How to Make Pizza Rolls at Home - Pizzello Pizza Roll Recipe

Gathering Ingredients For Pizza Roll

Before you start making delicious pizza rolls, you'll need to collect all the necessary ingredients.

Having everything measured and prepared will make the cooking process much smoother.

Selecting the Perfect Cheese Blend

Mozzarella cheese is the star of any good pizza roll. Look for shredded mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully and creates that classic stretchy texture when pulled apart.

For best results, buy blocks of mozzarella and shred it yourself - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melt.

Try creating a cheese blend by mixing mozzarella with a bit of parmesan cheese. The parmesan adds a sharp, salty kick that complements the mild mozzarella perfectly.

A good ratio is about 2 cups of shredded mozzarella to 1/4 cup of grated parmesan.

If you want extra cheesy pizza rolls, consider adding some provolone or even a bit of cheddar to your mix for more complex flavor.

Choosing Your Pizza Toppings

Pepperoni is the classic pizza roll filling, offering spicy, savory flavors in each bite. Look for thinly sliced pepperoni that will cook evenly inside your rolls.

You'll need about an 8-ounce package for a full batch.

Don't stop at pepperoni though! You can customize your pizza rolls with all kinds of toppings:

Diced ham
Cooked Italian sausage
Sautéed mushrooms
Bell peppers
Olives
Onions

Also, make sure all meat toppings are pre-cooked before adding them to your rolls.

For the sauce, you'll need about 3-4 tablespoons of pizza sauce for the filling, plus extra for dipping.

Preparing the Pizza Dough

Rolling dough with a wooden pin on a floured surface.

The foundation of great pizza rolls starts with properly prepared dough. Getting your dough right ensures your pizza rolls will have the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Making Homemade Pizza Dough

You can make delicious pizza dough at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Start with 2 cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a food processor fitted with a dough blade.

Add 1 teaspoon of yeast and about 3/4 cup of warm water. Mix until the dough forms a ball. It should be slightly tacky but not too sticky.

Once mixed, place your dough on a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball and let it rest in an oiled bowl, covered with a damp towel.

Allow your dough to rise for at least an hour until it doubles in size.

Visit Pizzello for more detailed pizza dough recipe and pizza roll recipe.

Rolling and Cutting Dough Squares

After your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a thin rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

Use your fingers to make small dents across the surface of the dough. This helps the toppings stick better!

Brush the surface lightly with olive oil for extra flavor.

For easy-to-manage pizza rolls, cut your dough into 1-inch sections or 3-inch squares depending on your preferred size. Smaller pieces make bite-sized treats, while larger squares create more substantial rolls.

Make sure your cuts are even so the rolls cook uniformly. If using store-bought dough, most 13.8-ounce cans will yield about 12-16 good-sized pizza rolls.

Assembling the Pizza Rolls

Layering Ingredients

Start by rolling out your dough on a lightly floured surface. If you're using crescent dough, separate it along the perforations to make triangles. For homemade dough, roll it into a thin rectangle.

Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to add flavor and prevent sogginess.

Next, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, leaving about half an inch around the edges clean. Don't use too much sauce or your rolls might leak during baking!

Add a layer of shredded cheese and then add your favorite toppings!

Rolling Techniques for a Stuffed Pizza Roll

For traditional stuffed pizza rolls, start at one end of your dough and roll it up tightly, like making cinnamon rolls. The tighter you roll, the better your ingredients will stay in place.

If you're using triangular dough, place your toppings at the wide end and roll toward the pointed tip. Press the edges to seal in all the goodness.

For square or bite-sized rolls, you can fold the dough over itself like a little package. First, fold in two opposite sides, then fold the other sides over and press to seal.

Use a sharp knife to cut your roll into 1-inch sections.

For extra crispiness, you can brush the tops with a little more olive oil or an egg wash.

Place your assembled rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between each one for even baking.

Seasoning and Baking

Applying Garlic Butter Topping

Before your pizza rolls hit the oven, it's time to add that extra flavor that makes them irresistible!

Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning in a small bowl. This creates a simple but delicious topping.

Brush this mixture gently over the tops of your assembled pizza rolls.

For an extra touch, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the rolls. The cheese will get golden and crispy during baking, adding a wonderful texture contrast.

If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F before you start assembling your pizza rolls. This ensures it's properly heated when you're ready to bake.

Place your seasoned pizza rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about an inch between each roll to allow for even cooking and expansion.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at the 10-minute mark.

For extra crispiness, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray before baking.

Let the rolls cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. This prevents burned mouths and allows the filling to set slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels on a tray.

Accompaniments and Dips

Marinara sauce is the classic pairing for pizza rolls.

Ranch dressing offers a creamy alternative that kids especially love. For something with a kick, try buffalo sauce or sriracha mayo.

Garlic butter makes a delicious dipping option - just melt butter with minced garlic and a sprinkle of parsley.

For a healthier choice, serve your pizza rolls with a side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette.

If you're hosting a pizza night, create a dip station with small bowls of different sauces. This allows everyone to customize their experience.

A veggie platter with carrot sticks, celery, and bell peppers provides a nutritious balance to your indulgent pizza rolls.

Variations and Creative Twists

Veggie Lover's Delight

Start with your basic pizza dough and add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach before rolling.

Olives add a nice salty kick that balances well with fresh tomatoes. For extra flavor, mix in some caramelized onions and roasted garlic.

You can also try adding artichoke hearts, zucchini, or broccoli for even more veggie goodness. These make a colorful, flavorful treat that even kids might enjoy!

Ham and Pineapple Fusion

The classic Hawaiian pizza flavor works beautifully in roll form!

Layer thin slices of cooked ham and small pineapple chunks over your sauce and cheese before rolling.

For best results, drain your pineapple thoroughly to prevent soggy rolls. You can use fresh or canned pineapple, but pat it dry with paper towels either way.

A sprinkle of bacon bits adds a smoky touch that complements the sweet pineapple perfectly.

Some people also enjoy adding a light drizzle of barbecue sauce to enhance the flavors.

These ham and pineapple rolls are a hit at parties and make great after-school snacks. They're similar to stromboli but in a more convenient, bite-sized form!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use store bought dough for making pizza rolls?

Yes, store bought dough works perfectly for pizza rolls! Crescent roll dough, pizza dough, or even puff pastry from the refrigerated section can be used.

Store bought dough saves time and still produces delicious results. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for handling and baking temperatures.

What's the simplest way to make a pizza roll from scratch?

The simplest method is using pre-made dough.

Roll it out flat, add a thin layer of sauce, sprinkle cheese and toppings, then roll it up like a log. Slice into 1-inch pieces and bake.

For an even easier version, you can use tortillas instead of dough. Just add toppings, roll up, and bake until crispy.

Is there a difference between making Italian pizza rolls and regular pizza rolls?

Italian pizza rolls typically include more authentic Italian ingredients like fresh basil, San Marzano tomato sauce, and higher quality cheeses like fresh mozzarella or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The dough for Italian-style rolls might also be made with different techniques, including longer rising times. The flavor profile tends to be more herb-focused with ingredients like oregano, basil, and garlic.