Pizza Roll-Ups
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls might just be the perfect solution to those pesky snack cravings that hit in the afternoon or the inevitable need for something fun to satisfy guests during a gathering. Picture this: fluffy, golden-brown pastry spirals wrapped tight around a flavorful mix of pepperoni, ham, and melted mozzarella cheese, just waiting to be dunked into a warm marinara sauce.
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I first stumbled upon this delectable treat during a casual game night with friends. We wanted something simple, yet delicious, and these Pizza Roll-Ups quickly became the star of the show. They’re not only a breeze to whip up but are also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a fun appetizer at parties, pack them in kiddo’s lunchboxes, or enjoy them as a late-night snack while binge-watching your favorite series. Trust me; once you make these, you’ll want to keep them in your regular rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, from prep to oven!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory pepperoni, rich deli ham, and gooey mozzarella makes every bite delightful.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls look irresistible with their beautiful, golden crust, making them a showstopper at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game night, or a cozy family dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Adjust the ingredients for gluten-free dough or swap the meats for veggies for a vegetarian twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 14 ounces refrigerated pizza dough: This is the backbone of the dish. Using store-bought saves time, but feel free to use homemade dough if you prefer.
- ¾ cup marinara sauce: This sauce adds a delicious tomato flavor; you can also use pizza sauce for a different twist.
- 12 slices pepperoni: These provide that classic pizza taste. Feel free to substitute turkey or chicken pepperoni for a lighter option.
- 6 slices deli ham, roughly cut into squares: The addition of ham gives the roll a lovely richness. You can swap it for salami or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian roll.
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and creates that gooey goodness we love. Other varieties like cheddar can be mixed in for a different flavor.
- Dipping sauce of your choice: Marinara is fantastic, but ranch or garlic sauce works well, too.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This golden goodness brushed on top adds flavor and a beautiful finish.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances the savory profile of the filling.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: This brings in a delightful garlic flavor, perfect for rolling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that tie everything together.
How to Make Pizza Roll-Ups
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Then, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking.
Roll Out the Dough: Take your 14 ounces of refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that measures about 12×10 inches and is ¼ inch thick. Don’t roll it too thin; otherwise, your rolls may fall apart during baking.
Layer the Filling: Spoon the ¾ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of bare dough around the edges. Then, layer on the 12 slices of pepperoni, the squares of deli ham, and finally sprinkle the ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Be careful not to overstuff—this is the trick to keeping them from collapsing in the oven!
Roll It Up: Begin at the longer side of the rectangle and roll the dough tightly, pinching the seams to seal it. Once rolled, use a serrated knife to cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls on the lined sheet pan, ensuring they have space of about 3 to 4 inches apart.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder together. This fragrant blend will add a rich flavor to the tops of your rolls.
Brush the Rolls: Lightly brush the tops and edges of the rolls with some of your garlic butter mixture, but save some for after baking. This is where the magic happens!
Bake to Perfection: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Keep an eye out until the rolls are puffy and golden brown. When they’re done, brush them again with the remaining garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve Warm: Let these beauties cool for a minute, then serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers at room temperature for about 1-2 days in an airtight container. If you need a longer shelf-life, transfer them to the fridge where they’ll last about 3-5 days. For freezing, place the rolls in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they are tightly sealed, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes until warm—the texture will become less crispy after reheating, but you’ll refresh the flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overstuffing the rolls, as this can cause them to burst during baking.
- Always make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling out—it’s much more pliable.
- If your rolls seem a bit pale after baking, pop them back in the oven for a few extra minutes for that perfect golden color.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for more depth of flavor.
- Try adding some sautéed veggies or Italian sausage for a hearty variation.
- You can prepare these rolls in advance and refrigerate them before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
These Pizza Roll-Ups are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Not only do they deliver satisfying flavors and textures, but they also bring people together, making any occasion feel special. Each bite warms your heart and brings a nostalgic sense of comfort. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a snack, or at a party, there’s something undeniably delightful about these little rolls of joy. Don’t hesitate to get creative; your kitchen is your canvas!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Pizza Roll-Ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you take them straight from the fridge.
What dipping sauce pairs best with these rolls?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice that complements the flavors perfectly. However, ranch or garlic butter sauce are delightful alternatives that add a fun twist!
How can I make these rolls vegetarian?
Simply leave out the pepperoni and ham! You can replace them with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a delicious meat-free option.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite pizza dough recipe, feel free to use it here. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the recommended thickness for even baking.
PrintMore Dinner Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Pizza Roll-Ups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Pizza Roll-Ups combine pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara sauce with soft, warm pizza dough. Perfect for a quick, tasty dinner or snack!
Ingredients
- 14 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
- ¾ cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 6 slices deli ham, roughly cut into squares
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- dipping sauce of your choice for serving
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and prepare a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle of approximately 12×10 inches, about ¼ inch thick. Be careful not to roll too thin to maintain shape.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch at the edges. Layer with pepperoni, ham, and mozzarella cheese.
- Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams to seal. Cut the roll into 12 even pieces with a serrated knife and place them on the lined pan, spacing 3 to 4 inches apart.
- Prepare garlic butter by mixing the melted butter with garlic powder, italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush a portion of the garlic butter over the tops and edges of the rolls, saving some for later.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Once out of the oven, brush with remaining garlic butter. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
For a crispier texture, consider baking longer.
Experiment with different fillings like vegetables or different meats.
Ensure the rolls are tightly sealed to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
