory toppings wrapped in a golden crust that’s nothing short of pure comfort. Whether it’s for a party, a quick lunch, or a fun dinner, these Pizza rolls are sure to bring smiles all around and make your kitchen smell amazing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the secret behind turning ordinary pantry staples into these delightful Pizza rolls. Each component plays a crucial role—flour and yeast work their magic to create a soft dough, while cheese and toppings bring that authentic pizza flavor to every bite.

2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy and tender base of your dough, perfect for rolling and shaping.
1 tsp salt: Adds depth and balances the flavors in the dough.
1 tsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps the dough rise for a light texture.
1 packet (7g) active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes your dough fluffy and soft.
3/4 cup warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the dough.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
1 cup pizza sauce: Brings that classic tangy and herby tomato flavor.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy center.
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni (optional): For a savory, meaty punch if you like a little extra protein.
Optional sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms): Boost flavor and add texture without overwhelming the roll.
1 egg (for egg wash) or 2 tbsp melted butter (optional for brushing): Gives the rolls a shiny, appetizing finish.

How to Make Pizza rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by waking up the yeast in a warm hug of water mixed with a bit of sugar—watch for that delightful foam that means it’s alive and ready. Then, combine it with the flour, salt, and olive oil, kneading until you have a smooth, elastic dough. After kneading, give it a cozy place to rise for an hour until it doubles in size—their fluffiness depends on this rest!

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough is beautifully risen and airy, give it a gentle punch to release any big bubbles, then roll it out thinly but sturdily on a floured surface. A perfect 1/8-inch thickness is just right to hold all the fillings without breaking.

Step 3: Cut and Fill

Here comes the fun part: cutting the dough into 3-inch squares and layering them with a spoonful of pizza sauce, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, your favorite Pepperoni bits, and any veggies you love. Don’t overfill, or the rolls might get messy, but be generous enough to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Carefully fold each square into a compact roll, pinching the edges tightly so nothing leaks out while baking. This sealing step is crucial—it’s what keeps the cheese melty inside and the crust crisp outside.

Step 5: Bake or Air Fry

Place your Pizza rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. A light brush of beaten egg or melted butter on top adds a beautiful golden shine once baked. Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbly, or air fry at the same temperature for around 10 to 12 minutes for a quicker finish with crispy edges.

Step 6: Serve

After baking, let these beauties cool for 5 minutes—they need this break to set up just right and keep the filling from burning your mouth. Serve them warm alongside dipping sauces like tangy marinara or a garlicky butter dip for extra flavor excitement.

How to Serve Pizza rolls

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley sprinkled on top add a burst of color and elevate the fresh flavors. A light dusting of grated Parmesan after baking can amplify the cheesy goodness, too. Don’t forget a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little spicy kick alongside these cheesy bites!

Side Dishes

Pizza rolls pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A bowl of warm soup, such as tomato basil or creamy mushroom, can turn these rolls into a full meal experience. For something a bit heartier, roasted veggies or garlic breadsticks are fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pizza rolls into the star of a party platter by arranging them in a spiral or stacking them pyramid-style. Serve with an array of dipping sauces—think ranch, spicy salsa, or even a cheesy Alfredo dip. You can also skewer them on cocktail sticks for easy grab-and-go finger food that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though these pizza rolls rarely last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and prevents the crust from drying out.

Freezing

Pizza rolls freeze wonderfully! Place cooled rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag to avoid sticking. They keep well for up to two months, letting you enjoy them anytime you need a quick, tasty snack.

Reheating

To bring leftover Pizza rolls back to life, reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that desirable crunch and melty cheese experience.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for pizza rolls?

Absolutely! Just choose a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and maybe add a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. Expect slight differences in texture, but they’ll still be delicious.

How can I make these pizza rolls vegan?

Swap out the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese and use olive oil instead of butter or egg wash for brushing. Make sure your pizza sauce doesn’t contain any animal products. Vegan versions come out just as tasty!

What other fillings work well in pizza rolls?

Endless options! Try cooked sausage, ham, different cheeses like cheddar or provolone, or even sweet additions like pineapple for a Hawaiian twist. Veggie lovers can sneak in spinach, olives, or artichokes for extra flavor.

Is it better to bake or air fry pizza rolls?

Both methods work great. Baking yields a softer crust, while air frying creates a wonderfully crispy outside. It depends on your preference and time—air frying is quicker and great for smaller batches.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. This slow fermentation adds more depth to the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle the next day.

Final Thoughts

Pizza rolls are truly the ultimate crowd-pleaser that bring comfort and joy in every bite. With their cheesy centers and golden crusts, they make snack time a little more magical and meals a lot more fun. I can’t wait for you to try making your own—once you do, these little treasures will quickly become a beloved staple in your home just like they are in mine.

Pizza rolls Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 12 pizza rolls 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

These homemade pizza rolls are a delicious and convenient snack or appetizer, featuring a soft, yeasted dough filled with classic pizza toppings like mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and optional pepperoni or sautéed vegetables. Perfectly baked or air-fried to golden perfection, they offer a cheesy, savory treat that’s easy to make and great for sharing.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. In a larger mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the olive oil and the yeast mixture, then knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches approximately 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut and Fill: Using a knife or a pizza cutter, slice the rolled dough into 3-inch squares. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto the center of each square, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add desired toppings such as chopped pepperoni or sautéed vegetables.
Roll and Seal: Take each dough square and carefully roll it up, folding the edges underneath to completely seal the filling inside. Make sure the rolls are well sealed to prevent ingredients from spilling out during baking.
Bake or Air Fry: Place the pizza rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with an egg wash made from a beaten egg or melted butter for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Remove the pizza rolls from the oven or air fryer and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm with dips such as marinara sauce or garlic butter for an enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add more sautéed or fresh vegetables.
The dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
Make sure the dough squares are sealed tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
You can freeze uncooked pizza rolls and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Using an egg wash gives a shiny, golden crust, but melted butter can provide a softer, rich finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Baking or Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American