Parmesan Garlic Pizza Rolls: An Easy & Delicious Recipe

Pizza rolls are a classic comfort food, but sometimes you want something a little more elevated – something bursting with flavor and irresistibly cheesy. Enter: Parmesan Garlic Pizza Rolls. These aren’t your average frozen snacks. We’re talking about fluffy, golden-brown rolls, generously coated in a savory parmesan garlic butter, and filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for game day, movie night, or a quick and satisfying snack. Get ready to ditch the delivery and embrace the homemade deliciousness of these addictively good pizza rolls!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses store-bought pizza dough, making it a breeze to whip up even on busy weeknights.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of parmesan, garlic, and herbs creates an incredibly savory and aromatic experience.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the filling to your own preferences – add pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, or anything else your heart desires.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These pizza rolls are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for parties and gatherings.
* **Satisfying:** They’re cheesy, savory, and oh-so-delicious – a truly satisfying snack or appetizer.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pizza Dough:** 1 pound store-bought pizza dough (refrigerated or frozen, thawed).
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese.
* **Butter:** ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
* **Dried Parsley:** 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon salt.
* **Black Pepper:** ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
* **Optional Toppings:** Pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet to bake the pizza rolls on.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Mixing Bowl:** To combine the parmesan garlic butter.
* **Pizza Cutter or Knife:** To cut the pizza dough into squares.
* **Pastry Brush (Optional):** To brush the parmesan garlic butter onto the rolls.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps with detailed explanations. Let’s get started!

### Step 1: Prepare the Parmesan Garlic Butter

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Set aside.

### Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches.

### Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Rolls

1. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the pizza dough into approximately 2-inch squares. You should get around 24-32 squares.
2. Place a small amount of mozzarella cheese (about 1 teaspoon) in the center of each square.
3. If using, add your desired toppings on top of the mozzarella cheese. Don’t overload the squares, as this will make them difficult to roll.
4. Carefully roll up each square, starting from one corner and rolling diagonally to the opposite corner, forming a small roll. Pinch the edges to seal them securely.
5. Place the assembled pizza rolls, seam-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each roll.

### Step 4: Brush with Parmesan Garlic Butter

1. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the tops and sides of the pizza rolls with the parmesan garlic butter. Make sure each roll is thoroughly coated.

### Step 5: Bake the Pizza Rolls

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pizza rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

### Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizza rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Pizza Rolls

* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** The quality of the cheese will greatly impact the flavor of the pizza rolls. Opt for high-quality mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
* **Don’t Overfill the Rolls:** Overfilling the rolls will make them difficult to roll and seal, and the filling may leak out during baking.
* **Seal the Rolls Tightly:** Pinch the edges of the rolls firmly to seal them and prevent the cheese from melting out.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the pizza rolls will make them dry and hard. Bake them until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations of meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder.
* **Refrigerate Dough Properly:** If using refrigerated pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with.
* **Freezing for Later:** These pizza rolls can be assembled ahead of time and frozen. Place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these pizza rolls with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

## Variations and Additions

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these pizza rolls. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Pepperoni Pizza Rolls:** Add pepperoni slices to the filling.
* **Sausage Pizza Rolls:** Use cooked and crumbled Italian sausage in the filling.
* **Vegetarian Pizza Rolls:** Add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
* **Hawaiian Pizza Rolls:** Add ham and pineapple to the filling.
* **Spicy Pizza Rolls:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan garlic butter, or use a spicy sausage in the filling.
* **Pesto Pizza Rolls:** Spread a thin layer of pesto on the pizza dough before adding the cheese and toppings.
* **Alfredo Pizza Rolls:** Use alfredo sauce instead of parmesan garlic butter.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or fontina.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per roll)

* **Calories:** 150-200
* **Fat:** 8-12g
* **Saturated Fat:** 4-6g
* **Cholesterol:** 20-30mg
* **Sodium:** 200-300mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 15-20g
* **Fiber:** 0-1g
* **Sugar:** 1-2g
* **Protein:** 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough?**
A: Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to roll it out to the correct thickness.

**Q: Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the pizza rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage (see freezing instructions above).

**Q: Can I use different toppings?**
A: Yes, feel free to use any of your favorite pizza toppings. Just be sure not to overfill the rolls.

**Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?**
A: You can substitute Italian seasoning with a blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

**Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?**
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a better flavor.

**Q: How do I prevent the pizza rolls from sticking to the baking sheet?**
A: Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and make cleanup easier.

## Conclusion

These Parmesan Garlic Pizza Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, an appetizer for a party, or a fun family activity, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade pizza rolls! They are so much better than store bought and you can add your favorite toppings! Enjoy!