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Tasty Pizza Roll Poppers

Featured in Small bites and starters.

These delicious pizza roll poppers are made from rolled-out pizza dough, layered with tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni, then rolled and sliced into spirals. Baked to perfection, they're crispy on the outside with warm, cheesy centers. The recipe allows you to tweak the toppings to your liking and makes for the perfect shareable snack for gatherings, sports nights, or an after-school treat.
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Updated on Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:52:35 GMT
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A plate of cheese balls with a dipping sauce. pin it
A plate of cheese balls with a dipping sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Perfect for any gathering, these homemade Pizza Poppers deliver all the beloved flavors of pizza in delightful bite-sized portions. Each golden-brown morsel features melted mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings wrapped in a flaky crust. These crowd-pleasing appetizers combine classic Italian tastes in a convenient, handheld format that makes them ideal for parties, game days, or casual snacking.

These Pizza Poppers have become a staple at my family gatherings since I first served them at a summer cookout. The familiar Italian flavors combined with their portable size made them an instant hit. Now they're requested at every party and celebration.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh Pizza Dough: Creates a golden, crispy shell while remaining tender inside.
  • Classic Pizza Sauce: Rich tomato flavor infused with Italian seasoning for a well-balanced taste.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: Melts smoothly, delivering the perfect stretchy cheese pull.
  • Grated Parmesan: Adds sharp, salty depth that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Sliced Pepperoni: Brings a classic, slightly spicy flavor that complements the cheese and sauce.
  • Dried Oregano: Provides essential Italian herb notes, adding aromatic depth.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle, savory richness into every bite.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden-brown, flavorful crust.

Preparation Steps

Oven preparation:
Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dough preparation:
Roll dough into 1/4-inch thick rectangle on floured surface.
Sauce layer:
Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges.
Toppings:
Layer mozzarella, parmesan, pepperoni and seasonings evenly across sauce.
Rolling:
Starting from long edge, roll dough tightly into log shape, sealing edges.
Cutting:
Slice log into 1-inch pieces using sharp knife.
Baking:
Brush with olive oil and bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
A white bowl filled with cheese stuffed shells. pin it
A white bowl filled with cheese stuffed shells. | myhomemaderecipe.com

In our household, roasted red peppers are the favorite addition to these poppers. Their sweet, charred flavor perfectly complements the cheese and sauce. Everyone seems to have their preferred version - my daughter insists on extra cheese, while my son loads his with pepperoni.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these poppers fresh from the oven with warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping. Create an Italian appetizer board by surrounding them with marinated olives, roasted peppers, and fresh basil leaves.

Creative Variations

Experiment with different combinations like spinach and feta, buffalo chicken with blue cheese, or breakfast-style with scrambled eggs and bacon. Each variation offers a new twist while maintaining the satisfying bite-sized format.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for optimal crispiness, or microwave briefly if time is short. To freeze, arrange unbaked poppers on a sheet pan, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to three months.

A plate of cheese stuffed breadsticks. pin it
A plate of cheese stuffed breadsticks. | myhomemaderecipe.com

These Pizza Poppers represent the perfect blend of convenience and classic Italian flavors. Whether served at casual gatherings or elegant parties, they consistently impress guests while being simple to prepare. The combination of melty cheese, savory sauce, and golden crust creates an irresistible appetizer that disappears quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap refrigerated dough for homemade?
Of course! Just roll your homemade dough to about 1/4 inch thickness before adding toppings.
→ What other fillings would taste good?
Try combinations like sausage and olives, ham with pineapple, or add veggies like mushrooms or peppers—just chop them small for easy rolling.
→ Can these rolls be prepped ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble and slice the rolls, then store them in the fridge (covered) for up to a day before baking.
→ How can I keep fillings from oozing out?
Avoid overloading the dough, leave a small border free of sauce, and be sure to roll it tightly. Place them seam-side down when baking.
→ Can I freeze the baked rolls for later?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, freeze them. When you're ready to eat, heat them straight from frozen at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Tasty Pizza Roll Poppers

Soft dough rolled with savory sauce, melty cheese, and pepperoni, sliced and baked till crispy, golden, and fluffy.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Zaho


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 poppers)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 One tube (280-320 grams/10-11 oz) chilled pizza dough
02 A little olive oil to brush on top

→ Sauce & Cheese

03 Half a cup of pizza sauce—homemade or whatever brand you like
04 One cup of mozzarella cheese, grated fresh
05 A quarter cup of Parmesan cheese, also freshly grated

→ Toppings & Seasonings

06 1/4 cup of diced pepperoni or any of your favorite pizza toppings
07 One teaspoon of oregano, dried
08 Half a teaspoon of garlic powder

Instructions

Step 01

Turn on your oven and set the temperature according to what’s written on the pizza dough packaging. This preps things for baking.

Step 02

Sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface and roll the pizza dough out into a rectangle that’s about 1/4 inch thick to make a good base.

Step 03

Coat the dough with the pizza sauce, leaving some space around the edges to help seal it when rolling.

Step 04

Layer on the mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, oregano, and garlic powder over the sauce. Want to make it your own? Toss in whatever toppings you love!

Step 05

Carefully roll the dough into a log starting from one long edge. Keep it tight so the filling stays secure.

Step 06

With a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into pieces about an inch thick. Each slice should be like a little spiral pizza roll.

Step 07

Put the pizza rolls on a sheet lined with parchment or grease it lightly. Keep a little gap between them so they don’t stick together when baking.

Step 08

Brush the tops with a small amount of olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 09

Pop the rolls in your hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They’re done when they turn golden brown and the cheese is all melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Give them a few minutes to cool down. For an extra treat, serve them with some warm pizza sauce for dipping!

Notes

  1. These little pizza rolls are great for parties, game nights, or an after-school snack.
  2. Feel free to make it your own—try adding sausage, olives, or diced bell peppers.

Tools You'll Need

  • A baking sheet
  • Some parchment paper
  • A rolling pin
  • A sharp knife
  • A brush for the olive oil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy is included (mozzarella and Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten from the pizza dough
  • May have meat if pepperoni is used

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 6 g