What Makes Pizza Roll Ups So Special
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of baking dough, savory pepperoni, and melted cheese wafting from the oven. It’s a scent that instantly transports me back to childhood sleepovers and bustling family gatherings. These Pizza Roll Ups capture that very essence—a warm, gooey, and utterly comforting pizza snack roll that’s impossible to resist.
I’ve found that the secret to the perfect, non-soggy Pizza Roll Up is a light hand with the sauce. It’s a little trick I learned from my grandmother, who believed the best recipes are often the simplest. They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and I can’t think of a better, easier treat to whip up for a hungry crowd.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Pizza Roll Ups
These easy pizza rolls come together in a flash. You’ll be enjoying them in under 20 minutes.
Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup an absolute breeze.
2. Unroll the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and carefully separate it into 8 triangles along the perforated lines.
3. Add the Sauce
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce onto each triangle of dough. Remember, a little goes a long way to prevent sogginess!
4. Layer the Toppings
Layer a few slices of pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on each triangle. This is where the magic happens.
5. Roll Them Up
Starting from the wide end, tightly roll up each triangle into a classic crescent shape. Give them a gentle pinch to seal.
6. Season and Bake
Place the rolls on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle them with the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for that final flavor punch.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Cool and Serve
Let your pepperoni roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made countless batches of these pizza pinwheels. Here are my favorite little twists and tips for you.
- Flavor Swap: Swap the pepperoni for cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham for a different twist.
- Diet Tweak: Use whole wheat crescent dough and part-skim cheeses for a lighter option.
- Prep Fix: If your dough feels too warm and sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Storage Tip: These reheat beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Healthier Alternatives for Pizza Roll Ups
Can I make it healthier? Absolutely! I often do for my family. It’s wonderfully simple to create a lighter version of these Pizza Roll Ups without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Opt for a whole wheat or reduced-fat crescent roll dough. You can also use part-skim mozzarella cheese and lean turkey pepperoni. I sometimes even add a handful of finely chopped spinach into the mix for an extra veggie boost. These easy pizza rolls are as adaptable as they are delicious.
How to Serve Pizza Roll Ups
I love serving a platter of these warm Pizza Roll Ups right in the middle of the kitchen table. It invites everyone to gather round, chat, and dig in. They are the ultimate party food, perfect for game night or a casual get-together with friends.
For a simple dinner, pair them with a fresh green salad and a cup of tomato soup. It’s a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. A cold glass of iced tea or a light beer is the perfect drink to serve alongside these savory pizza snack rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pizza Roll Ups the same as pizza rolls?
Not quite! While both are delicious, the frozen pizza rolls you buy are typically enclosed in a thicker, doughier crust. Our homemade Pizza Roll Ups use light, flaky crescent roll dough, making them feel a bit more special and elegant.
What are Pizza Roll Ups made of?
At their heart, these easy pizza rolls are made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: crescent roll dough, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and lots of melty mozzarella cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian seasoning finishes them off perfectly.
How do you keep Pizza Roll Ups from getting soggy?
The key is to use a light hand with the sauce. Spread a thin layer rather than a thick one. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated so the dough starts cooking immediately, sealing in the fillings.
Can you make Pizza Roll Ups with puff pastry?
You certainly can! Puff pastry will give you a wonderfully buttery, flaky result. Just be sure to thaw it according to package instructions and roll it out into a rectangle before adding your toppings and rolling it up.
Are Pizza Roll Ups good for a party?
They are absolutely perfect for a party! They are bite-sized, easy to eat, and universally loved. I always make a double batch because they disappear from the platter faster than you can say “more please!”
Can you make Pizza Roll Ups the night before?
Yes, you can assemble them the night before. Cover your baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just pop them straight into the preheated oven—you may need to add a minute or two to the bake time.
What is the best way to reheat Pizza Roll Ups?
To bring back that crispy exterior, reheating in an air fryer or a conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes is best. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the dough can become soft.
Can I use biscuit dough for Pizza Roll Ups?
Absolutely! Flattened canned biscuit dough works wonderfully. It creates a softer, breadier roll-up that’s just as delicious. It’s a fantastic way to switch things up.
