Last Updated on February 28, 2026 by Souhail
Living in New York City means life moves at a breakneck pace. Between subway delays, endless meetings, and trying to maintain a social life, sometimes all you want is a snack that feels like a hug. That is exactly where these homemade pizza rolls come into play. I remember the first time I made them in my tiny West Village kitchen. I was craving something nostalgic but wanted to avoid the preservatives found in the frozen bags at the bodega.
The result was so much better than I expected. These little bites fit perfectly into everyday life as a quick weeknight meal or a festive dish for game night. They offer a savory flavor profile with melty cheese, tangy sauce, and seasoned meat wrapped in a golden dough. What makes this recipe so special is the control you have over every ingredient, ensuring freshness and flavor in every bite.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works: Why You’ll Love These Little Pizza Bites
There is something magical about homemade pizza rolls that just hits different. Here is why this recipe has become a staple in my New York kitchen:
- Customizable Fillings: You control exactly what goes inside. No mystery meats or preservatives, just fresh ingredients you trust.
- Perfect Texture Balance: The outside gets beautifully crispy while the inside stays gooey and warm. It is the ultimate comfort food contrast.
- Budget Friendly: Making these at home costs a fraction of buying frozen versions, and they taste infinitely better.
- Family Approved: Whether you have picky eaters or foodie friends, everyone loves a warm, cheesy bite.
- Dietary Flexibility: Easily make these gluten-free by using your favorite alternative dough, or keep them vegetarian by skipping the meat entirely.
If you love handheld savory treats, you might also enjoy exploring other creative rolls like these pizza croissants for a buttery twist. You can customize this recipe to fit your lifestyle. Swap in turkey pepperoni for a leaner protein, use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-friendly version, or load them up with veggies like spinach and mushrooms for extra nutrients. The dough can even be made ahead and frozen, making this a true weeknight hero.
Pro Tips for Success: Let’s Make Your Pizza Rolls Perfect
Getting these homemade pizza rolls just right is easier than you think. Here are my chef-tested secrets:
- Don’t Overfill: It is tempting to stuff them with extra cheese and sauce, but less is more. Overfilling leads to leaks and messy baking sheets.
- Seal Tightly: Pinch the dough edges firmly to lock in the filling. A little water on your fingertips can help the dough stick together.
- Chill Before Baking: Pop the assembled rolls in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading.
- Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, bake on a preheated pizza stone for an extra-crispy bottom. No stone? A regular baking sheet works great too.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: For that irresistible golden finish, brush the baked rolls with melted butter mixed with a pinch of garlic powder right when they come out of the oven.
Variants of the Recipe
One of the best things about this base recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you master the classic version, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few of my favorite twists to keep your snack game exciting.
Mediterranean Veggie Delight Swap the traditional pepperoni for a colorful mix of sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano to the filling for an authentic Greek flair. This version is naturally vegetarian and packed with bold, briny flavors that feel sophisticated yet satisfying. It is a fantastic option for lunchboxes or a light dinner paired with a fresh salad.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken For those who love a kick, mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and a touch of cream cheese to stabilize the filling. Top with a drizzle of ranch after baking. This variation transforms the classic pizza roll into a game-day powerhouse. If you enjoy savory, protein-packed snacks, you might also like these chicken sausage balls for another crowd-pleasing option.
Breakfast Style Turn your homemade pizza rolls into a morning treat by filling them with scrambled eggs, crumbled breakfast sausage (use turkey or beef to keep it pork-free), and cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of marinara for dipping, or switch to a maple-yogurt dip for a sweet-savory combo. This is my go-to for lazy weekend brunches when I want something fun and filling.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade pizza rolls shine on their own, but pairing them with the right dips and sides elevates the experience. I love serving them with a trio of dipping sauces: classic marinara, creamy ranch, and a spicy arrabbiata for heat seekers. For a complete meal, pair them with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetable medley to balance the richness.
If you are hosting a party, arrange the rolls on a large platter with fresh basil leaves and a dusting of grated Parmesan for a visually stunning presentation. For a fun fusion twist, try serving them alongside Asian-inspired dips like sweet chili sauce. If you enjoy creative handheld appetizers, you might also explore these corned beef egg rolls for your next gathering.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover homemade pizza rolls store beautifully. Let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the dough chewy.
For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cook time. This make-ahead trick is a lifesaver for busy New York weeks when you need a quick snack fix.
Creative Uses for the Recipe
Think beyond the snack tray. These versatile bites can be breakfast stars, lunchbox heroes, or party centerpieces. Pack them in a thermos for a warm school lunch, slice them in half and top with a fried egg for brunch, or thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for an easy appetizer.
They also freeze beautifully, so I always keep a batch on hand for unexpected guests or late-night cravings. For more inspiration on repurposing dough-based recipes, check out these croissant cinnamon rolls for a sweet counterpart.
How Do You Make It
Homemade Pizza Rolls
24
servings20
minutes15
minutes185
kcalWhip up these irresistible homemade pizza rolls for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack. Packed with melty cheese, savory filling, and wrapped in golden dough, they are perfect for any occasion.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
0.75 cup marinara sauce, thickened
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces turkey pepperoni, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
- In a small bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to boost the flavor.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the sauce, then scatter the chopped turkey pepperoni on top.
- Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the long side, like a jelly roll, pinching the seam to seal.
- Slice the log into 24 even pieces, about 1 inch thick.
- Place each roll cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden shine.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and deep golden brown.
- While they bake, mix the melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with the garlic butter.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving warm with extra marinara for dipping.
Notes
- For a crispier exterior, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
- To make ahead, assemble rolls, freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen adding 3-5 minutes.
- Use thickened marinara to prevent soggy dough; simmer store-bought sauce for 5 minutes to reduce.
- Keep rolls pork-free by using turkey pepperoni or vegetarian alternatives.
- For gluten-free, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pizza dough
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 24
- Calories: 185kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0.25mg
- Sodium: 0.380mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Like this recipe?
Follow @wikitasty on Pinterest
FAQS
A: Absolutely! Assemble them, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
A: This usually happens if they are overfilled or not sealed well. Use a moderate amount of filling and pinch the dough edges firmly. Chilling before baking also helps.
A: Yes, because you control the ingredients. You can use whole wheat dough, lower-sodium sauce, and lean proteins to make them more nutritious.
A: Try chopped cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. For a pork-free option, turkey pepperoni or beef-based alternatives work great.
A: Use a thick, reduced marinara sauce and avoid over-saucing. A light hand with wet ingredients ensures a crisp bake.
A: Definitely. Skip the meat and load up on veggies like zucchini, onions, and olives. Add extra herbs for flavor depth.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
Growing up, Friday nights in my family meant movie marathons and a big bowl of frozen pizza rolls. When I moved to New York and started cooking for myself, I wanted to recreate that cozy feeling but with real, wholesome ingredients. These homemade pizza rolls are my love letter to those simple joys.
They remind me that comfort food does not have to be complicated. Every time I pull a golden tray from my oven, I am transported back to those lazy evenings, but now with the pride of knowing exactly what I am feeding myself and my loved ones.
Closing Thoughts
There you have it, friends. These homemade pizza rolls are your new secret weapon for easy entertaining, quick meals, or just treating yourself. They are customizable, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast. I hope this recipe brings as much happiness to your table as it does to mine.
If you loved this, you might also enjoy trying other savory handheld recipes like these cabbage rolls for a hearty twist. Now, preheat that oven and let’s get baking. Your future self, craving a warm, cheesy bite at midnight, will thank you. Happy cooking!