There’s something irresistible about pulling apart a golden, cheesy pizza roll, its gooey center stretching with every bite. This Cheesy Pizza Roll Recipe combines the comforting flavors of pizza with the fun, shareable appeal of bite-sized rolls. In just over an hour, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack or meal that’s packed with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a hint of garlic. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, doughy interior, creating a perfect balance of textures. Whether it’s game night or a cozy dinner, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast.
With a prep time of 1 hour and 10 minutes and a quick 25-minute bake, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet delivers big on flavor. Each roll is a mini flavor explosion, with rich, cheesy goodness and a touch of herbaceous seasoning. The golden crust is brushed with garlic butter for an extra layer of indulgence, while the filling stays perfectly gooey. At 517 calories per serving, it’s a treat that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these pizza rolls are a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Rolls
- 1 (16 ounce) loaf frozen bread dough (or 1 roll refrigerated pizza crust)
- 1 (8 ounce) jar pizza sauce (divided, for spreading and dipping)
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (or sliced Mozzarella)
- 1 (6 ounce) package pepperoni slices (optional, or substitute with your favorite toppings)
- 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives (optional, or add other toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers)
- 1 egg (beaten, for brushing)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ Tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw the dough for about 1 hour if using frozen bread dough. (Skip this step if using refrigerated pizza crust.)
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread ½ cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer the toppings: Sprinkle Mozzarella cheese, add pepperoni slices, and scatter black olives (or other toppings) over the sauce.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one long side, to create a long, thin roll. (If using a bread loaf, you may need to cut it in half to fit on your baking sheet.)
- Place the roll seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the roll with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. (Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.)
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice into 1-inch pieces.
- Serve warm with the remaining pizza sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Sauce & Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Pizza Rolls
Get creative with your pizza rolls by experimenting with different sauces and toppings! Swap the classic pizza sauce for pesto, alfredo, or even a spicy marinara for a twist. For toppings, try adding cooked sausage crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. Vegetarian? Skip the pepperoni and load up on spinach, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful bite.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These cheesy pizza rolls are a crowd-pleaser on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a bowl of zesty marinara dipping sauce. For a fun party platter, serve them alongside garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, or mini meatballs. Don’t forget a cold drink like lemonade or iced tea to complete the meal!
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or use the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use pre-made pizza dough or crescent roll dough to skip the thawing step. Pre-shredded cheese and pre-sliced pepperoni can also save prep time. If you’re making these ahead, assemble the rolls the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just brush with egg and bake when ready!
Common Questions Answered
Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh pizza dough works just as well—just roll it out and follow the recipe. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, swap the dough for a gluten-free pizza crust or dough. How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling? Roll tightly and seal the edge with a bit of water or egg wash before baking.
Cheesy Pizza Roll Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (16 ounce) or one roll refrigerated pizza crust
- 1 jar pizza sauce (8 ounce) divided
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese or sliced
- 1 package pepperoni slices (6 ounce) optional topping
- 1 can sliced black olives (2.25 ounce) optional topping
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Let the dough thaw out for about an hour (if you’re using refrigerated pizza crust, you can skip this step).
- Roll out the dough with a rolling pin so that it is about 1/4 inch thick. Spread about 1/2 cup sauce over the bread.
- Place Mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices over the sauce. Then add any other toppings you like. We like black olives.
- Carefully roll up (you’ll want to roll it so it’s long and thin rather than short and thick) and place on a baking sheet. If you use a bread loaf, you may have to cut it in half to fit it on the baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg, then top with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, we love the flavor it gives the crust.
- Bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- Let cool for 5 minutes then cut into slices.
- Dip in remaining pizza sauce (or preferred dipping sauce).