This tasty pizza rolls recipe features fluffy pizza dough stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce. Super kid-friendly and great for appetizers!
Homemade pizza rolls are pepperoni pizza nestled in the fluffy dough. The result is an ooey-gooey treat that you won’t be able to put down! While they might sound a bit childish, anytime we make them they are adored by kids and adults alike! They also reheat amazingly, making them perfect for meal prepping or popping into your work lunch.
Note: You’ll need either store-bought or homemade pizza dough for this recipe. For this recipe, we usually use overnight pizza dough or classic pizza dough.
Two Different Methods for Assembling Pizza Rolls
There are two ways to make pizza rolls. The only difference between the two is the time and effort to put the rolls together and the appearance!
- Method #1 (Classic Roll Style): The first technique (and the one that is pictured in this recipe) requires you to prepare each roll separately. First, you will cut your dough into even, triangular-shaped pieces. Then, you will place the filling on the wider end and roll it into a crescent shape before baking them to a golden brown.
- Method #2 (Cinnamon Roll Style): The other technique will save you a bit of time and effort. You will roll out the entire piece of your dough into a rectangular shape. Then, just like with cinnamon rolls, your will spread out the filling evenly. Next, you will roll the dough into a log and slice it into 1-inch pieces before baking.
How to Make Our Classic Pizza Rolls Recipe
All you need to make this simple pepperoni rolls recipe is 4 ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time.
- Prepare the Filling: First, dice the pepperoni into tiny pieces and grate the cheese.
- Roll the Dough Out: Next, roll the pizza dough into a thin round shape and cut it into six triangular pieces. Pop on some marinara sauce, followed by pepperoni bites and shredded cheese.
- Assemble the Pizza Rolls: Fold in the outside corners of the triangular dough piece, sealing the edges as you go. Repeat by folding over the center and sealing the filling inside. Finally, roll the piece into a burrito shape.
- Allow the Pizza Rolls to Rise: Next, place the pizza rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake the Pizza Rolls: Bake the pizza rolls at 400°F for 20 minutes. Dig in and enjoy while the cheese is still melty!
3 Tips & Variations for the Tastiest Pizza Rolls
From our kitchen to yours, find a couple of helpful tips to help you get the fluffiest, perfectly cooked pizza rolls.
- Use Pillsbury Crescent Dough in a pinch. If you don’t want to make homemade pizza dough or can’t find any in the supermarket, grab a can of Pillsbury Crescent Dough – it will work amazing!
- Swap in your favorite pizza toppings. Feel free to swap in any ingredients you love best. Mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, sausage, bacon, ham, olives, pesto, spinach, pineapple, bell peppers, and so many other goodies work great!
- Don’t overstuff the pizza rolls. Whatever you do, don’t put too much filling in each roll. You don’t want them to come apart in the oven while baking or be extra difficult to roll.
Hot Tip: Melt 1/4 cup of butter with garlic powder, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Brush the garlic butter on the pizza rolls right after they come out of the oven and sprinkle them with parmesan cheese.
What to Serve Alongside Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are super versatile and can be served as a starter or a main dish. I like to serve them alongside a caesar salad or garden salad for a complete meal. Take it to the next level and make alfredo sauce or marinara sauce to dip them into for a great party appetizer or family movie night.
Storage Best Practices
If you have any leftovers (good luck!), here is all you need to know about storing them for later munching.
- Refrigerating: These pizza rolls will stay good for up to five days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to reheat them, heat them in the oven for a few minutes to warm up the filling. You can also zap them in the microwave, but this makes them a bit soggy.
- Freezing: To freeze them, allow baked pizza rolls to completely cool down first. Assemble them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop the sheet in the freezer until they are completely frozen. Transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them in the oven for around 10 minutes at 425°F to reheat them.
FAQ
What temperature do you cook pizza rolls at?
Temperature is the key to making amazing pizza rolls. The higher the heat the better, so typically aim for 425 °F–450 °F. Make sure to leave space between each pizza roll because they will expand a bit. Cool for about 2 minutes on a wire rack before serving.
Can you deep fry pizza rolls?
Yes, you can deep fry pizza rolls if you prefer an extra crispy bite. If you decide to do this, make sure you let them sit on a plate with a paper towel to soak up any excess grease.
How do you make pizza rolls crispy in the oven?
The key to making pizza rolls crispy in the oven is baking them at a high heat uncovered. Pizza dough can only crisp up at a high temperature because this is so crucial!
Is it better to air fry or bake pizza rolls?
You can either air fry or bake pizza rolls – both methods work great! If you decide to air fry them, make sure to grease the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray so they don’t stick.
How do you know when pizza rolls are done?
You’ll know pizza rolls are ready when the dough turns a light shade of golden brown. The pizza rolls should also come off the parchment paper easily when fully cooked.
Other Pizza Recipes
- Margherita Flatbread Pizza – 5-minute tomato, mozzarella, & basil pizza
- Mushroom Flatbread Pizza – Mushrooms & goat cheese flatbread
- The Perfect Pizza – Classic pepperoni pizza
- Air Fryer Calzones – Pepperoni and cheese pizza pockets
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Recipe
Instructions
- Dice the pepperoni into tiny pieces and grate the cheese if necessary.
- Roll the pizza dough into a thin round shape and cut it into six triangular pieces. Place the sauce towards the bottom side of each dough triangle and top it off with some pepperoni pieces and grated cheese.
- Fold in the outside corners of the triangular dough piece, simultaneously pinching to seal the edges. Repeat by folding over the center and sealing the filling inside. Finally, roll the piece into a burrito shape.
- Assemble the pizza rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for at least 30 minutes. Bake the pizza rolls at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Hi there! My family loves this recipe. Any advice on how to keep the cheese from oozing out of the roll?
Hi Brenda- which technique are you following when filling the rolls? If you follow the first method (rolling out dough into a large circle, cutting into smaller triangles and then rolling each one up individually) I think you'll have less cheese oozing out.
Thank you for replying! I’ve been doing the triangle ones. Maybe I rolled my dough too thinly?
Hi Brenda- perhaps! Make sure you pinch to seal any openings you see in the dough as well.
why would you put Mexican cheese in a pizza roll?
Hi Rick, you can use mozzarella if you'd prefer. They are amazing, let me know what you decide to use.
I am getting ready to take my dough from the fridge. You don't say if you divide into 2, 3 or 4 portions before rolling out to make the pizza rolls or the approximate diameter of each round before cutting. If I missed it I'm sorry.
I would roll out the dough to 10 inches in diameter. But you can’t really mess up this recipe. It depends on your preference.
I used your overnight pizza dough vs the one I normally use. Very sticky dough. Including the original flour (I used unbleached white for the dough and whole white wheat for kneading), I probably used 5 1/2-6 cups total flour! I think I may have accidentally filled my 4 c Pyrex measuring cup to the 2 3/4 line vs 1 3/4 with water LOL!! In the end, nice dough. To my flour I added Italian seasoning and minced garlic as I normally dough. Kinda did a hybrid pizza dough though...adding a little extra yeast. The plan is to rise 1 hour on counter, punch down and let rise the rest of the day in the fridge before bringing back out to come to room temp this evening before shaping. I sometimes add vital wheat gluten when I don't have bread flour, but not this time. I make pizza hot pockets, etc., never thought of pizza rolls until today. We can't wait to try!
Vera, lots of great info, thank you for sharing. I know it will be helpful for many. Hope you love the pizza rolls.
We loved them. Making more tonight and I really didn't measure out the rounds. I could have use my scale, but what the heck? LOL Big or small rolls, who cares!?
I totally agree with you. When I get boys involved, the rounds are all kinds of sizes. 🙂 Gald you enjoyed them!
I like to make bread sticks bout 1 inch in diameter bout 9 inches long ,,,make shape. add chunks of Italian sausage thumb nail size let rise then bake Marinara sauce for dipping. Yummmm maybe a little red wine to go along
I love this idea and I bet it is delicious with wine! Thank you for sharing!
This is such a great idea! We love anything pizza flavored! The kids will go crazy!
Hey Suzy, yes, my boys love it as well.
My kids love pizza rolls! They could eat them every day, if I let them! Of course, homemade is so much better. They would love to help make these & eat them!
Kristyn, yes my kids love them too.:)
Tried these the other night and they were delicious! I may be a little biased, because I am obsessed with pizza rolls but I just loved this recipe! Will be making again!
Hey Katie, Thank you for sharing your feedback. I am so glad you loved the recipe.
Tried these the other night and they were delicious! I may be a little biased, because I am obsessed with pizza rolls but I just loved this recipe!