Pizza Roll Ups

Imagine the cheesy, saucy goodness of a classic pizza, but captured in a fun, handheld, bite-sized roll. These Pizza Roll Ups are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or a quick after-school treat that kids will absolutely love. They are much fresher than the frozen variety and allow you to control exactly what goes inside.

Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for a simple dinner solution, these rolls deliver big flavor with very little effort. Using refrigerated dough makes the process incredibly fast, meaning you can go from craving pizza to eating it in just about half an hour. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious treats right in your own kitchen.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (approx. 12 roll-ups)
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 285 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg

Why Make This Pizza Roll Ups

The best reason to make these Pizza Roll Ups is their sheer convenience. You get all the satisfying elements of a traditional pizza—the melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and tangy sauce—without the fuss of stretching a large dough or waiting for a delivery driver. They are also perfectly portioned, making them easy to serve to a group without needing plates or heavy cleanup.

Another great benefit is how customizable they are. While we use pepperoni in this version, you can easily swap ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. Plus, they make excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully in an air fryer or oven, maintaining that crispy exterior and gooey center that everyone craves.

How to Make Pizza Roll Ups

Making these rolls is a straightforward process that involves layering your favorite toppings onto a sheet of dough, rolling it into a log, and slicing it into individual pinwheels. It is a great activity to do with kids, as they will enjoy helping spread the cheese and rolling the dough. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.

Ingredients

• 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Oven and Pan Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cheese from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup much easier later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently press it into a large rectangle of even thickness. Make sure there are no holes in the dough so the sauce doesn’t leak through.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Toppings

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then top with the pepperoni slices. Be careful not to overfill, as it will make rolling more difficult.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even slices (about 1 inch thick each).

Step 5: Season and Bake

Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

How to Serve Pizza Roll Ups

Serve these rolls warm while the cheese is still stretchy. They are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when served with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, you can also provide a side of ranch dressing or a garlic butter dip. If you are serving them as a meal, pair them with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese.

How to Store Pizza Roll Ups

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the dough chewy and soft.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pizza Roll Ups

One of the best tips is to use “low moisture” mozzarella cheese. High-moisture fresh mozzarella can release too much liquid and make the dough soggy. Additionally, if you find the dough is too soft to slice cleanly, place the rolled-up log in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes before cutting. This firms it up and helps the rolls keep their circular shape.

Delicious Variations

You can easily change the flavor profile of these roll ups. Try a “White Pizza” version by using ricotta cheese and spinach instead of tomato sauce. For meat lovers, add cooked crumbled sausage and bacon bits. If you prefer a vegetarian option, finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives work wonderfully. Just ensure your vegetable toppings are relatively dry to keep the rolls crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, homemade dough works perfectly. Just make sure to roll it out thin enough so that it cooks through evenly when rolled up.

Q: Can I freeze these before baking?

Absolutely. You can slice the rolls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Why did my roll ups fall apart in the oven?

This usually happens if the log wasn’t rolled tightly enough or if the seam wasn’t pinched shut. Make sure to keep the roll snug as you go.

Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to leave space between them so the air can circulate and crisp up the sides.

Q: What is the best way to slice the dough without squishing it?

Using a very sharp serrated knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss is the best method. If using floss, slide it under the log, cross it over the top, and pull quickly to “cut” through the dough cleanly.

Conclusion

Pizza Roll Ups are a versatile and delicious solution for anyone who loves the flavors of pizza but wants something more portable and easier to prepare. They are perfect for parties, snacks, or a simple family dinner. With their crispy edges and melty centers, they are sure to become a regular request in your household. Give them a try tonight and see how quickly they disappear!

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