Loaded Savory Pizza Rolls

These irresistible pizza rolls transform classic pizza flavors into adorable, handheld bites perfect for parties, game days, or simply satisfying those pizza cravings without ordering delivery. The swirls of pepperoni, cheese, and veggies wrapped in soft dough create the ultimate comfort food experience.

I created these pizza rolls for my nephew's birthday party last summer, and they were such a hit that they've become our family's go to appetizer for gatherings. The kids love helping roll them up, and the adults appreciate having a substantial finger food that pairs perfectly with a cold beverage.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough Pillsbury tube dough offers convenience while a store bought dough ball provides a more artisanal texture. Either works beautifully as your canvas.

• Mozzarella cheese Fresh is best for ultimate meltiness, but pre shredded works in a pinch. Look for whole milk mozzarella for richest flavor.

• Pizza sauce Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade. The thickness matters a smoother, thicker sauce prevents soggy rolls.

• Pepperoni Opt for smaller diameter slices that fit nicely in the rolls. Turkey pepperoni offers a leaner alternative with similar flavor.

• Vegetables Finely dice for even distribution and quick cooking. Fresh vegetables add moisture and nutrition to balance the richness.

• Garlic butter This magical finishing touch infuses the rolls with aromatic flavor and creates a gorgeous golden crust during baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F ensuring proper temperature before baking begins. This moderate heat allows the rolls to cook through without burning the tops. Thoroughly grease each cup of your muffin tin using cooking spray or brushed oil to prevent sticking during baking and ensure easy removal after cooking.

Prepare the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until you achieve an even rectangle approximately half inch thick. The flour prevents sticking while maintaining the dough's elasticity. Work gently to avoid overworking the dough which can make it tough. If using Pillsbury dough unroll it carefully maintaining its rectangular shape.

Layer the Fillings

Start with a thin even layer of pizza sauce spread to within half inch of the edges to prevent spillage. Distribute the shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface which creates the perfect melty layer. Sprinkle your diced vegetables uniformly ensuring every bite contains balanced flavors. Finish with pepperoni slices arranged for complete coverage while slightly overlapping for perfect pepperoni presence in each roll.

Create and Place Rolls

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter divide the dough into twelve equal strips working from the long edge. Roll each strip tightly starting from one end ensuring fillings stay enclosed. The tighter you roll the more defined spiral pattern you will achieve. Place each completed roll in the prepared muffin tin with the seam side down to prevent unraveling during baking.

Apply Garlic Butter

Combine melted butter with finely minced fresh garlic and optional parsley in a small bowl whisking until fully incorporated. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of each roll with this aromatic mixture. The butter promotes beautiful browning while the garlic infuses incredible flavor into the dough as it bakes.

Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for exactly 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for golden brown tops and bubbling cheese as indicators of doneness. The edges should be crisp while the centers remain soft and fully cooked through.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh grated parmesan cheese which will slightly melt into the hot rolls. Allow to cool in the tin for 3 to 5 minutes before carefully removing to prevent tearing. Serve alongside warmed pizza sauce in a dipping bowl for the ultimate pizza roll experience.

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The secret to these pizza rolls is definitely the garlic butter finish. I discovered this trick when I accidentally made too much garlic butter for breadsticks one night. I brushed it over my experimental pizza rolls, and the flavor was absolutely transformative. My family now requests the "special garlic pizza rolls" for every gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These pizza rolls shine as a make ahead option. You can prepare them completely, bake them, and then store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, place them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. This maintains their texture far better than microwave reheating which can make the dough tough.

For longer storage freeze the baked and cooled rolls on a baking sheet until solid then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or reheat from frozen by adding about 5 minutes to the reheating time. The texture remains remarkably close to freshly baked.

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of these pizza rolls lies in their adaptability. For a vegetarian version simply omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables like artichoke hearts, olives, or extra bell peppers. Plant based pepperoni substitutes work beautifully if you still want that classic pepperoni flavor profile.

For a dairy free option use your favorite vegan cheese substitute. While the melt factor might be slightly different the flavor remains delicious. Look for brands specifically designed for melting in baked applications.

Gluten free pizza dough can be substituted for traditional dough though you may need to handle it more gently during the rolling process. The texture will be slightly different but still results in delicious pizza rolls that everyone can enjoy regardless of dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these pizza rolls into a complete meal by serving them alongside a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing perfectly cuts through the richness of the pizza rolls creating balance.

For an Italian inspired appetizer spread arrange the pizza rolls on a large platter surrounded by antipasto components like marinated vegetables, olives, and thin slices of prosciutto. Add small bowls of additional dipping sauces like pesto or alfredo for variety.

These rolls make excellent school lunch options when packed in a thermal container. They stay warm until lunchtime and provide a welcome change from standard sandwich options. Include a small container of extra pizza sauce for dipping to complete the meal.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply brush with the garlic butter and bake, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time since they'll be cold from the refrigerator.

→ What can I use instead of pepperoni for a vegetarian version?

You can easily substitute the pepperoni with plant-based pepperoni alternatives, or omit it entirely and add extra vegetables like olives, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ Can I freeze these pizza rolls?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, place the rolls in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual rolls for about 30 seconds.

→ How can I make these pizza rolls gluten-free?

Simply substitute the regular pizza dough with your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. Many grocery stores now carry pre-made gluten-free pizza dough in the refrigerated section, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour blends specifically formulated for bread.

→ What other toppings can I add to these pizza rolls?

These rolls are incredibly versatile! Try adding cooked Italian sausage, bacon bits, black olives, spinach, feta cheese, or pineapple. You can also experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations.

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully in this recipe. Simply prepare your favorite pizza dough recipe, allow it to rise according to directions, then roll it out and proceed with the recipe as written.