If you’re looking for a quick bite that’s fun to make and irresistible, these homemade pizza rolls are your answer. These make a tasty snack or appetizer and can even be prepared ahead of time to simplify your day.
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 20 rolls
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade dough for a truly from-scratch experience.
- Customizable filling to suit your taste preferences.
- Crispy, golden texture that’s deeply satisfying.
- Perfect for meal prep or spontaneous gatherings.
Ingredients
- 9 ounces (about 1 2/3 cups) bread flour: This forms the base of the dough, providing structure.
- 1 egg: Adds richness and aids in dough elasticity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough’s taste.
- 1/2 cup water: Hydrates the dough. Adjust as needed to form the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked, cooled, and finely diced: Savory filling component. Substitute with turkey sausage if preferred.
- 1/4 pound low-moisture mozzarella, finely diced: Offers gooey texture and mild flavor.
- 1/2 cup prepared pizza sauce: Binds the filling ingredients. Opt for marinara as an alternative.
- 1 quart peanut or canola oil: Essential for frying, providing high heat tolerance and mild flavor.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a dough blade, combine bread flour and salt. Turn the processor on and add the egg. Gradually add water until a dough ball forms, being cautious not to add more than necessary. Process until smooth, about 15 seconds. Wrap the disk of dough in plastic and let it rest for an hour, allowing the gluten to relax which makes rolling easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Mix the diced sausage and mozzarella together in a bowl. Stir in enough pizza sauce to coat the mixture without making it runny. This ensures each roll has a flavorful center without overpowering with sauce.
Step 3: Roll the Dough
Divide the dough into four equal parts. Set your pasta machine to the thickest setting. Roll each dough piece through this setting, folding and rerolling until smooth. Gradually work down to thinner settings, stopping at setting 4. This step ensures a tender yet sturdy wrap for the fillings.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Lay a sheet of rolled dough on a floured surface. Drop teaspoons of filling at intervals of 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Lightly brush the edges around the filling with water. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing to remove air and seal tightly. Trim into 1 1/4 inch squares, ensuring a tight seal to prevent leaks during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Pizza Rolls
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or wok to 375°F. Fry the rolls in batches, cooking until golden brown, around 2-3 minutes. Carefully monitor the temperature for consistent results. Once fried, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot or store and reheat at 350°F for 8 minutes before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough for convenience, though homemade offers a unique texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover pizza rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven to retain their crispy texture.
Can I freeze these rolls for later?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook directly from frozen, adjusting frying time as needed.
