Perfect Pizza Rolls: Cooking Time For Cheesy Goodness

Pizza rolls are a fun and easy snack to make, perfect for a party or a quick bite. They can be made with a variety of fillings, but cheese is a classic choice. The cooking time will depend on the method and the number of pizza rolls you are preparing. For example, Totino's frozen pizza rolls can be heated up in no time in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. Homemade pizza rolls, on the other hand, may take around 15-25 minutes to bake in the oven, depending on the recipe.

Oven temperature and cooking time

The oven temperature and cooking time for cheese pizza rolls depend on the recipe and the desired texture. Most recipes recommend baking the rolls at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (175°C) to 204°C. The cooking time can range from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the rolls and the desired level of browning.

For example, one recipe suggests baking the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, resulting in golden brown rolls. Another recipe recommends baking at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning. This recipe also includes an option to bake the rolls for an additional 5 to 10 minutes for a crisper crust.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the oven and the thickness of the rolls. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the pizza rolls while they are baking to ensure they do not overcook or burn.

Additionally, some recipes include a chilling time for the dough before baking. This step helps to prevent the rolls from falling apart during slicing and can range from 20 to 25 minutes.

Once baked, cheese pizza rolls can be served warm with a dipping sauce such as marinara, Alfredo sauce, ranch, or pesto. They can also be paired with a side salad or served as an appetizer or snack.

For best results, it is recommended to follow the specific instructions provided by the recipe or package directions.

Pizza dough preparation

Pizza dough is simple to make, and once it's stretched out, you just need to top it and bake it in a hot oven. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare pizza dough:

Ingredients

All pizza dough starts with the same basic ingredients: flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. Here are the quantities for a dough that yields two 12-inch pizzas:

• 1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water (between 100-110°F/38-43°C)
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) of Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for pan and brushing on dough
• 3 and 1/2 cups (about 450g) unbleached all-purpose flour (spooned & levelled), plus more for hands and surface
• A sprinkle of cornmeal for dusting the pan

Method

• Whisk the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment. Cover and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
• Add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes.
• Knead the dough: Keep the dough in the mixer and beat for an additional 5 full minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 full minutes.
• Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or non-stick spray—just use the same bowl you used for the dough. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides in the oil. Cover the bowl with aluminium foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.
• Punch & shape: Punch down risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide in 2. Roll dough out into a 12-inch circle. Cover and rest as you prep the pizza toppings.

Tips for Stretching the Dough

• Bring your dough to room temperature: Warm up your cold dough for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This will loosen up the dough and make it easier to shape.
• Prep your workspace with olive oil to avoid sticking: Rub your work surface and hands with a little olive oil. Olive oil keeps the dough from sticking to your cutting board and also encourages a golden and crispy crust.
• Press your pizza dough before you stretch it: Press the dough down into a large flat disc using the palm of your hand. Next, use the middle three fingers on each hand to press the dough out from the centre, widening the disc to about 6 inches across and about 1/2 inch thick.
• Stretch the dough with both hands and use gravity: Carefully pick up the dough and hold it with both hands on one edge, letting the rest hang down. Slowly pull the dough from hand to hand as it hangs down. Stretch until it's about 11 inches in diameter and about 1/3 of an inch thick.
• Stretch the dough out and top: Carefully move your stretched pizza dough to your prepared pizza peel or sheet pan. Press any very thick edges out to about 1/3 inch thick and pinch thin or torn areas closed by pressing around them to bring the dough together.

Filling options

Pizza rolls can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from classic pizza toppings to more creative options. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Fillings:

• Cheese: Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a pizza cheese blend are popular choices.
• Meat: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, or chorizo.
• Vegetables: Peppers (green, red, or jalapenos), onions, spinach, mushrooms, black olives, or tomatoes.

Creative Fillings:

• Buffalo chicken
• Steak and blue cheese
• Corned beef and Swiss cheese
• Shrimp and crab
• BLT

Remember, the key is not to overload the dough with too many ingredients, as this can make the inside doughy. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Rolling and cutting the dough

To make cheese pizza rolls, you'll need to prepare the pizza dough, add your toppings, and then roll and cut the dough before baking. Here's a detailed guide to rolling and cutting the dough for cheese pizza rolls:

• Roll the Dough: Start by rolling out the dough on a lightly floured surface. You want to create a rectangle shape, and for a standard-sized batch of pizza rolls, you should aim for a rectangle that measures approximately 16 inches by 10 inches.
• Add Dents and Brush with Oil (Optional): Before adding your toppings, you can create small dents in the dough with your fingers and brush the surface with olive oil. This step is optional but can help prevent air bubbles and sogginess.
• Add Toppings: Once your dough is rolled out, it's time to add your toppings. Start by spreading your chosen sauce (pasta sauce or pizza sauce) on the dough, leaving a border of about 1/2 inch around the edges. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. You can also add other toppings like pepperoni slices or cooked crumbled sausage.
• Roll Up the Dough: After adding your toppings, carefully roll up the dough, starting with one of the long sides. Roll it up jelly-roll style and pinch the seam to seal it closed.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): At this point, you can place the rolled-up dough in the refrigerator to chill for about 20 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent it from falling apart when you cut it.
• Cut the Dough: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled-up dough into slices. For a standard-sized batch, cut the dough into eight slices. You can also cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer bite-sized pizza rolls.
• Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the slices of dough onto a greased baking sheet, cut side down. Make sure to leave a little room between each roll, as they will expand in the oven.

Now that your dough is rolled and cut, you're ready to bake your cheese pizza rolls! Remember to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before baking. Enjoy the delicious, cheesy results!

Serving suggestions

Pizza rolls are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. They can be paired with various side dishes, dips, and sauces to enhance their flavour and make them even more enjoyable. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cheese pizza rolls:

Side Dishes

If you're serving pizza rolls as a main course, consider pairing them with side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Some options include:

• Onion rings: Crunchy onion rings are a perfect match for pizza rolls, especially when served with a dipping sauce like aioli.
• Ham and pineapple skewers: This option is ideal if you want to offer a classic pizza flavour combination separately.
• Crudités: A platter of crudités adds freshness and variety to your meal. Include crunchy vegetables like radishes, asparagus, and endive, and don't forget the dips! Hummus is a must-have.
• Croquettes: Ham and cheese croquettes, in particular, make for a fun and flavourful finger food option.
• Salads: A gorgonzola salad with walnuts or a simple green salad with feta cheese can provide a healthy and refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza rolls.
• Baked beans: Make your own baked beans with paprika, bacon, cayenne pepper, and umami flavours to create a comforting side dish.
• Pesto potato salad: The herby pesto in this potato salad pairs beautifully with the cheese and tomato in the pizza rolls.

Dips and Sauces

Dips and sauces can elevate your cheese pizza rolls, adding extra flavour and moisture. Here are some options to try:

• Warm marinara sauce: This is the traditional dip for pizza rolls and pairs perfectly with the cheese and other toppings.
• Buffalo cheese dip: Add some extra cheese and green onions to your dip for a creamy and flavourful experience.
• Spicy barbecue dip: If you like your food with a kick, this dip will enhance your pizza rolls.
• Quick mango salsa: Combine mango, cilantro, and lime to create a fruity and refreshing dip.
• Hawaiian dipping sauce: Ride the snack wave with this Hawaiian-inspired sauce, perfect for those who crave a taste of the tropics.
• Zesty cheese dip: A warm, cheesy dip is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with the pizza rolls.
• Ranch dip: Ranch is a classic dip that goes well with pizza rolls. You can even add jalapenos for an extra kick.
• Salsa bean dip: Take your pizza rolls to the next level with a southwest bean dip.
• Greek yoghurt: For a healthier option, dip your pizza rolls in Greek yoghurt—you can even add hot sauce for some spice.
• Pesto: While traditionally used as a pasta sauce, pesto also makes a great dip for pizza rolls, adding a burst of herbal flavour.

Feel free to experiment with different dips and sauces to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions