Delicious Homemade Pizza Rolls

These pizza rolls have become our family's go-to for movie nights and quick dinners when everyone's craving something fun but homemade. The combination of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and that wonderful pizza flavor wrapped in a golden crust simply can't be beat.

I first made these when my teenagers had friends over unexpectedly. They disappeared so quickly I barely got to try one myself! Now I always make a double batch because everyone gravitates toward them the moment they come out of the oven.

• Refrigerated pizza crust tubes: provide the perfect base without the hassle of making dough from scratch
• Garlic salt: adds that authentic pizzeria flavor that makes these irresistible
• Italian seasoning: creates the perfect aromatic blend that brings everything together
• Mozzarella cheese: creates that stretchy pull that everyone loves about good pizza
• Parmesan cheese: adds a sharp savory note that balances the mild mozzarella perfectly
• Pepperoni: brings that classic pizza flavor and a hint of spice that kids and adults love
• Marinara sauce: is essential for dipping and adds moisture to each delicious bite

I recommend using whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. The pre-shredded kind works fine, but freshly shredded will give you an even better cheese pull.

How To Make Homemade Pizza Rolls

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F. This high temperature ensures a crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and gooey. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.

Prepare the Dough:

Dust your work surface generously with flour to prevent sticking. Unroll both pizza crusts and gently stretch them into rectangles. The flour underneath helps when it comes time to roll everything up.

Season the Base:

Sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning directly onto the dough. Use your fingers to spread it evenly across the entire surface. This step infuses the dough itself with flavor rather than just seasoning the filling.

Add the Filling:

Spread the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the dough, leaving a half inch border around the edges. Distribute the chopped pepperoni pieces evenly on top of the cheese. The border helps seal the rolls when you roll them up.

Roll and Cut:

Starting with the short end of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. The tighter you roll, the better your spiral will look when cut. Use a serrated knife or sharp pizza cutter to slice each log into approximately 1 inch sections.

Bake to Perfection:

Place your pizza rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Watch closely near the end to prevent burning.

Serve Immediately:

Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast between the crispy exterior and melty interior is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

My absolute favorite thing about these rolls is how the cheese caramelizes slightly where it meets the edges of the dough. That crispy cheese bit is the cook's reward! My daughter always requests these for her birthday instead of a traditional cake, and we arrange them in a spiral pattern with candles in the center.

Customize Your Pizza Rolls

The beauty of these pizza rolls lies in their versatility. While the classic pepperoni version is always a hit, you can easily customize them based on your preferences. Try adding cooked Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers. For vegetarian options, substitute the pepperoni with olives, artichoke hearts, or sun dried tomatoes. Just be sure not to overfill them, as this can cause the rolls to burst open during baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These pizza rolls can be made ahead and stored in several ways. After rolling and cutting, you can place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze them, place the cut rolls on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen rolls can be baked directly from frozen, just add 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these pizza rolls alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with vegetable sticks and ranch dressing for a kid friendly spread. For parties, create a dipping station with different sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or spicy arrabbiata in addition to the classic marinara. These rolls are substantial enough to serve as a main dish but can also work as appetizers for larger gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different fillings for these pizza rolls?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni, you can customize with toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, cooked sausage, or olives. Just be careful not to overfill, as this might cause the rolls to open during baking.

→ How do I store leftover pizza rolls?

Store completely cooled pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through for the best texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make them slightly soggy.

→ Can I freeze these pizza rolls for later?

Yes! After baking and cooling completely, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen rolls in a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes.

→ What can I serve with these pizza rolls?

While marinara sauce is traditional, try serving with ranch dressing, garlic butter, pesto, or alfredo sauce for variety. They pair well with a simple green salad, vegetable sticks, or as part of an appetizer spread.

→ Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls up to the point of slicing, then refrigerate the uncut logs (tightly wrapped) for up to 24 hours. Slice and bake when ready to serve. For best results, serve freshly baked for optimal texture and flavor.

→ What if I don't have refrigerated pizza crust?

You can substitute with homemade pizza dough, refrigerated crescent roll dough, or even puff pastry. Each alternative will produce a slightly different texture but still delicious results. Adjust baking time accordingly as some doughs may cook faster than others.