Pizza Rolls Homemade – Easy, Cheesy, Bite-Sized Comfort

These homemade pizza rolls are everything you love about pizza, wrapped up in warm, golden bites. They’re perfect for game night, after-school snacks, or a casual dinner when you want something fun and shareable. No need for special tools or fancy dough skills—just simple steps and a handful of pantry staples. You can customize the fillings, freeze some for later, and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. If you love pizza, these will be a new go-to.

What Makes This Special

Pizza rolls homemade – Pizza Rolls Homemade – Easy, Cheesy, Bite-Sized Comfort These homemade pizza rolls are everything yo

This recipe keeps things straightforward without skimping on flavor. The dough is soft inside with a gentle crisp on the edges, and the rolls hold their shape without leaking everywhere. You get full control over the fillings—classic pepperoni and mozzarella, or veggie-packed with peppers and mushrooms. They’re also ideal for prepping ahead and baking off when you’re ready. Simple to assemble, easy to bake, and satisfying to eat, these rolls check all the boxes for a no-stress crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Pizza rolls homemade – They’re perfect for game night, after-school snacks, or a casual dinner when you want something fun

• For the dough (quick version):
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
• For the filling:
  • 3/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara (thick style works best)
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or finely chopped pepperoni (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
• For finishing:
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash), or 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Flaky salt or extra oregano for sprinkling (optional)
  • Extra pizza sauce for dipping

Instructions

Pizza rolls homemade – No need for special tools or fancy dough skills—just simple steps and a handful of pantry staples

1. Activate the yeast. In a mixing bowl, stir the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast.
2. Make the dough. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add small dustings of flour only if the dough is sticky.
3. First rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Prep the filling. In a small bowl, mix the mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper flakes if using. Pat any wet ingredients (like mushrooms) dry with a paper towel.
5. Preheat and prepare. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
6. Roll out the dough. Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Keep the thickness even, about 1/4 inch.
7. Layer the filling. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly, then add pepperoni or other toppings. Don’t overfill—this prevents blowouts.
8. Roll it up. Starting from the long side, roll into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal and turn the log seam-side down.
9. Cut the rolls. Using a sharp knife or floss, slice into 12 equal pieces. If the ends look skimpy, tuck the sides in a bit.
10. Arrange and brush. Place the rolls cut-side up on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with egg wash or olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of oregano or flaky salt if you like.
11. Bake. Bake for 14–18 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
12. Rest and serve. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Best enjoyed fresh. If needed, keep covered for up to 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
• Freezer (unbaked): Assemble and cut rolls, freeze on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, tenting with foil if browning too fast.
• Freezer (baked): Cool completely, freeze on a sheet, then bag. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Customizable: Adjust fillings to suit kids, spice lovers, or vegetarians.
• Make-ahead friendly: Dough and rolls both freeze well for easy planning.
• Less mess than pizza night: Neat, portable portions with all the flavor.
• Budget-friendly: Basic pantry ingredients make a big batch.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, potlucks, and lunchboxes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much sauce: Excess sauce causes leaks and soggy centers. Keep the layer thin.
• Overfilling with toppings: Heavy fillings make the log hard to roll and slice. Aim for an even, modest layer.
• Skipping the edge border: Leaving a clean border helps you seal the seam and prevents oozing.
• Cutting with a dull knife: This squashes the rolls. Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean slices.
• Underbaking: Pale rolls won’t hold together well. Look for golden tops and bubbling cheese.

Recipe Variations

• Supreme: Add finely chopped bell peppers, onions, olives, and cooked sausage. Keep pieces small and pat dry.
• Margherita: Use a light brush of olive oil, fresh basil strips, a sprinkle of tomatoes (seeded), and mozzarella. Bake and finish with more basil.
• BBQ Chicken: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce. Add cooked shredded chicken, red onion, and cheddar-mozzarella mix.
• Veggie Lover’s: Spinach, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. Sauté and cool veggies first to remove moisture.
• Four-Cheese: Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and ricotta. Dot ricotta lightly to avoid excess moisture.
• Pesto Twist: Replace sauce with basil pesto and add sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and check labels on sauces and meats.
• No-Yeast Shortcut: Use store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough when you’re in a rush.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes. Store-bought pizza dough works great and saves time. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before rolling to prevent shrinking.

How do I keep the rolls from unrolling?

Leave a clean border, roll tightly, and pinch the seam well. Place the log seam-side down and press lightly before slicing. Egg wash also helps glue edges.

Why did my rolls leak cheese?

Usually it’s from too much sauce or overly wet toppings. Keep fillings modest and pat veggies dry. A thicker sauce also helps.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–12 minutes, checking at 7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Brush with oil for better browning.

What cheeses work best?

Low-moisture mozzarella is the base. Add Parmesan for depth, and mix in provolone or cheddar for extra flavor. Avoid fresh mozzarella unless you drain it very well.

Do I need to par-bake the dough?

No. The rolls bake through in the time listed. If your oven runs cool or your rolls are very thick, add a few minutes at the end.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze unbaked rolls and bake from frozen as directed.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Classic marinara or pizza sauce is great. Ranch, garlic butter, pesto mayo, or a spicy arrabbiata are fun options too.

How do I get a crispier bottom?

Use a preheated baking sheet or bake on a pizza stone lined with parchment. A light brush of oil on the parchment also helps.

Can I make them smaller for appetizers?

Yes. Roll the dough into a larger rectangle and slice into 16–18 smaller rolls. Reduce bake time by a few minutes and watch for color.

In Conclusion

Homemade pizza rolls deliver big pizza flavor in a fun, shareable format. With a simple dough, customizable fillings, and freezer-friendly prep, they fit weeknights, parties, and everything in between. Keep the sauce layer thin, roll tight, and bake until golden. Serve warm with your favorite dip, and enjoy the kind of snack that disappears fast every time.