Delicious Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe Ideas

There’s something irresistibly comforting about biting into a warm, crispy pizza roll with gooey cheese and savory fillings. This best homemade pizza rolls recipe transforms the beloved freezer snack into something truly spectacular with fresh ingredients and amazing flavor. Unlike store-bought versions, these easy homemade pizza rolls let you customize every aspect—from the dough to the fillings—creating a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for game day, after-school snacks, or casual entertaining. Whether you’re craving classic homemade pizza rolls with pepperoni or looking to experiment with gourmet variations, this foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe

• Superior flavor compared to store-bought varieties
• Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish!
• Freezer-friendly – make a big batch for easy future snacking
• Customizable fillings to please picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike
• Perfect texture with crispy outsides and molten, cheesy centers
• Great for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd
• Kid-approved yet sophisticated enough for adults
• Budget-friendly compared to takeout or frozen alternatives
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives like commercial versions

Making the best homemade pizza rolls at home has never been easier or more delicious. This recipe is perfect for beginners looking to expand their cooking skills while creating something the whole family will love.

Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Rolls

For the Dough:

• 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour (use bread flour for chewier texture)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups (8oz/225g) shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture preferred)
• 1 cup (4oz/115g) pepperoni slices, diced small (optional)
• ½ cup (2oz/55g) cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional)
• ¼ cup (1oz/28g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For Topping:

• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Substitutions and Alternatives:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cheese alternatives
• Vegetarian Filling: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach
• Time-Saving Hack: Use store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated crescent roll dough
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling

How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls – Step by Step

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Step 2: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in warm water and olive oil.

Step 3: Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.

Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until puffy (doesn’t need to double in size).

Preparing the Filling

Step 6: While the dough rises, prepare your filling. In a medium bowl, combine diced pepperoni, cooked sausage (if using), shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix well and set aside.

Step 7: Have your pizza sauce ready in a separate bowl for easy assembly.

Assembling the Pizza Rolls

Step 8: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 9: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer to a lightly floured surface.

Step 10: Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches (40×30 cm) and about ⅛ inch (3mm) thick.

Step 11: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch (1.25 cm) border around all edges.

Step 12: Sprinkle the cheese and meat mixture evenly over the sauce.

Step 13: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.

Step 14: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick rounds. You should get approximately 16 rolls.

Baking the Pizza Rolls

Step 15: Arrange the pizza rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each roll.

Step 16: Brush the tops and sides with egg wash, then sprinkle with additional Parmesan and oregano.

Step 17: Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 18: Allow the pizza rolls to cool for 5 minutes before serving (the filling will be extremely hot!).

Pro Tips for Making the Best Homemade Pizza Rolls

• Cold cheese works best: Grate your mozzarella while cold and keep refrigerated until ready to use. This prevents premature melting during assembly.

• Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, overstuffed rolls may burst during baking.

• Seal the edges properly: Make sure to pinch the seam and ends of your roll to prevent filling from leaking.

• Even cutting technique: For the cleanest cuts, use unflavored dental floss by sliding it under the log, crossing it over the top, and pulling to slice through.

• The secret to perfect texture: Let the rolled dough rest for 10 minutes before cutting into individual rolls for a better rise.

• Make-ahead option: Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

• For extra crispy bottoms: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven before placing the rolls on it.

• Prevent soggy rolls: Pat any wet ingredients (like pineapple or olives) dry with paper towels before adding to your filling.

Best Ways to Serve Homemade Pizza Rolls

The best way to serve homemade pizza rolls is while they’re still warm, allowing the cheese to remain perfectly melty. Pair them with a side of extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. For a complete meal, consider these serving suggestions:

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette
• Pair with vegetable sticks and hummus for a balanced lunch
• Create a game day spread with wings, pizza rolls, and other finger foods
• Include in a kid-friendly lunch box with fresh fruit (cooled completely first)
• For dinner, serve with a cup of tomato soup or minestrone

These versatile pizza rolls work equally well as appetizers, snacks, or main dishes. They’re perfect for casual gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you’re craving pizza flavors in a fun, handheld form.

Nutritional Information for Homemade Pizza Rolls

(Per serving – 2 pizza rolls)

• Calories: 245 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 32mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

These homemade pizza rolls contain significantly less sodium and fewer preservatives than commercial frozen varieties. For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and turkey pepperoni to reduce calories and fat while maintaining flavor. The nutritional content will vary based on your choice of fillings and any modifications to the recipe.

Storage & Leftovers

Homemade pizza rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

To freeze homemade pizza rolls for longer storage:

1. Allow baked rolls to cool completely
2. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid (about 2 hours)
3. Transfer to freezer bags or containers and store for up to 3 months
4. Label with the date and contents

Homemade pizza rolls last in the fridge for 3-4 days when properly stored. For frozen pizza rolls, they maintain quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven (Best Method): Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes from refrigerated or 15-20 minutes from frozen
• Air Fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) from refrigerated, 6-8 minutes from frozen
• Microwave: 20-30 seconds for refrigerated rolls (though texture will be softer)

Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the dough soggy and the filling unevenly hot.

FAQs for Homemade Pizza Rolls

Can I make homemade pizza rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake according to directions, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time. You can also fully bake them, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why are my homemade pizza rolls leaking filling?

Leaking filling usually happens when rolls aren’t sealed properly or are overfilled. Make sure to leave a half-inch border around the edges of your dough, don’t overload with filling, and firmly pinch all seams closed. A light egg wash along the edges before rolling can help create a better seal.

Can I use different fillings for homemade pizza rolls?

Absolutely! The beauty of homemade pizza rolls is the endless customization. Try buffalo chicken with blue cheese, spinach and feta, ham and pineapple, or even dessert versions with Nutella and banana. Just ensure wet ingredients are patted dry to prevent soggy rolls.

How do I know when my homemade pizza rolls are done baking?

Your pizza rolls are done when the dough is golden brown, feels firm to the touch, and the bottom is crisp. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time. For absolute certainty, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion & Call to Action

These best homemade pizza rolls transform a beloved snack into something extraordinarily delicious that you can proudly serve to family and friends. With their perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly! The effort of making them from scratch is absolutely worth it for the superior taste and ability to customize exactly to your preferences.

Have you tried making these homemade pizza rolls? I’d love to hear about your experience or any creative filling combinations you’ve discovered! Drop a comment below with your results or questions. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for your next game day, movie night, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack that’s sure to impress.

Now that you know how to make the best homemade pizza rolls, it’s time to get rolling, baking, and enjoying!

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