Easy Homemade Pizza Roll Recipe With Pepperoni

This easy, DIY Homemade pizza roll recipe is made with tangy pizza sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and additional “toppings” of choice, all wrapped in a pizza dough roll for the perfect petite pizza bite!

After-school snacks, game day eats, pizza night, delicious appetizers, and so much more! These Easy DIY Homemade Baked Pizza Rolls are just that. They’re made with store-bought pizza dough (no need to prepare your own!), pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese…the 3 ingredients needed for the perfect homemade baked pizza rolls.

This simple recipe will make you look like a pro in the kitchen. These are delicious and are sure to be a hit. They take less than 30 minutes from start to finish (including prep time)!

Want more delicious pizza recipes to try out?  Homemade pizza is always popular and easy to make. For another variation you could make pepperoni and mozzarella pizza monkey bread. Or for a classic, make a pepperoni deep dish pizza for the whole family.

If you want to make your own seasoning for pizzas and pasta, try this homemade pizza seasoning recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

• Easy to Customize: One of the biggest perks of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily add or swap ingredients based on your favorite pizza toppings or what you have in your pantry, making it a versatile option for any meal.
• Quick and Convenient: With a total prep and cook time of less than 30 minutes, these easy pizza rolls are the perfect solution for a quick snack or a last-minute party appetizer.
• Kid-Friendly: The great thing is these pizza rolls are a hit with children, making them an excellent choice for snacks, birthday parties, or simply a fun mealtime option.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these pizza rolls add a touch of homemade sophistication to any event without much effort.

What Are Pizza Rolls?

Pizza Rolls is basically a traditional homemade calzone. The dough for this recipe can be used to make both, but there are some key differences between the two, mainly in how they’re prepared and what ingredients go inside each one! A calzone typically has ricotta cheese or another type of creamy sauce, while pizza rolls typically have marinara (spaghetti) sauce.

What’s in This Pizza Rolls Recipe?

• Prepared Pizza Dough: The foundation of every pizza roll, this convenient ingredient saves time and effort. Opting for store-bought dough allows for a focus on filling and flavor customization without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that classic, melty cheese pull we all love in pizza dishes. Mozzarella’s mild flavor and gooey texture upon melting make it perfect for complementing any other ingredients wrapped within the rolls.
• Pizza Sauce: Adds the tangy, robust flavor that is quintessential to pizza. Whether you choose a store-bought favorite pizza sauce or make your own, pizza sauce ensures each bite of the rolls is moist and rich in traditional pizza seasoning.
• Any Desired Pizza Toppings: The customizable element that makes these pizza rolls truly your own. From slices of spicy pepperoni to finely chopped vegetables, these additional toppings allow you to tailor each batch to your taste preferences or to use up whatever you have on hand.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegan Options: For those adhering to a vegan diet, swap the mozzarella cheese for a plant-based alternative that melts well, such as cashew or coconut-based mozzarella. You can also find vegan pizza dough and sauce in most grocery stores for a fully vegan pizza roll.
• Gluten-Free Needs: There are excellent gluten-free pizza dough options available for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Be sure to also verify that your pizza sauce and toppings are gluten-free.
• Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella can add a sharper flavor, or adding some Parmesan can give a salty, nutty kick.
• Meat Variations: Beyond pepperoni, consider adding cooked Italian sausage, bacon bits, or even grilled chicken pieces for a different flavor profile. For a meatless option, seasoned tofu or tempeh can make great substitutes.
• Vegetable Add-ins: To sneak in some vegetables or simply add more texture, consider spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, green pepper, olives, or onions as part of your filling. They add both flavor and nutritional value.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on the pizza rolls before baking or include some jalapeños or spicy sausage in the filling.
• Sauce Variations: For a twist on the traditional pizza sauce, try using pesto, white garlic sauce, or a BBQ sauce base for a different flavor profile.

How to Make This Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe (step-by-step directions)

1. Start by rolling your pizza dough into a rectangular shape, aiming for about ¼ inch in thickness. (Photo 1)
2. Lay half the mozzarella cheese across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges without cheese. (Photo 2)
3. Place your favorite toppings evenly over the cheese layer. (Photo 3)
4. Drizzle or spread your selected sauce over the toppings according to your personal preference. Then, cover this layer with the remaining cheese. (Photo 4)

1. Carefully roll the dough towards yourself, slightly pinching the edges as you roll to seal in the ingredients. (Photo 5)
2. Slice the rolled dough into pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (Photos 6 & 7)
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. (Photo 8)

Recipe Tips

• Even Distribution: Aim for an even distribution to ensure each roll has a balanced mix of flavors when adding your toppings and cheese.
• Prevent Leakage: To prevent any filling from leaking out during baking, make sure to pinch the seams and ends of the dough firmly after rolling.
• Uniform Size Cuts: To promote even baking, try to cut your rolled dough into the same size pieces.
• Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to pack in as many toppings as possible, overfilling can make the rolls difficult to seal and may cause them to burst open during baking.
• Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife or a piece of dental floss can be used to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
• Allow to Cool: Let the pizza rolls cool for a few minutes after baking before serving; this will help the cheese set and make them less likely to fall apart when picked up.
• Pre-baking Toppings: If raw meat or vegetables that release water (like mushrooms) are used, consider pre-cooking them slightly to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.

Storing Tips 

Leftover pizza rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure they are cooled to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from drying out.

Pizza rolls can be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to quick-freeze them. Once they are partially frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to reheat pizza rolls. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-12 minutes if refrigerated, 15-20 minutes if frozen, or until they are heated and the cheese is melted. You can remove the foil for the final few minutes of baking for a crisper exterior. 

Alternatively, pizza rolls can be reheated in a microwave for a quick option, but this may not preserve the crispness of the dough. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds or until heated through, but be cautious as the filling can become very hot.

Serving Suggestions

While they are great served on their own, if you want to add a little something to go along with them for dinner, perhaps soup or salad is a great option. If you are making pizza rolls as an appetizer for a holiday party or event, they go great with Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad, Caprese Orzo Salad, and Spicy Sweet Corn Chowder

Recipe FAQs

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