Pizza Rolls

These easy homemade pepperoni pizza rolls are everything you love about pizza wrapped into a bite sized snack.

Gooey cheese, flavorful sauce and crispy edges make them totally irresistible 😛

They come together in only 25 minutes total and bake up perfectly golden. Great for after school, game day or anytime you want something fun and cheesy straight from the oven.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This pizza roll recipe works because it’s quick, easy, and versatile.

With simple ingredients, you can prepare these in just a few steps, making them a go-to option for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Pepperoni pizza rolls are perfect as snacks, appetizers, or even a fun side dish. Plus, they’re highly customizable—you can swap cheeses, add your favorite fillings, or try vegan options to suit everyone’s taste. Whether for game day, family dinners, or casual snacking, these pizza rolls are a hit for any occasion.

Ingredients

Pizza Dough:

For convenience and ease of preparation, this recipe calls for a prepared ball of dough. However, if you want fresher, more flavorful pizza rolls, you can also make your dough from scratch. Simply dissolve 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water and let sit for 5 minutes. In a bowl, mix 2 ½ cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt, then add the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Knead for 5-7 minutes, and let rise for 1 hour. Punch down, roll out, and your pizza roll dough is ready.

Marinara Sauce:

Marinara sauce is typically used for homemade pizza rolls because it is a simple sauce with a savory flavor. To keep things easy, simply use your favorite brand of jarred marinara sauce or make your home fresh marinara sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. For extra flavor, add a pinch of sugar or fresh basil.

Seasonings:

While this recipe for pizza rolls uses a simple seasoning mix of pepper, oregano, and garlic powder, you can experiment with seasonings like basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, onion powder, parsley, and fennel seeds.

Pepperoni:

The chopped pepperoni adds flavor and heartiness to your baked pizza rolls, but you can absolutely make them without it or swap it for chopped ham, mushrooms, bacon, bell peppers, or salami.

Cheese:

Typical pizza toppings, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses are added for their melty, savory properties. Additionally, you can try making your pizza rolls with cheddar cheese, gouda, fontina, provolone, ricotta, Monterey jack, or feta. To make vegan pizza rolls, try using vegan mozzarella, cashew cheese, or nutritional yeast.

How to Make Pizza Rolls

Step One: 

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza crust into a square roughly ½" thick.

Step Two:

Cover the surface with marinara, leaving a border along the bottom of the dough.

Step Three: 

On top of the sauce, sprinkle the pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.

Step Four:

Cover that with a layer of mozzarella cheese (keep about ⅓ cup set aside for later), followed by the pepperoni, and finish with the parmesan.

Step Five: 

Starting at the top, begin rolling your dough down towards the border along the bottom. Keep the dough tight without squeezing any of the ingredients out.

Step Six: 

Cut your pizza roll into 1" -1 ½" thick slices and lay them flat along a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep them evenly spaced about 2" apart.

Step Seven: 

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of your pizza rolls.

Step Eight: 

Bake for 10-15 minutes at 425F.

Step Nine: 

Serve your homemade pizza rolls with extra marinara for dipping, and enjoy!

Tips

• When rolling your pizza rolls, be careful not to overfill them. Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open during baking. A little bit goes a long way.
• For a golden, crispy finish, brush the tops of your pizza rolls with melted butter or olive oil before slicing them. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle them with garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
• You can prepare pizza rolls in advance and freeze them, making them an excellent meal prep option. You can even bake them directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What to Serve With Pizza Rolls

These quick pizza rolls make a delicious and versatile snack or appetizer, and pairing them with tasty sides can elevate your experience. For a classic option, serve your cheesy pizza rolls with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

They also pair well with a delicious plate of spaghetti bolognese or fettuccini alfredo to soak up all the tasty sauce. To round out the meal, consider adding a fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad, which offers a crisp contrast to the cheesy, savory rolls.

FAQs

How do I make gluten-free pizza rolls?

To make gluten-free pizza rolls, simply substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free alternative, available at most grocery stores. Alternatively, if you have a recipe, you can make your own vegan or gluten-free pizza dough.

What's the best way to store leftover pizza rolls?

Store leftover pizza rolls in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen pizza rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container.

How should I reheat leftover pizza rolls?

You can reheat your leftover pizza rolls in the oven at 350F for about 5-8 minutes to maintain their crispy texture or microwave them briefly if you’re in a hurry.

Appetizer Recipes

When it comes to preparing food for dinner guests, it's important to have some quick and easy appetizer recipes on hand, like this recipe for cheesy pizza rolls. So, we've gathered up some of our favorites to share just in time for the holiday season.

Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

Spring Rolls

Garlic Cheese Toast

Pierogi