Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe

If you love the flavors of classic pizza but want something handheld and fun, this Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine perfectly seasoned Italian sausage mingling with sweet bell peppers, melty mozzarella, and savory tomato sauce, all wrapped in golden, soft pizza dough that’s baked until irresistible. These rolls are the perfect mix of pizza night comfort and a snack that’s easy to share, making them a total crowd-pleaser whether for game day, a casual dinner, or even a party appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe is chosen for a reason. The balance between the rich sausage, fresh veggies, aromatic herbs, and cheeses creates that classic pizza flavor with a delightful twist. These components are simple but critical to achieving the perfect texture and taste.

• Italian sausage (1 pound): Provides hearty, flavorful meatiness that forms the filling base.
• Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Adds a sweet and savory crunch that complements the sausage.
• Chopped green bell pepper (1/2 cup): Brings a mild freshness and vibrant color.
• Chopped red bell pepper (1/4 cup): Offers a slightly sweet contrast and beautiful reddish hue.
• Tomato sauce (10 ounces): Creates the rich, tangy foundation of the pizza flavor.
• Tomato paste (8 ounces): Intensifies the tomato taste and helps thicken the sauce.
• Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that unmistakable Italian herb aroma essential to pizza.
• Dried basil (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sauce with a mild, sweet herbal note.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Season perfectly to balance all the flavors.
• Refrigerated pizza dough (15 ounces): The easy-to-use base that bakes into soft, golden rolls.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for that gooey pizza goodness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty finish.

How to Make Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks so you get nice crumbles throughout. This step is key because it forms the hearty protein backbone of the recipe. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the rolls from being too oily.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

To that same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cooking them until they’re tender-soft brings out their natural sweetness and ensures each roll is packed with layers of flavor and color. This adds great texture and a fresh contrast to the rich sausage.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Now stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. This concentrated, flavorful sauce is what truly unites the meat and veggies with the cheese and dough.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough

Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the pizza dough into a large 12 by 18-inch rectangle. A uniform shape makes rolling easier and ensures even cooking of those delicious pizza rolls. This dough will form the golden crust that holds everything together.

Step 5: Spread the Sauce

Evenly spread the thickened sauce over the dough, leaving about a one-inch border clear around the edges. This prevents the sauce from leaking out during baking, keeping the edges neat and crispy.

Step 6: Add the Cheeses

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the sauce layer. The mozzarella melts into creamy pockets of flavor while the Parmesan adds a savory zing that elevates every bite.

Step 7: Roll It Up

Starting at one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. This rolling technique ensures each slice is packed with the perfect ratio of meat, sauce, cheese, and dough.

Step 8: Slice into Rolls

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized pieces. Each piece becomes an individual pizza roll that’s perfect for dipping and sharing.

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until the rolls are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is absolutely irresistible!

Step 10: Serve Warm

Once baked, serve these Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces for an extra touch of deliciousness. They’re best enjoyed fresh but also hold up wonderfully for leftovers.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the pizza rolls right after baking to add a bright, herbaceous note and make them look as good as they taste. A little grated Parmesan sprinkled on top while still hot melts slightly and boosts the cheesy kick.

Side Dishes

Serve these pizza rolls with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of marinara for dipping. The freshness of greens balances the richness, while the sauce dip doubles down on that Italian flavor we all crave.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party platter, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern with small bowls of various dips like garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy marinara in the center. Or slice them thinner for bite-sized appetizers that encourage everyone to dig in and share the joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to three days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated without losing much flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked pizza rolls for up to two months. Simply assemble them as directed, place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers or frozen rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect roll texture and melted cheese gooeyness!

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a specific flavor profile, turkey or chicken sausage can be a lighter alternative. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to maintain that signature taste of the recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the sausage with crumbled seasoned tofu, tempeh, or sautéed mushrooms. Adding extra herbs and spices will help keep the robust flavor that makes the rolls so satisfying.

Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time and bake later?

Definitely. Assemble the rolls and then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easier to prepare in advance for a party or busy weeknight meal.

What dipping sauces go best with Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe?

Classic marinara is always a winner, but ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo offer delicious variety. Try different options to see which one becomes your personal favorite!

Can I add other toppings like olives or mushrooms to the rolls?

Yes, you can customize the filling by mixing in your favorite pizza toppings. Just be mindful of moisture content to prevent soggy rolls; sautéing vegetables before adding them is a great tip.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls Recipe is pure comfort food magic wrapped in a golden crust. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving an indulgent snack, these rolls deliver warm, cheesy, and savory bites that bring people together. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear—your pizza nights will never be the same!

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