Are you looking for a meal that everyone in the family will get excited about? Something that breaks the routine of boring weeknight dinners? I’ve got just the thing for you. These homemade pepperoni pizza rolls are a total crowd pleaser and a fantastic example of Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes that don’t compromise on flavor.
Forget the frozen stuff from the grocery store. Making these from scratch is surprisingly simple and so much more rewarding. It’s a fun activity and a delicious meal all rolled into one. Let’s get started on what will become your new favorite recipe!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? You get all the classic pizza flavors packed into a neat little swirl. Each bite is a mix of savory pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni, all wrapped in soft, chewy pizza dough. It’s a wonderful treat.
This is one of those Easy Food Recipes that looks impressive but is totally manageable for beginners. The steps are straightforward, and there’s plenty of room to get creative with your favorite toppings. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
They are also incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer for a party, a fun after school snack, or the main event for dinner. These rolls are perfect for making ahead, which makes them a lifesaver for busy schedules and one of the best ideas for Lazy Dinners.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for this recipe. Using a homemade pizza dough really makes a difference, but a good quality store bought one works in a pinch.
- 1 recipe homemade pizza dough
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2/3 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store bought)
- Italian seasoning or ground basil, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60 to 65 beef pepperoni slices
- Optional: 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- Optional: extra mozzarella cheese and fresh basil
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps for delicious pizza rolls every single time. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Prepare The Dough
First things first, let’s get the dough ready. If you’re using a homemade recipe, follow it through the first rise. Once it’s ready, punch it down gently to release the air. Then, divide the dough into two equal halves. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each half into a big rectangle, about 10 by 12 inches in size.
Step 2: Add The Fillings
Now for the fun part! To keep your rolls from getting soggy, brush the top of each dough rectangle with one teaspoon of olive oil. Use your fingers to poke little dents into the dough’s surface. This simple trick helps prevent big air bubbles from forming while baking.
Next, spread about one third of a cup of pizza sauce over each rectangle. Sprinkle them lightly with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Add as much or as little as you like. Then, sprinkle half a cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce on each one, and finally, arrange your pepperoni slices on top.
Step 3: Roll And Chill
This step is important for getting those nice, clean slices. Carefully roll each dough rectangle into a tight log. Place the logs on a baking sheet with the seam side facing down. Pop the baking sheet, uncovered, into the refrigerator to chill for at least 20 minutes. Don’t skip this! Chilling firms up the dough and filling, making the logs much easier to slice without squishing them.
Step 4: Slice And Prepare For Baking
While the logs are chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup. Once chilled, take the logs out of the fridge. Use a sharp knife to cut each log into 12 one inch slices. You should have 24 rolls in total.
If you’re using cornmeal for a crispy bottom, pour it onto a small plate. Dip the bottom of each roll into the cornmeal and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange 12 rolls on each sheet, giving them a little space. For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little more mozzarella on top of the rolls.
Step 5: Bake And Serve
Time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the sides are a lovely light brown color and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. This helps them set up a bit.
Serve them warm with fresh basil on top if you like, and some extra pizza sauce for dipping. These are truly best when enjoyed right away!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Once the rolls have cooled completely, you can place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat them in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to get them warm and crispy again.
These also freeze beautifully, making them one of my favorite ideas for Lazy Dinners down the road. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for an hour or so until firm. Transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, bake the frozen rolls at 350°F (177°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes until heated through.
Tips
Want to make your pizza rolls even better? Here are a few handy tips. For a different shape, you can bake these rolls in a muffin pan or a 9 by 13 inch baking pan. The bake time will be about the same. Just keep an eye on them.
If the full recipe makes too much, you can easily cut it in half to make 12 rolls. Simply use half of the pizza dough and freeze the other half for another time. Looking for a healthier twist? Try using a whole wheat pizza dough recipe instead.
This is one of the most adaptable Kid Friendly Dinners. Let your little ones choose their own fillings. Think cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms. Just make sure any vegetable fillings are cooked and patted dry to avoid extra moisture. These are truly some of the best Easy Food Recipes for customization.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and incredibly fun way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza. This recipe is proof that Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes can be exciting and satisfying for the entire family. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to create something tasty together.
So next time you’re stuck in a dinner rut, give these homemade pepperoni pizza rolls a try. I promise they’ll be a huge hit and will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Use Store Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Using store bought pizza dough is a great time saver. Just let it come to room temperature according to the package directions before you start rolling it out. It makes this recipe even faster for those extra busy weeknights.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Get creative! You can fill these with almost any of your favorite pizza toppings. Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, diced ham, bell peppers, onions, and black olives are all great options. Just be sure not to overfill the rolls, and always use cooked meats and vegetables.
Why Did My Pizza Rolls Get Soggy?
Soggy rolls are usually caused by too much moisture in the filling. Be sure to use a thick pizza sauce. Also, the step of brushing the dough with olive oil before adding the sauce creates a small barrier that helps prevent the dough from absorbing too much liquid. It is a small step that makes a big difference!
Can I Make The Dough Without A Stand Mixer?
Of course! While a stand mixer makes it easier, you can definitely make pizza dough by hand. It just requires a bit of arm muscle. You will need to knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It’s a great workout before enjoying your delicious pizza rolls!
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
These homemade pepperoni pizza rolls are a total crowd pleaser and a fantastic example of easy dinner recipes that don’t compromise on flavor. Forget the frozen stuff from the grocery store. Making these from scratch is surprisingly simple and so much more rewarding. It’s a fun activity and a delicious meal all rolled into one.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- If using homemade dough, follow through the first rise. Punch down gently and divide into two equal halves. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each half into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle.
- Brush each dough rectangle with one teaspoon of olive oil and poke small dents to prevent air bubbles. Spread about 1/3 cup of pizza sauce over each rectangle. Sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on each, then arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- Carefully roll each dough rectangle into a tight log. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Chill uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up the dough and filling for easier slicing.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Remove chilled logs and slice each into 12 one-inch pieces (24 rolls total). Use a sharp knife to cut each log. If desired, dip the bottom of each roll into yellow cornmeal and place on the prepared baking sheet (12 rolls per sheet), leaving space between them. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top of the rolls.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until sides are light brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. Serve warm with fresh basil and extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days; reheat in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer.
To freeze: Cool baked rolls completely, arrange on a baking sheet to freeze until firm (about an hour), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat frozen at 350°F (177°C) for 25-30 minutes.
For a different shape, bake these rolls in a muffin pan or a 9 by 13 inch baking pan (bake time will be about the same).
If the full recipe makes too much, you can easily cut it in half to make 12 rolls.
For a healthier twist, try using a whole wheat pizza dough recipe instead.
Customize with other fillings like cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, diced ham, bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms. Ensure vegetable fillings are cooked and patted dry to avoid extra moisture.
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