This convenient and easy Pizza Rolls Recipe will add Italian vibes to any meal.
When you think of pizza rolls, you might think of the boxed, ready-made type available in your supermarket’s frozen section. I loved them as a kid and still love them now. In fact, my whole family is obsessed with pizza rolls. None of us can walk past the freezer aisle without grabbing a box or two. We have them as a snack, with soups, salads, and even as a late-night treat (me!). But did you know that you can easily make a slightly different version of these tasty rolls yourself?
With a few easy shortcuts, you can make your own pizza rolls at home. These cheesy, hearty bites are not pockets but slightly different. In this recipe, the pizza dough is layered with tangy tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and zesty pepperoni before being rolled up and sliced. The tops are then brushed with a seasoned butter made with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and oregano. As they bake, your house will smell amazing! You will love pizza rolls because they are easy to make and can feed a crowd, as the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
The history of pizza rolls
Did you know that frozen pizza rolls were originally made with egg roll wrappers? It’s true! In the 1960s, frozen food magnate Jeno Paulucci (known for founding Chun King, a line of canned Chinese food) wanted to find a use for surplus egg roll wrappers. He enlisted the help of food developer Beatrice Ojakangas, who created several types of filled rolls using the wrappers. Among the different flavors she developed, the pizza-flavored rolls stood out during taste tests. Their popularity led to the launch of the beloved frozen snack. Props to the egg roll wrapper for multitasking!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover pizza rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a Ziploc bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat the (thawed) rolls in the oven at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.
Serving suggestions
For a big gathering, pizza rolls go well with other party favorites. For instance, a table with pizza rolls plus Buffalo Chicken Wings, Air-Fryer Onion Rings, Antipasto Skewers, and Philly Cheesesteak Sliders would make for a great spread. Add in a few chips and dips, and you’re ready to go. Speaking of dips, serve the pizza rolls with a side of marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce for dipping.
If you’re serving pizza rolls as the main event for a meal, plan on three to four rolls per person and pair them with something fresh like a Caesar Salad or Cucumber And Tomato Salad. For variety, you can mix up the filling as well. Swap out the pepperoni with cooked, crumbled Italian sausage. Or make them vegetarian and replace the meat with your favorite sautéed veggies (I love mushrooms and sweet onions). Get creative!
Pizza Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce plus more for dipping
- 2 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10 x 14-inch rectangle.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, then distribute the chopped pepperoni evenly on top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side. Use a sharp pizza cutter to slice the roll into 1-inch pieces.
- Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with extra pizza sauce if desired.
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