Easy Pizza Roll Ups: Quick Recipe & Baking Tips

Easy Pizza Roll Ups: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly simple yet utterly satisfying snack or appetizer! Imagine biting into a warm, flaky roll, bursting with the classic flavors of pizza – tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. These aren’t just any ordinary snacks; they’re a miniature celebration of everyone’s favorite comfort food, conveniently rolled into a bite-sized package.

While the exact origins of pizza roll ups are a bit hazy, they clearly draw inspiration from the beloved Italian pizza, a dish with a rich history dating back centuries. From its humble beginnings as a simple flatbread in Naples to its global domination as a culinary icon, pizza has captured hearts (and stomachs!) worldwide. These easy pizza roll ups take that universal appeal and transform it into a fun, portable treat.

What makes these roll ups so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The soft, slightly chewy dough gives way to a gooey, cheesy center, punctuated by the savory notes of pepperoni, vegetables, or whatever toppings your heart desires. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunchbox, or simply craving a quick and delicious snack, these pizza roll ups are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for sprinkling
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Preparing the Pizza Dough and Filling:

Alright, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our pizza dough. This is super easy, I promise! Just grab that package of refrigerated pizza dough and unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. I like to use a large cutting board for this, but your countertop works just fine too. Make sure your surface is lightly floured to prevent the dough from sticking. Nobody wants a sticky mess!

1. Unroll the Pizza Dough: Gently unroll the pizza dough. If it seems a little stiff, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to work with and prevent it from tearing.
2. Spread the Pizza Sauce: Now, grab your pizza sauce. I usually use a good quality store-bought sauce, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, go for it! Spread the sauce evenly over the entire surface of the pizza dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edges. This will help prevent the sauce from oozing out when we roll it up.
3. Add the Mozzarella Cheese: Next up, the mozzarella! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese – we want these roll-ups to be nice and cheesy! I like to use low-moisture mozzarella because it melts really well and doesn’t make the roll-ups too soggy.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Now, for a little extra flavor, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. The Parmesan adds a nice salty and nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
5. Add the Pepperoni: Time for the pepperoni! I like to quarter the pepperoni slices so they’re easier to distribute evenly and don’t make the roll-ups too bulky. Sprinkle the quartered pepperoni over the cheese. If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, you can substitute it with other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Rolling and Slicing the Pizza Roll-Ups:

Okay, now comes the fun part – rolling up the pizza! This is where we transform our flat pizza dough into delicious little roll-ups.

1. Roll the Dough Tightly: Starting from one long edge of the pizza dough, begin rolling it up tightly, like you’re making a jelly roll. Try to keep the roll as even as possible. The tighter you roll it, the better the roll-ups will hold their shape.
2. Pinch the Seam: Once you’ve rolled up the entire dough, pinch the seam tightly to seal it. This will prevent the roll-ups from unraveling during baking.
3. Slice the Roll-Ups: Now, using a sharp knife, slice the rolled-up pizza dough into 1-inch thick slices. I find that a serrated knife works best for this, as it cuts through the dough more easily. You should get about 12-15 roll-ups from one package of pizza dough.

Baking the Pizza Roll-Ups:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these little beauties until they’re golden brown and bubbly.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the roll-ups in, as this will ensure they cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the roll-ups from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Arrange the Roll-Ups: Arrange the sliced pizza roll-ups on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. Leave a little space between each roll-up so they have room to expand while baking.
4. Brush with Olive Oil: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the pizza roll-ups. This will give them a nice golden color and add extra flavor.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the roll-ups are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Serving and Enjoying Your Pizza Roll-Ups:

Woohoo! They’re ready! Now for the best part – enjoying your homemade pizza roll-ups!

1. Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizza roll-ups cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot cheese.
2. Garnish (Optional): If you like, you can sprinkle the pizza roll-ups with red pepper flakes for a little extra heat, or garnish them with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pizza roll-ups warm, with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired. These are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. They’re also great for parties and gatherings.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
• Topping Variations: Get creative with your toppings! Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce for a little extra heat.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the roll-ups in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Freezing Instructions: These pizza roll-ups can be frozen for later. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these easy pizza roll-ups as much as I do! They’re a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Easy Pizza Roll Ups are truly a game-changer for quick snacks, party appetizers, or even a fun weeknight dinner. I know I’ve made them countless times, and they’re always a hit. The simplicity of the recipe combined with the incredible flavor makes them a must-try for anyone looking for a satisfying and effortless treat. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation!

But why are these roll-ups so special? It’s the perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown dough, melty, gooey cheese, and that classic pizza sauce flavor we all crave. Plus, the customizable filling options mean you can cater to everyone’s tastes. Think of it as a blank canvas for your pizza dreams!

And the best part? They’re incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping – that’s my personal favorite! Or, for a more substantial meal, pair them with a fresh salad and some garlic bread. They’re also fantastic cold, making them perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.

Looking for some variations? Get creative! Try adding different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella pearls, or even a sprinkle of parmesan. For meat lovers, pepperoni is a classic choice, but you could also use cooked sausage, ham, or even crumbled bacon. Vegetarian options abound – think sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or spinach. A little sprinkle of Italian seasoning before baking adds an extra layer of flavor. You could even experiment with different sauces, like pesto or a spicy arrabbiata. The possibilities are endless!

For a truly decadent experience, try brushing the tops of the roll-ups with garlic butter before baking. This adds a rich, savory flavor and helps them brown beautifully. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own pizza dough from scratch. While the store-bought dough is incredibly convenient, homemade dough takes these roll-ups to a whole new level.

I truly believe that these Easy Pizza Roll Ups are a recipe that everyone should have in their repertoire. They’re quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, and they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of these amazing roll-ups. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy these delicious treats. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Easy Pizza Roll Ups adventures!

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