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Crispy Pizza Rolls Recipe – Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara

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These homemade crispy pizza rolls feature a golden, crunchy shell filled with gooey cheese and pepperoni, served with a tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a comforting snack, they come together quickly and are easily customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 1 packet instant yeast (7g)
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Optional: 1/4 cup diced bell pepper, mushrooms, or olives
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of sugar (optional, for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Sprinkle in salt and knead for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
  3. While dough rests, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of sugar if needed.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder for brushing.
  5. Lightly flour your counter. Roll dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Trim edges for even squares.
  6. Cut dough into 2-inch squares. Place a heaping teaspoon of mozzarella, a sprinkle of cheddar, a few pepperoni slices, and a pinch of Italian seasoning in the center of each square. Add optional veggies if desired.
  7. Fold each square into a bundle and pinch edges tightly. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Dab water on edges if needed to seal.
  8. Brush each roll generously with the garlic oil or butter mixture.
  9. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until rolls are puffed and golden. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even browning.
  10. Let rolls cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve with warm homemade marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Seal the edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking. Don’t overstuff the rolls. For extra crunch, bake 2 minutes longer but watch closely. Use gluten-free flour or dairy-free cheese for dietary needs. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza rolls, homemade snack, crispy, marinara, party food, easy appetizer, comfort food, kid-friendly, game night, pepperoni, cheese