Parmesan Garlic Pizza Rolls Recipe – A Cheesy, Garlicky Delight
Pizza rolls are one of those irresistible snacks that are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s game night, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in. But these Parmesan Garlic Pizza Rolls take it to the next level with their rich, cheesy filling and buttery garlic coating. Imagine biting into a soft roll filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and tangy marinara sauce, topped with a buttery garlic and parmesan mixture that melts in your mouth. These pizza rolls are easy to make and taste even better than the frozen kind you find at the store. Plus, they’re highly customizable—you can add your favorite pizza toppings or keep it simple with just cheese and sauce. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect parmesan garlic pizza rolls at home, from preparing the dough to achieving that crispy, golden-brown finish.
Why Pizza Rolls Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
Pizza rolls combine the best of both worlds—pizza and finger food. They’re easy to eat, incredibly flavorful, and can be tailored to suit any taste. The combination of soft, chewy dough, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella creates a perfect bite every time. The garlic butter and parmesan topping elevate these pizza rolls to gourmet status, adding a savory depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce and creamy cheese. Whether you’re making them as a party appetizer or a fun dinner option, pizza rolls are always a hit.
The Secret to Perfect Pizza Rolls
The secret to making perfect pizza rolls lies in the dough and the filling. Using a high-quality pizza dough ensures that the rolls bake up soft and chewy on the inside while getting golden and crispy on the outside. The filling should have a balance of flavors—tangy marinara, creamy mozzarella, and just the right amount of seasoning. The garlic butter topping, combined with grated parmesan, adds a rich, savory finish that makes these pizza rolls completely addictive. Finally, baking the rolls at a high temperature ensures that they develop a crisp outer layer while staying soft and melty inside.
Ingredients for Parmesan Garlic Pizza Rolls
To make these parmesan garlic pizza rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pizza Rolls:
- 1 lb pizza dough
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup chopped pepperoni
- ¼ cup cooked crumbled sausage
- ¼ cup chopped black olives
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Parmesan Garlic Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12 x 8 inches. If the dough is sticky, lightly dust it with more flour. Allow the dough to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to relax the gluten, which makes it easier to roll and prevents shrinking.
Step 2: Add the Sauce and Cheese
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure to cover the surface evenly. Next, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top. If you’re adding any extras like pepperoni, sausage, or vegetables, distribute them evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. To make clean cuts without squishing the dough, use a serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pizza rolls on the sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll to allow them to expand while baking. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Topping
While the pizza rolls are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. As soon as the pizza rolls come out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. This step adds incredible flavor and a glossy finish to the rolls.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the pizza rolls to a serving platter. Garnish with additional grated parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The combination of crispy edges, gooey cheese, and savory garlic butter makes these pizza rolls absolutely irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works
- High-quality pizza dough creates the perfect soft and chewy texture.
- Using both mozzarella and parmesan provides a balanced flavor—mozzarella melts beautifully, while parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth.
- Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor, giving the rolls a classic pizza taste.
- Baking at a high temperature ensures a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.
- Garlic butter topping adds a savory finish that ties all the flavors together.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature dough. Cold dough is harder to roll out and can cause the rolls to shrink while baking.
- Don’t overfill the rolls. Too much sauce or cheese can make the rolls soggy and difficult to roll.
- Cut evenly. This ensures that all the rolls bake at the same rate and prevents uneven cooking.
- Brush the garlic butter while the rolls are still hot. This allows the butter to soak into the dough and enhances the flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls: Add chopped pepperoni and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Pizza Rolls: Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a veggie-packed version.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls: Substitute marinara with BBQ sauce and use shredded rotisserie chicken and red onion for a tangy twist.
Pesto Pizza Rolls: Swap marinara for pesto and add fresh basil and mozzarella for a fragrant, herby flavor.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and butter, and substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Parmesan garlic pizza rolls are easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. The soft, chewy dough combined with melty cheese and savory garlic butter creates a snack that’s hard to put down. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a game-day snack, or a side dish for pasta night, these pizza rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. The crispy edges, creamy cheese filling, and rich garlic butter make every bite completely satisfying.
Health Benefits of Garlic and Parmesan
Garlic is not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits. It’s known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Parmesan cheese is rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle function. When combined with the fiber and nutrients from pizza dough and the antioxidant-rich marinara sauce, these pizza rolls offer a surprisingly balanced snack option.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these parmesan garlic pizza rolls with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing to balance the richness of the rolls.
- A side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
- A bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal.
- Grilled vegetables for a light and colorful side.
Final Thoughts
Parmesan garlic pizza rolls are a deliciously cheesy and savory snack that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, tangy marinara, melty mozzarella, and buttery garlic topping creates the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding your family, or just craving something cheesy and delicious, these pizza rolls are the answer. Try them today and experience the magic of homemade pizza rolls!