Description
Cheesy Stuffed Pizza Roll
Ingredients:
For the pizza dough:
1 package (about 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 tbsp sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
For the filling:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
(or your favorite toppings)
For the topping:
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the dough:
In a bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the shredded mozzarella, pizza sauce, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder in a bowl. If you’re adding pepperoni or other toppings, mix those in as well.
Assemble the pizza roll:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×8 inches). Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough from one long edge to the other to form a log shape, pinching the ends to seal the roll.
Bake the pizza roll:
Place the pizza roll on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil, and sprinkle with dried basil, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy:
Allow the pizza roll to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping!
This cheesy stuffed pizza roll is a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza, and it’s perfect for parties, snacks, or a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect pizza rolls every time. After letting your dough rise, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to create a 12×8-inch rectangle, ensuring the thickness is even. Spread the filling mixture, but keep a 1-inch border clean on all edges. Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, using your fingers to tuck the filling in as you go. Once rolled, pinch the seam and ends firmly to seal. Carefully transfer the log to your prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Use a sharp knife to score 3-4 shallow slits on top of the roll before brushing with oil and adding toppings—this allows steam to escape and prevents splitting.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the warm pizza roll into 1-inch thick pieces for easy sharing. Serve with small bowls of warm marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. These rolls are excellent for game day platters, school lunchboxes (cooled completely), or as a fun, hands-on dinner option the whole family will love.
How-to Summary
In summary, create a simple yeast dough and let it rise. Mix a cheesy, seasoned filling. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, and roll it into a tight log. Seal the edges, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs and cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool briefly before slicing and serving with dipping sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes. After the first rise, punch the dough down, place it in an oiled bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling.
Can I use pre-made pizza dough? Absolutely. One pound of store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut. Let it come to room temperature for easier rolling.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust? Ensure your baking sheet is preheated in the oven or use a pizza stone. Parchment paper also helps insulate the dough from direct pan heat.
Can I freeze the unbaked pizza roll? Yes. Assemble the roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
My filling leaked out during baking. What happened? This is usually due to overfilling or not leaving a sufficient border when spreading. Ensure you seal the edges very tightly and avoid overloading the center.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using water that is too hot for the yeast, which will kill it and prevent the dough from rising.
- Rolling the dough too thin, which can cause tearing and filling leakage during baking.
- Overfilling the dough, making it difficult to roll and seal properly.
- Not letting the baked roll rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, which causes the molten cheese to gush out.
- Using cold dough straight from the fridge, which is difficult to shape and may tear easily.
Conclusion
This cheesy stuffed pizza roll is a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the joy of pizza with the fun of a shareable roll. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can achieve a golden, flavorful masterpiece with a perfect cheesy pull. It’s an ideal dish for any occasion, proving that with a little effort, you can transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!