Pizza roll ups

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner | Intensity: Low effort, high reward
Servings: 4 (makes 12 roll-ups)

Introduction

Pizza night just got a major upgrade! These Pizza Roll-Ups combine all the flavors of your favorite pie in a fun, handheld format. Perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or game-day gatherings, they’re endlessly customizable and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. With a golden, crispy exterior and a gooey, savory filling, they deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

For the Roll-Ups:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

• 30–40 slices of pepperoni (about 3 oz)

• ½ cup pizza sauce, plus more for serving

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Olive oil or non-stick spray, for brushing

• Cornmeal or flour, for dusting

Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:

• ½ cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage

• ½ cup diced bell peppers or olives

• ¼ cup sliced black olives

• ¼ cup finely diced red onion

• For finishing: 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

• Pastry brush

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Small bowls for ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Preheat (5 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust it with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough (5 minutes)

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, roughly 12×16 inches. Aim for an even thickness of about ¼ inch. If the dough shrinks back, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing to roll.

Step 3: Layer the Fillings (5 minutes)

1. Sauce: Spread the ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the longer edges (this will help seal the roll).

2. Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce.

3. Seasonings: Dust the garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the cheese.

4. Toppings: Arrange the pepperoni slices in a single, even layer. If using additional toppings like sausage or veggies, scatter them evenly now.

Step 4: Roll It Up (3 minutes)

Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly roll the dough into a log, using the border to seal the roll completely. Press gently to ensure a good seal. Turn the log so the seam side is down.

Step 5: Slice & Arrange (2 minutes)

Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick). Place each roll-up swirl-side-up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection (15 minutes)

1. Lightly brush the tops of the roll-ups with olive oil or spray with non-stick spray. For an extra-golden, flavorful finish, brush with the optional garlic butter.

2. Bake on the middle rack for 14–17 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly.

3. Optional Broil: For a deeper color, broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the pizza roll-ups cool on the pan for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the cheese to set slightly so they’re less messy to eat. Serve warm with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

• Dough Tip: For easiest rolling, let refrigerated store-bought dough sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before using.

• Make Ahead: Assemble the roll-ups up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving. You can also freeze unbaked roll-ups on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cook time.

• Avoid Sogginess: Use low-moisture mozzarella and don’t overdo the sauce. Blot wet ingredients like canned mushrooms or fresh tomatoes with a paper towel before adding.

• Customization is Key: Make a “supreme” version, a veggie-packed option, or even a “breakfast pizza” roll-up with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving: 3 roll-ups)

• Calories: ~480 kcal

• Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 1280mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 48g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 6g

• Protein: 21g

Nutritional information is an estimate based on the primary ingredients and may vary with specific brands, portion sizes, and additions.

The Last Slice…

These Pizza Roll-Ups are more than just a recipe; they’re a solution for hectic evenings and a catalyst for joyful mealtimes. They capture the universal love of pizza in a creative, shareable form. The best part? This recipe is a canvas—invite your family to choose their own fillings and make pizza night an interactive event. Whether dunked in marinara, served with a side salad, or packed cold in a lunchbox, they are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. So roll up your sleeves and get ready for a new favorite!