Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Optional Pepperoni and Vegetables Recipe
These homemade pizza rolls feature a soft, flavorful dough enveloping a classic pizza filling of tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and optional pepperoni or sautéed vegetables. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, you can bake or air fry them for a crispy, golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 10-12 minutes (air frying)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 pizza rolls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness, creating a thin, even layer suitable for rolling.
- Cut and Fill: Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled-out dough into 3-inch squares. On each square, spoon a small amount of pizza sauce, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, and add chopped pepperoni or your choice of sautéed vegetables, ensuring not to overfill.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully fold each square into a roll shape, sealing the edges by pinching them together firmly to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- Bake or Air Fry: Arrange the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with an egg wash made from beaten egg or melted butter for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, air fry the rolls at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
- Serve: Allow the pizza rolls to cool for 5 minutes after cooking. Serve warm with dipping sauces such as marinara or garlic butter for an enhanced flavor experience.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding your favorite pizza toppings like olives, ham, or different cheeses.
- For a vegetarian version, omit pepperoni and add extra vegetables.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to avoid filling leakage during baking or air frying.
- Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- If using an air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
