Homemade Pizza Rolls: The Ultimate Comfort Snack
There’s something universally comforting about the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza. But when you roll it up into bite-sized pieces, it takes comfort food to an entirely new level. Enter: homemade pizza rolls—a fun, customizable snack that’s perfect for game day, kids’ lunches, party platters, or just a casual movie night at home.
With just a few simple ingredients—store-bought dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings—you can whip up a batch of these irresistible bites in under 30 minutes. Here’s everything you need to know to make pizza rolls from scratch, with tips, tricks, and variations to keep things fresh and exciting.
Why Make Pizza Rolls at Home?
Sure, the frozen kind is convenient. But homemade pizza rolls beat the store-bought version in every way. They’re:
Fresher and tastier, with melty cheese and real toppings.
Healthier, because you control the ingredients and portions.
Customizable—perfect for picky eaters or dietary needs.
Fun to make, especially with kids or guests who want to join in the process.
Homemade pizza rolls bring the flavor of your favorite pizza into a perfectly portable snack. Plus, there’s something nostalgic and comforting about the combination of warm dough, savory sauce, and stretchy cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These pizza rolls are easy to make with just a handful of ingredients:
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
This is the base. Pizza dough gives you a traditional texture, while crescent dough adds a buttery, flaky finish.
1/2 cup pizza sauce
Go for a classic tomato-based sauce, or try marinara or even a pesto for something different.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is the traditional choice for its meltability, but you can also blend in provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for a twist.
1/2 cup mini pepperoni
You can also use chopped pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder boosts the flavor and gives that signature pizzeria taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the pizza dough onto a floured surface or directly onto parchment paper. Use a rolling pin (or your hands) to shape it into a rectangle, roughly 10×14 inches. If using crescent dough, pinch the seams together to create one smooth sheet.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by your mini pepperoni or other toppings. Finally, dust the surface with Italian seasoning for a boost of flavor.
4. Roll It Up
Starting on one long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, jelly-roll style. Take your time—rolling it tightly ensures that the filling stays put and bakes evenly. Once rolled, pinch the edge to seal the log.
5. Slice and Bake
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces (you’ll get around 12–15 rolls). Place them cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch or so apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, and the dough should be cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving—they’ll be piping hot inside. Serve with warm marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Best Pizza Rolls
Don’t overload the fillings. Too much sauce or cheese can make the rolls soggy and hard to slice.
Chill the dough slightly before slicing if it becomes too soft to handle.
Customize your rolls with your favorite ingredients: mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, or pineapple.
Brush the tops with melted garlic butter before or after baking for an extra boost of flavor.
Fun Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try mixing things up:
Buffalo Chicken Rolls: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese.
Breakfast Rolls: Add scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese.
Veggie Supreme: Use diced tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and mozzarella for a vegetarian twist.
Sweet Pizza Rolls: Skip the sauce and cheese, and fill with Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or jam for a dessert version.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Pizza rolls are great for making ahead. Prepare and slice the rolls, then freeze them (uncooked) on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Homemade pizza rolls are a crowd-pleasing snack that combines everything you love about pizza in a fun, handheld form. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining friends, or just craving something cheesy and warm, this easy recipe delivers every time.
The best part? You can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes, making these rolls as classic or creative as you like. Once you try making them from scratch, you might never go back to the frozen kind again.