Best Pizza Rolls

Introduction

Best Pizza Rolls are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and loaded with classic pizza flavor—melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite fillings all wrapped in a golden crust. Whether baked or air-fried, these homemade pizza rolls are far better than store-bought and perfect for snacks, parties, or easy dinners. One bite delivers everything you love about pizza in a fun, handheld form.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Crispy outside, cheesy inside
• Easy to customize with favorite toppings
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Bake or air fry options

• Freezer-friendly for later

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni, finely chopped
• ½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Optional fillings: cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pizza cutter or knife
• Pastry brush

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Roll out the dough

Lightly flour a work surface. Roll pizza dough into a thin rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep the shape even for uniform rolls.

3. Add the filling

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly, followed by pepperoni and any additional toppings.

4. Roll it up

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, similar to cinnamon rolls. Keep the roll snug to prevent filling from leaking.

5. Slice

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into 1–1½-inch pieces. Gently reshape if needed.

6. Arrange

Place the pizza rolls, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

7. Season the tops

Brush tops lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

8. Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

9. Cool slightly

Let pizza rolls cool 5 minutes before serving—this helps the cheese set and prevents burns.

10. Serve

Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overfilling — leaks and soggy bottoms
• Thick dough — doughy centers
• Skipping parchment — sticking
• Cutting too thin — unraveling
• Serving immediately — molten cheese burns

Variations of Best Pizza Rolls

• Pepperoni & Sausage — classic combo
• Veggie Pizza Rolls — mushrooms, peppers, onions
• Cheesy Garlic — mozzarella + parmesan, no sauce
• Buffalo Chicken — buffalo sauce and shredded chicken

• Breakfast Pizza Rolls — scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
• Freeze unbaked rolls up to 2 months
• Bake from frozen at 400°F, adding 5–7 minutes

• Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry pizza rolls?
Yes—air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.

Can I use crescent dough?
Yes—expect a softer, flakier texture.

Why did my rolls open?
They were cut too thin or rolled too loosely.

What cheese works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella melts best.

Conclusion

Best Pizza Rolls are the ultimate comfort snack—crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer, these homemade rolls deliver unbeatable flavor and fun in every bite.