Mini Pizza Roll Bites Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tubes refrigerated pizza crust
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni, sliced and chopped
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly flour a large surface for rolling out the pizza crust.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll each tube of pizza dough and stretch it into a rectangular shape. Lightly sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning over the dough.
- Add Cheese: Evenly distribute the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
- Add Pepperoni: Scatter the chopped pepperoni over the cheese.
- Roll Dough: Starting from a short end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Seal the edge by pinching the dough together.
- Slice Rolls: Using a serrated knife or a sharp pizza cutter, slice the roll into 1-inch sections. Arrange the pizza rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the pizza rolls hot, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 111 kcal per roll
- Servings: 24 rolls
20 Most Popular Questions and Answers
- Can I use homemade pizza dough?
- Yes, homemade pizza dough works great. Just roll it out to a similar thickness as the refrigerated kind.
- Can I add other toppings?
- Absolutely! Try adding ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or sausage.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the rolls, refrigerate them, and bake them just before serving.
- Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
- Yes, place the sliced rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling?
- Make sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam well to seal it. You can also use a toothpick to secure them if needed.
- Can I use different cheeses?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Can I use whole wheat pizza dough?
- Yes, whole wheat dough is a healthier option that works well with this recipe.
- How can I make these less greasy?
- Use turkey pepperoni or reduce the amount of cheese to make them less greasy.
- Can I add a dipping sauce other than marinara?
- Yes, ranch, garlic butter, or a cheese sauce are delicious alternatives.
- Do I need to pre-cook the pepperoni?
- No, pre-cooking the pepperoni is not necessary since it will cook in the oven.
- How do I keep the rolls from sticking to the baking sheet?
- Lightly grease the baking sheet or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
- Yes, pre-shredded cheese is convenient and works well for this recipe.
- Can I brush the rolls with butter before baking?
- Yes, brushing the rolls with melted butter or olive oil before baking adds extra flavor and helps them brown nicely.
- What type of pepperoni is best?
- Use your favorite pepperoni, whether it’s regular, turkey, or even spicy.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
- Make sure to leave a border around the edges when adding the cheese and toppings, and roll the dough tightly.
- Can I use a different seasoning?
- Yes, try adding herbs like basil, oregano, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- What if I don’t have a serrated knife?
- A sharp pizza cutter works well for slicing the rolls without squishing them.
- How can I make the rolls crispier?
- For a crispier texture, bake the rolls on a wire rack set over a baking sheet so the heat circulates around them evenly.
Secrets and Tips for the Perfect Mini Pizza Roll Bites
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality pizza dough, cheese, and pepperoni for the best flavor.
- Keep Dough Cold: Keep the pizza dough cold until ready to use. This makes it easier to handle and less sticky.
- Flour Your Surface: Lightly flour your surface to prevent the dough from sticking and to ensure it rolls out smoothly.
- Roll Dough Evenly: Roll the dough into an even rectangle to ensure uniform cooking and even distribution of ingredients.
- Pre-Cook Toppings: If adding vegetables or other toppings, pre-cook them to remove excess moisture that can make the dough soggy.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Spread Ingredients Evenly: Distribute cheese and pepperoni evenly over the dough to ensure each bite has a consistent flavor.
- Leave a Border: Leave about a half-inch border around the edges of the dough to prevent the filling from spilling out when rolled.
- Roll Tightly: Roll the dough tightly to keep the filling inside and to create a nice spiral effect.
- Seal the Edges: Pinch the edges of the dough log to seal it and prevent it from unrolling during baking.
- Chill the Dough: Chill the rolled dough log in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to make cleaner cuts.
- Use a Sharp Knife: Use a serrated knife or a sharp pizza cutter to slice the roll into even sections without squishing them.
- Even Slices: Slice the roll into uniform 1-inch sections for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet with some space between them to allow even cooking and browning.
- Preheat Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F (218°C) before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Rotate Baking Sheet: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or olive oil before baking to enhance browning and add flavor.
- Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from over-browning or burning.
- Serve Fresh: Serve the pizza rolls fresh out of the oven for the best taste and texture.
- Pair with Marinara: Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza flavor.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Mini Pizza Roll Bites are perfectly cooked, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious every time.