Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe
These homemade pizza rolls are a delicious and fun appetizer or snack, featuring a soft dough filled with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your choice of pepperoni or sautéed vegetables. Perfectly baked or air fried for a golden crust and gooey inside, they are great for parties or a quick bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 pizza rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni (optional)
- Optional: sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
For the Crust:
- 1 egg (for egg wash) or 2 tbsp melted butter (optional for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness to create an even layer for the filling.
- Cut and Fill: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into 3-inch squares. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each square, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni or sautéed vegetables as desired.
- Roll and Seal: Fold each square into a roll, making sure to pinch the edges firmly to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage during baking.
- Bake or Air Fry: Place the sealed pizza rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with either an egg wash or melted butter to achieve a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, or air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes for a quicker, crispier option.
- Serve: Allow the pizza rolls to cool for 5 minutes after cooking. Serve warm with dipping sauces such as marinara or garlic butter for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with any pizza toppings you like, such as sausage, olives, or different cheeses.
- For a crispier crust, air frying is an excellent alternative to baking and reduces cooking time.
- If you prefer a softer crust, use butter instead of egg wash to brush the rolls before baking.
- Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment to help yeast activate properly.
- Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
