Last updated on January 21st, 2024 at 10:20 pm

Homemade pizza rolls are an easy and delicious game day appetizer that will be loved by kids and adults alike!

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If you love my buffalo chicken pinwheels, then you need to try this pizza version! Loaded with your favorite marinara, gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni, these bite sized wheels of cheesy goodness are crowd favorite for a reason.

These homemade pizza rolls require minimal ingredients, are quick and easy to prepare and can be made in the oven or the air fryer (instructions for both below). All this makes these pizza rolls ideal for game day snacking, party or tasty afternoon treat.

The other great thing about these pizza rolls is they are very customizable by using whatever toppings normally you enjoy on pizza. Try crumbled sausage instead of pepperoni, veggies like bell pepper or olives to make it vegetarian, or keep it simple with extra cheese.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a fun snack, these homemade pizza rolls are here to elevate your appetizer game.

Ingredients

Pizza dough: for ease, I recommend Pillsbury pizza dough so it’s already in the rectangle shape you need. It will just need a little bit of rolling out.
Pepperoni: I used turkey pepperoni.
Mozzarella cheese: the pre-shredded cheese works just fine for this recipe, but you can also shredded your own.
Marinara: a thin layer of marinara goes in the rolls and the rest is used for dipping.
Butter: the pizza rolls will be brushed with seasoned melted butter for extra flavor and to help with achieving a golden brown color in the oven.
Seasoning: garlic powder, oregano and salt.

Equipment

Baking sheet or air fryer
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Pastry brush

Instructions

Unroll the pizza dough onto a large greased or floured work surface. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin so it is slightly longer and thinner.

Spread a thin layer of marinara onto pizza dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges to account for oozing. Top marinara with a layer of cheese and then pepperoni.

With the short edge of the dough facing you, roll up the dough away from you. With a sharp knife, carefully cut the roll into eight equal pieces.

In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, oregano and salt.

Baking instructions: place pizza rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet, brush tops and sides with butter mixture and bake at 400°F for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.

Air fryer instructions: place pizza rolls on a lined air fryer basket, brush tops and sides with butter mixture and air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flip pizza rolls and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Allow pizza rolls to cool for 5 minutes, then serve along side marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips

Do not overstuff your pizza rolls with sauce or fillings as they will be difficult to roll and the filling will ooze out the ends.
To get evenly sized pizza rolls, start by cutting the roll in half, then in half again and then cut those four pieces in half to create eight equal pieces.
To create mini bite sized pizza rolls, have the long side of the puff pastry facing you as you roll it up and away from you. Cut the roll into 16 equal pieces.

FAQ

How do I store homemade pizza rolls?

Allow the pizza rolls to cool completely and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat homemade pizza rolls?

Oven: preheat oven to 350°F and place the defrosted pizza rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake pizza rolls for 10-12 minutes, or until warm throughout.
Air fryer: place defrosted pizza rolls on air fryer basket and air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

Substitutions

Pizza dough: For a different but equally delicious texture, you can use puff pastry sheets instead of pizza dough. This will result in flakier and more delicate rolls.
Mozzarella: other good melting cheeses include fontina, provolone or cheddar.
Pepperoni:
Marinara: for a different twist, use pesto as a substitute in the pizza rolls. Or for a dipping sauce substitute, try garlic butter or ranch dressing.
Alternative toppings: crumbled sausage, sautéed mushrooms, sautéed bell pepper, black olives, onions, fresh basil.

Remember that substitutions can sometimes alter the flavor and texture of the final product, so feel free to experiment and find your preferred combinations. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or simply seeking variety, these substitutions can add a whole new dimension to your homemade pizza rolls.

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If you make these homemade pizza rolls, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!

Dunking a homemade pizza roll into marinara sauce.

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