Sausage Pizza Rolls
These Sausage Pizza Rolls are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza. Filled with savory ground sausage, gooey mozzarella cheese, and rich pizza sauce, these rolls are perfect for a party appetizer, game day snack, or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of the crispy, golden crust and the cheesy, meaty filling is sure to make these rolls a hit with both kids and adults. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for dipping in extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground sausage
- 1 cup of pizza sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare Pizza Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a flat surface. Using a rolling pin, stretch it out to a rectangle shape.
- Assemble Rolls: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one edge, roll the dough up tightly, jelly-roll style, making sure the filling stays inside.
- Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch pieces.
- Bake: Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a little apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as is or with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store leftover Sausage Pizza Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will stay fresh but should be eaten within that time for the best taste and texture.
- Refrigeration: You can refrigerate these rolls for up to 4 days. Make sure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Sausage Pizza Rolls freeze wonderfully. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave the rolls on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through. Be sure to cover them with a paper towel to prevent them from getting too soggy.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
- Air Fryer: Reheat the rolls in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes for a crispy exterior and hot, melty interior.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Yes, you can use Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or any other sausage of your choice. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before using.
- Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian? Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or spinach.
- Can I add other toppings to the pizza rolls? Yes! Feel free to add pepperoni, olives, or even sautéed onions and peppers for a custom filling.
- Can I use homemade pizza dough? Yes, homemade dough can be used as long as it is rolled out into a thin rectangle. Just be sure to stretch it thin enough to roll up easily.
- Can I use shredded cheese instead of mozzarella? Yes, other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar work well too.
- How do I know when the pizza rolls are done? The rolls should be golden brown on the outside and the cheese inside should be bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.
- Can I use gluten-free pizza dough? Yes, gluten-free pizza dough can be substituted for the regular dough if needed.
- Can I freeze these after baking? Yes, you can freeze baked rolls. Just let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container.
- Can I add sauce inside the rolls? Yes, you can spread a little extra pizza sauce inside the rolls for a saucier bite.
- Can I use sausage links instead of ground sausage? Yes, just remove the casing and crumble the sausage before cooking.
- How do I keep the rolls from unrolling while baking? Ensure you roll the dough tightly and seal the edges of the dough slightly before baking to keep it intact.
- Can I use other sauces besides pizza sauce? Yes, you can use marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or even barbecue sauce for a different flavor.
- Do I need to pre-cook the sausage? Yes, the sausage should be fully cooked before adding it to the pizza rolls to avoid undercooked meat.
- Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough? Yes, crescent roll dough can be used for a flakier version of pizza rolls.
- Can I serve these with dipping sauce? Absolutely! These rolls are perfect with extra pizza sauce, marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
- Can I make these in a casserole dish? Yes, you can layer the rolls in a baking dish and bake them as a casserole, though you may need to adjust the baking time.
- How long can I store these in the freezer? You can store frozen pizza rolls for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
- What can I serve with Sausage Pizza Rolls? These rolls are great on their own or paired with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables.
20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect Sausage Pizza Rolls:
- Roll the dough tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on the baking sheet to prevent the rolls from sticking.
- Don’t overfill the rolls; you want enough sausage and cheese, but not so much that they can’t roll up properly.
- Use a pizza cutter to easily slice the dough into even pieces.
- Ensure the sausage is well-drained to prevent excess grease from sogging up the dough.
- Brush the top of the rolls with olive oil before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
- Add some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the dough for extra flavor.
- Let the pizza rolls cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese.
- Customize the fillings by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for more variety.
- Use a mix of cheeses to enhance the flavor, such as mozzarella combined with provolone or parmesan.
- Preheat the oven fully before baking to ensure the rolls cook evenly.
- Don’t crowd the rolls on the baking sheet to give them room to expand as they bake.
- Sprinkle some grated parmesan over the top of the rolls before baking for added flavor.
- Check for doneness by looking for bubbling cheese and golden edges.
- If the rolls start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Allow the rolls to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- For extra crispiness, try broiling the rolls for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Use fresh sausage instead of pre-cooked sausage for a more flavorful filling.
- Pair these with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping to add another layer of flavor.
- Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd; these rolls are always a crowd-pleaser!
Enjoy these Sausage Pizza Rolls—they’re a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a fun new format!