Description
Delicious stuffed pizza rolls filled with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a party appetizer or snack, these pizza bites offer a crispy outside and a gooey, flavorful center.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough and Filling
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Seasoning and Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, providing a base for your filling.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then distribute the mini or chopped pepperoni on top. Finish with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log to encase the filling securely.
- Slice Rolls: Slice the rolled log into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces and place each cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over each roll for added flavor.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg lightly and brush it over the tops of the pizza rolls to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customize the filling by adding cooked sausage, vegetables, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
- For a crispier bottom crust, bake the rolls on a preheated pizza stone.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven to maintain the best texture.
