Looking for a fun and easy snack? Pull apart pizza rolls are the answer! In just a few simple steps, you can create tasty bites filled with your favorite cheese and toppings. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether itβs game day or a cozy movie night. Join me as we dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make these rolls a hit every time!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the pepperoni for your favorite toppings, like vegetables or different cheeses, tailoring the dish to your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: These pull-apart rolls are great for parties or family gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a cheesy, delicious snack.
- Dip Delight: Serving them with marinara sauce for dipping adds an extra layer of flavor and makes every bite even more enjoyable.
Ingredients
List of key ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients make the base of our tasty pull apart pizza rolls. Each part adds flavor and fun.
Optional ingredients for customization
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for added heat)
- Other meats like sausage or ham
- Veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms
Feel free to mix in your favorites. You can create your own unique flavor with these options.
Suggested substitutes for dietary preferences
- Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
- Swap pepperoni for turkey or veggie slices for a healthier choice.
- Try dairy-free cheese if lactose intolerant.
These swaps let you enjoy pizza rolls, no matter your diet. Everyone can get in on the fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Grease a 9Γ9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. Next, take the can of refrigerated pizza dough. Unroll it on a clean surface. Cut it into small squares, about 1Β½ inches each. This will be the base for your tasty rolls.
Assembling the pizza rolls
In a large bowl, mix the quartered pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Take a dough square and place a spoonful of the cheese and pepperoni mix in the center. Pinch the corners together to form a ball. Do this for all the dough squares until you use everything.
Baking for perfect results
Brush the bottom of your baking dish with olive oil. Place the cheese-stuffed dough balls in a single layer. Make sure they are close, but not too crowded. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the rolls. If you want, add more cheese or herbs on top for extra flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the tops to be golden brown and the cheese bubbly. Once done, let the rolls cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Tricks
How to achieve the best texture
To get the best texture, use fresh pizza dough. Refrigerated dough works well, but fresh makes a big difference. Cut the dough into small squares for even baking. Pinch the corners tightly to hold in the cheese and pepperoni. This keeps the filling inside. Bake covered for the first 20 minutes. This helps the rolls rise and cook through. Remove the foil to brown the tops, making them crispy.
Recommended tools for easy preparation
You donβt need many tools, but a few can help. Use a sharp knife for cutting the dough. A large mixing bowl works well for the filling. A 9Γ9 inch baking dish is perfect for baking. A pastry brush helps with the olive oil. Lastly, measuring cups make it easy to portion the cheese and sauce. These tools make the process quick and fun.
Ideas for serving and presentation
Serve your pizza rolls hot right from the oven. Place them on a big plate to share. Add a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. You can sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color. If you want extra flair, serve with crushed red pepper flakes on the side. This lets guests spice their own rolls. For a fun twist, try serving with a salad or veggie platter.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Cut Dough: Make sure to cut the pizza dough into even squares for uniform baking and easy handling.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor twist.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed warm, so serve them immediately after baking for the gooey cheese experience!
Variations
Different cheese options
You can switch up the cheese in your pizza rolls. Try using provolone or cheddar cheese. Both melt nicely and add unique flavors. For a creamy twist, add some ricotta cheese. Mixing different cheeses can make your rolls even more tasty.
Alternative fillings and toppings
Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Instead of pepperoni, try cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies. Spinach and mushrooms make a great combo. You can also add different sauces, like pesto or Alfredo, for a new taste. Toppings like olives or jalapeΓ±os add a fun kick too!
Flavors for themed pizza rolls
Make themed rolls for special occasions. For a BBQ theme, use pulled pork and barbecue sauce. For a breakfast twist, fill them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon. You can also make a Mediterranean version with feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Storage Info
How to store leftover pizza rolls
To store leftover pizza rolls, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, use the freezer.
Reheating methods for best taste
Reheat pizza rolls in the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use the microwave, but the texture wonβt be as nice. Heat for about 30 seconds, checking often.
Freezing and thawing instructions
To freeze, place the cooled pizza rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. To thaw, simply remove them from the freezer. Let them sit in the fridge overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I make pull apart pizza rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these pizza rolls ahead of time. Prepare them as directed but do not bake. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, bake them straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What dip pairs well with pizza rolls?
Marinara sauce is the classic choice for dipping. It complements the flavors well. You can also try ranch dressing or even a spicy buffalo sauce for a fun twist. Each dip adds a new layer of taste to your pizza rolls.
How can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian?
To make vegetarian pizza rolls, simply skip the pepperoni. You can add more cheese or use veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead. You can also mix in some olives for extra flavor. This way, you keep the rolls tasty and satisfying.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great for these rolls. Just roll it out and cut it into squares, just like the store-bought dough. This gives you control over the ingredients and flavor. Plus, it adds a personal touch to your dish.
This post covered all you need to make pizza rolls. We explored the key ingredients and how to customize them. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. Tips for great texture and serving ideas helped you create the best rolls. Variations allowed for fun flavors, and storage tips ensured freshness.
Overall, these pizza rolls are easy and delicious. Enjoy making them and share them with friend

Cheesy Pull Apart Pizza Rolls
IngredientsΒ Β
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (16 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 2 pepperoni slices, quartered (1/2 cup)
- 1 2 marinara sauce (1/2 cup plus extra for dipping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 2 garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 4 crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
InstructionsΒ
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
- On a clean surface, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into small squares (about 1Β½ inches each).
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine.
- Take each dough square, place a spoonful of the cheese and pepperoni mixture in the center, and pinch the corners together to form a ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Lightly brush the bottom of the prepared baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the cheese-stuffed dough balls in a single layer, making sure they are close together but not overcrowded.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the rolls. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese or herbs on top for added flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.