Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Optional Vegetables Recipe
These homemade pizza rolls are a delicious and fun snack or appetizer, featuring a soft dough filled with classic pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and optional pepperoni or sautéed vegetables. Perfectly baked or air fried to golden perfection, they make a crowd-pleasing treat for any pizza lover.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 10-12 minutes (air frying)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including dough rising)
- Yield: Approximately 16 pizza rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni (optional)
- Optional: sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
For the Crust:
- 1 egg (for egg wash) or 2 tbsp melted butter (optional for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add olive oil and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to a thin sheet about 1/8-inch thick, ready for filling and cutting.
- Cut and Fill: Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 3-inch squares. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each square, add shredded mozzarella cheese, and top with pepperoni or sautéed vegetables if desired.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll each square into a tight roll, folding and pinching the edges firmly to seal the filling inside, preventing any leaks during baking or air frying.
- Bake or Air Fry: Place the sealed rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with either a beaten egg wash or melted butter to give the crust a golden, shiny finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes for a quicker, crispy finish.
- Serve: Allow the pizza rolls to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with dipping sauces such as marinara or garlic butter for added flavor.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, jalapeños, or different cheeses.
- For a crisper crust, air frying is recommended and faster compared to baking.
- Make sure to fully seal the rolls to prevent cheese and sauce from leaking out while cooking.
- If you prefer a softer crust, brush with melted butter instead of egg wash before baking.
- Leftover pizza rolls can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
