If you love the comforting flavors of pizza and crave a fun, shareable snack, this Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine bites bursting with savory Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, and zesty pizza sauce all wrapped in golden, pillowy dough. These pizza rolls are perfect for game nights, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy night in where you want something special but effortless. They combine vibrant Italian flavors with easy-to-handle finger food simplicity, making them a family and friend favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe lies in its use of simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role, from the dough’s chewy base to the rich, savory sausage filling and the bright bursts of cheese and seasoning.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for that personal touch, providing the soft, sturdy wrap for your filling.
- ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed): The heart of the flavor, offering a juicy and spiced filling that carries the whole roll.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted mozzarella creates that irresistibly gooey, stretchy texture pizza lovers adore.
- ½ cup pizza sauce: Adds tangy, herbaceous moisture and ensures each bite is bursting with classic pizza flavor.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles on a sharp, salty finish that enhances the sausage and dough combination.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties the filling together with authentic Italian notes.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick, perfect if you want an extra layer of warmth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to create a golden, crisp exterior when baked.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the rolls a shiny, appetizing finish.
- Flour (for dusting): Keeps the dough from sticking as you roll it out.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh green color and herbaceous flavor to the finished rolls.
How to Make Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked, non-stick rolls that come out golden brown every time. Using parchment also means easier cleanup, which is always a win.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Filling
Next, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks so that it’s nicely crumbled and evenly cooked through. This step is essential to release the flavorful fats and spices that make the filling savory and rich. After cooking, set it aside to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt your cheese prematurely when assembled.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches. The flour prevents sticking while giving you the perfect canvas for your filling. This size ensures you have enough dough to roll tightly and evenly, creating neat, uniform rolls.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough but leave a ½-inch border around the edges—this helps the dough seal up nicely after rolling. Sprinkle on mozzarella cheese, cooked sausage, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Each ingredient builds the layers of flavor and texture that make these rolls irresistible.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed to keep everything tucked inside perfectly. Then, slice the log into 10 to 12 even rolls. Placing them cut-side up on the baking sheet helps them bake evenly and display the beautiful swirls of filling.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of your rolls with beaten egg to achieve that stunning golden glaze and drizzle lightly with olive oil for a hint of crispiness. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until they’re bubbly and golden brown. This final step transforms them into the mouthwatering, savory rolls that everyone will be reaching for.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is my favorite finishing touch. Its vibrant color and herbaceous aroma brighten the plate and complement the rich sausage and cheese flavors beautifully. Sprinkle basil leaves on top just before serving to maintain their fresh appeal.
Side Dishes
These pizza rolls are a fantastic centerpiece, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables creates a balanced plate. A simple Caesar salad or crunchy carrot sticks work well for contrasting textures and refreshing bites between pizza rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your rolls on a large wooden board or colorful platter arranged with small bowls of extra pizza sauce or a spicy marinara for dipping. Adding olives, pickled peppers, or a sprinkle of chili flakes nearby makes for an inviting and interactive sharing experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza rolls, if you have any, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them great for a quick snack or lunch the next day without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can also freeze unbaked pizza rolls for up to one month. After slicing, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the fridge before proceeding with the egg wash and baking step.
Reheating
When reheating, pop your pizza rolls into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy. Oven reheating ensures they retain that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings that signature spiced kick, ground beef can be a tasty substitute. Just season it with Italian herbs like fennel, oregano, and garlic powder to keep the flavor profile close.
Is it okay to use pre-made pizza sauce?
Definitely! Pre-made pizza sauce works perfectly here. Choosing a quality brand or homemade variety packed with herbs will elevate the flavor and save you time.
Can I make these rolls vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a mix of your favorite veggies. Adding extra cheese or a little spinach can keep them flavorful and satisfying.
How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Leaving a ½-inch border of dough without sauce helps prevent sogginess by sealing the filling in tightly. Also, avoid adding too much sauce or watery toppings to maintain a crisp, tender bite.
Can these be cooked in an air fryer?
You sure can! Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Check halfway through and adjust the time as needed to get a golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best of Italian comfort food with the ease of handheld bites. It’s a recipe I find myself going back to often because it’s simple, adaptable, and downright delicious. I hope you give it a try — your friends and family will thank you for this tasty, shareable treat!
Print
Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
These Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls are a delicious handheld treat featuring savory Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and tangy pizza sauce wrapped in soft pizza dough. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or game-day bites, they bake to golden perfection with a crispy edge and melty center, served with extra sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Pizza Rolls
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly to avoid melting the cheese too early.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking.
- Add Toppings: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, cooled cooked sausage, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Roll Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape. Pinch the seam well to seal and place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 10 to 12 even pieces and arrange them cut-side up on the baking sheet with some space between each.
- Apply Egg Wash and Oil: Brush the tops of each roll with the beaten egg to give a golden, glossy finish, then drizzle lightly with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are golden brown, bubbly, and cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated unbaked for up to 24 hours; bake them fresh when ready.
- For variety, substitute Italian sausage with pepperoni slices or sautéed mushrooms.
- Serve these pizza rolls as a tasty appetizer, a savory lunch option, or a crowd-pleasing game-day snack.
