Pizza rolls are a popular and versatile snack enjoyed by people of all ages. These bite-sized pizza-flavored delights combine all the best elements of a classic pizza—cheese, sauce, and toppings—wrapped in a convenient, easy-to-eat package. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a game-day favorite, pizza rolls deliver big on flavor and are easy to prepare.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about pizza rolls. From their history and ingredients to making them from scratch and exploring popular store-bought brands like Totino’s, this guide covers it all. You’ll also find tips on serving pizza rolls, storing them, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Are Pizza Rolls?
Pizza rolls are essentially small pockets of dough filled with pizza ingredients like mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni. These delicious little snacks can be baked, fried, or air-fried to achieve a crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy interior. They have become a staple in many households as a convenient snack or appetizer.
While pizza rolls gained widespread popularity thanks to Totino’s, the concept of combining pizza flavors into smaller, bite-sized forms has been embraced by home cooks and chefs alike. Today, pizza rolls are available in numerous variations, from classic cheese and pepperoni to more adventurous flavors like buffalo chicken and vegetarian options.
To better understand how pizza rolls evolved from traditional pizza, it’s helpful to explore the history of pizza and its journey from a humble Italian dish to a global phenomenon.
Ingredients for Pizza Rolls
The beauty of pizza rolls lies in their simplicity. You only need a few key ingredients to make them at home, and you can customize the fillings to suit your taste preferences. Here’s what you’ll need for homemade pizza rolls:
For the Dough:
- Pizza dough or wonton wrappers: The outer layer of pizza rolls can be made from homemade or store-bought pizza dough. For a lighter, crispier option, you can use wonton wrappers.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the dough before baking, giving the rolls a golden, crispy finish.
For the Filling:
- Mozzarella cheese: This is the quintessential pizza cheese known for its meltability. Use shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella pearls for the best results.
- Pizza sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce flavored with Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic. You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own at home.
- Pepperoni or other meats: Pepperoni is the classic choice for pizza rolls, but you can experiment with other meats such as Italian sausage, bacon, or chicken.
- Vegetables (optional): You can add finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Herbs and spices: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes enhance the overall flavor of your pizza rolls.
Making pizza rolls from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives and artificial flavors found in some store-bought versions. You can also create gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian variations to suit dietary needs.
For a deeper dive into one of the key ingredients, learn more about mozzarella cheese and its essential role in pizza dishes.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls
Making pizza rolls at home is easy and rewarding. The following step-by-step recipe outlines how to create crispy, flavorful pizza rolls from scratch.
1. Prepare the Dough
Whether you’re using homemade pizza dough, store-bought pizza dough, or wonton wrappers, the first step is preparing your dough.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about ¼-inch thickness. If you’re using wonton wrappers, there’s no need to roll them out, as they come pre-sized.
- Cut the dough: Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into small squares, approximately 3×3 inches. These squares will form the base for your pizza rolls.
2. Prepare the Filling
The filling is the heart of your pizza rolls, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients.
- Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, mix shredded mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and your choice of fillings, such as pepperoni, sausage, or vegetables. Be sure to keep the filling fairly dry to prevent the pizza rolls from becoming soggy during cooking.
- Season the filling: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to boost the flavor of the filling.
3. Assemble the Pizza Rolls
Now it’s time to assemble the pizza rolls.
- Add the filling: Place a small spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill, as too much filling can cause the pizza rolls to burst during cooking.
- Fold and seal: Fold the corners of the dough squares toward the center and pinch the edges to seal the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure the pizza rolls are tightly sealed.
4. Bake, Fry, or Air Fry the Pizza Rolls
You have multiple options when it comes to cooking pizza rolls. Here’s how to bake, fry, or air fry them:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pizza rolls on the sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the pizza rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pizza rolls in a single layer in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the pizza rolls are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven or fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for added flavor.
Homemade Pizza Rolls vs. Store-Bought Pizza Rolls
When comparing homemade pizza rolls to their store-bought counterparts, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break it down:
Store-Bought Pizza Rolls:
Store-bought pizza rolls, like Totino’s, are popular for their convenience. They come frozen and are ready to heat and eat in minutes, making them an easy snack option. Some of the benefits of store-bought pizza rolls include:
- Convenience: No preparation required—simply pop them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
- Variety: Many brands, such as Totino’s and Trader Joe’s, offer a wide range of flavors, including pepperoni, cheese, buffalo chicken, and more.
- Long shelf life: Store-bought pizza rolls can be stored in the freezer for months, making them a great option to keep on hand for quick snacks.
However, store-bought pizza rolls often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and lower-quality ingredients compared to homemade versions. Some people may also find that the filling is more sauce-heavy and lacks the cheesy, gooey texture of homemade pizza rolls.
Homemade Pizza Rolls:
Making pizza rolls from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and create a healthier version of this popular snack. The benefits of homemade pizza rolls include:
- Freshness: Homemade pizza rolls are made with fresh ingredients, free from preservatives and artificial additives.
- Customization: You can experiment with different fillings, sauces, and dough types to create a pizza roll that suits your taste. You can also make vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free versions.
- Healthier option: By baking instead of frying and using whole, unprocessed ingredients, you can create a healthier version of pizza rolls with fewer calories and less fat.
For more inspiration on creating delicious, homemade versions of popular snacks, check out this raspberry cheesecake cookie recipe.
Popular Pizza Roll Brands and Flavors
While homemade pizza rolls are delicious and customizable, store-bought pizza rolls remain incredibly popular due to their convenience and variety. Here are some of the top pizza roll brands and flavors available in stores:
1. Totino’s Pizza Rolls
Totino’s is arguably the most well-known brand when it comes to pizza rolls. Their wide range of flavors, including pepperoni, cheese, combination, and supreme, have made them a household favorite for years. Totino’s pizza rolls are crispy on the outside and filled with a saucy, cheesy interior. They are widely available in grocery stores and come in various sizes, making them a convenient choice for parties or quick snacks.
2. Annie’s Pizza Poppers
Annie’s is known for using organic, non-GMO ingredients in their products, and their Pizza Poppers are no exception. These pizza rolls offer a healthier alternative to traditional frozen snacks, with no artificial preservatives or additives. Annie’s Pizza Poppers come in flavors like four cheese and pepperoni, and they’re a great option for health-conscious consumers.
3. Trader Joe’s Pizza Rolls
Trader Joe’s is beloved for its high-quality frozen foods, and their pizza rolls are no exception. With flavors like four cheese and Italian sausage, Trader Joe’s pizza rolls offer a gourmet twist on the classic snack. They’re made with simple, clean ingredients and have a reputation for tasting more “homemade” than other store-bought brands.
Variations of Pizza Rolls
One of the best things about pizza rolls is how versatile they are. You can experiment with different fillings, seasonings, and even cooking methods to create unique variations of this classic snack. Here are some popular pizza roll variations to try:
1. Cheese Lover’s Pizza Rolls
For those who can’t get enough cheese, this variation is a must-try. Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese for a gooey, cheesy filling that’s sure to satisfy any cheese lover. You can also add a little cream cheese to the filling for an extra creamy texture.
2. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls
Spice things up with buffalo chicken pizza rolls! Fill the dough with shredded buffalo chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of buffalo sauce. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
3. Vegetarian Pizza Rolls
Skip the meat and fill your pizza rolls with a variety of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Add mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a flavorful, veggie-packed snack.
4. Breakfast Pizza Rolls
Why not turn pizza rolls into a breakfast treat? Fill the dough with scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage or bacon for a savory breakfast pizza roll that’s perfect for on-the-go mornings.
For more creative pizza variations, check out this potato pizza recipe, and consider incorporating potatoes into your pizza rolls for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even part of a larger meal. Here are some serving ideas to make the most of your pizza rolls:
- As a party snack: Arrange pizza rolls on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or blue cheese dressing. This makes them perfect for parties, game-day gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
- As an appetizer: Serve pizza rolls as an appetizer before a main meal. Pair them with a fresh salad or a light pasta dish for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
- For game days: Pizza rolls are a great addition to any game-day spread. Serve them alongside other game-day favorites like wings, nachos, or sliders for a fun and satisfying snack table.
Storing and Reheating Pizza Rolls
If you’ve made a large batch of pizza rolls, you’ll want to know the best way to store and reheat them to maintain their crispiness and flavor. Here’s how to store and reheat pizza rolls for later enjoyment:
Storing Pizza Rolls
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a great option if you plan to eat them within a few days.
- Freezing: If you want to store pizza rolls for a longer period, freeze them. Place the pizza rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pizza rolls can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pizza Rolls
- Oven: To reheat pizza rolls and maintain their crispy texture, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can reheat pizza rolls in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. While they won’t be as crispy as when reheated in the oven, they’ll still be delicious.
- Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, reheat pizza rolls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes.
FAQs About Pizza Rolls
What are pizza rolls made of?
Pizza rolls are made with a dough base, usually pizza dough or wonton wrappers, and filled with pizza ingredients like mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, pepperoni, and various seasonings.
Are pizza rolls healthier when baked or fried?
Baking pizza rolls is a healthier option compared to frying, as it uses less oil and reduces the overall calorie content. Air frying is another option that delivers a crispy texture with minimal added fat.
Can I make pizza rolls in an air fryer?
Yes! Pizza rolls can be made in an air fryer by cooking them at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.
How do I make gluten-free pizza rolls?
To make gluten-free pizza rolls, use a gluten-free pizza dough or gluten-free wonton wrappers. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the sauce and meats, are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I prevent pizza rolls from exploding in the oven?
To prevent pizza rolls from bursting during baking, avoid overfilling them and make sure to seal the edges tightly. Poking a small hole in the top of each roll with a fork can also help release steam and prevent explosions.
Conclusion
Pizza rolls are a fun, versatile snack that’s loved by all ages. Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought brands like Totino’s or enjoy making them from scratch, pizza rolls offer endless customization options. With variations like buffalo chicken, vegetarian, and cheese lover’s pizza rolls, there’s a flavor for everyone.
For more pizza-inspired recipes, check out this potato pizza recipe or try making raspberry cheesecake cookies for dessert.