Stuffed Pizza Cheese Rolls

These stuffed pizza rolls make a crowd-pleasing snack or dinner that combines gooey cheese, savory sausage or pepperoni, and pillowy dough in each bite. They come together quickly with a few easy steps and are always a hit when dipped into warm marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• Frozen dinner rolls: Use classic white frozen rolls for a soft dough that bakes up golden Choose well-shaped rolls without freezer burn for best results
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the most delicious cheesy center Use whole milk mozzarella for creaminess and shred it fresh if you can
• Cooked sausage or pepperoni: Both options give pops of flavor and protein Use lean sausage if you like or pick your favorite pizza meat
• Melted butter: Helps the topping stick and gives a rich taste Use unsalted fresh butter for best results
• Italian seasoning: Adds lots of herby pizza flavor Look for a blend with oregano basil and thyme for classic taste
• Garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth Choose pure garlic powder for clean flavor
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty savory crust on top Grate it fresh or use high-quality pre-grated parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Thaw the Rolls:

Let frozen rolls sit at room temperature on a baking sheet for about two hours They should feel soft but not puffy and should not be left to rise at this stage You want them just workable

Shape and Fill:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish Press each thawed roll flat into a three inch circle Pat the dough so it is even and not too thin Spoon one tablespoon of shredded mozzarella and your chosen meat right into the center

Seal Each Roll:

Pull the edges of the dough up around the filling and firmly pinch the seams closed Flip the stuffed ball so the pinched seam is underneath and set it in the pan Make sure they are close but not touching too tightly

Mix and Brush the Topping:

Stir melted butter garlic powder and Italian seasoning together until well blended Generously brush this mixture all over the tops of the assembled rolls for that aromatic pizzeria flavor

Add Parmesan and Bake:

Sprinkle grated parmesan evenly over the rolls Place the pan in the hot oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes The tops should look golden and crusty and the rolls should sound hollow when tapped

Serve with Marinara:

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for five minutes Serve them warm with a bowl of store bought or homemade marinara for dipping

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Storage Tips

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator They will keep for up to three days You can reheat them in the microwave but the oven restores their crispy tops best For longer storage freeze baked rolls in a freezer bag and thaw overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the mozzarella for cheddar provolone or a blend of cheeses For the meat try diced ham cooked bacon or even chopped vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian option The coating can be flexible too with a little smoked paprika or extra fresh parsley for a boost

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls as a main meal with a big green salad and extra marinara for dipping They are also perfect for game day platters or packed into lunchboxes My family loves them alongside roasted broccoli or carrot sticks for a balanced dinner

Recipe FAQs

→ What cheese works best in these rolls?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for a stretchy, melty center, but you can substitute with provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.

→ Can I use different fillings besides sausage or pepperoni?

Absolutely! Try cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even cooked chicken for variety and to suit different tastes.

→ How do I keep the rolls from opening in the oven?

Make sure to tightly pinch the dough seams shut and place the seam side down in the pan. This helps the rolls stay sealed while baking.

→ Is homemade dough required, or can I use store-bought?

Frozen or refrigerated dough works perfectly for convenience and quick preparation, but homemade dough can be used if preferred.

→ What dipping sauces go well with these rolls?

Warm marinara is the most popular, but you can also serve with ranch, garlic butter, or creamy Alfredo for different flavors.

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve for best taste and texture.