Pin
Pizza roll ups are my go-to party snack when I need something fun fast and crowd pleasing My friends always ask for the recipe after their first bite and they are perfect for game nights or school lunches
I first made these for my niece’s birthday party and they vanished almost instantly Now my family expects them whenever we get together
Ingredients
- Small flour tortillas: I always look for ones that are soft and sturdy five inch size keeps the rolls manageable
- Pizza sauce: A classic tomato base with herbs and sweetness Go for a brand with rich flavor or make your own if you are up for it
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Pre shredded saves time but I love grating fresh mozzarella for creaminess
- Pepperoni slices: Choose a brand with bold seasoning Smaller slices fit better and crisp up nicely
- Cooking oil: Keeps the tortillas golden and delicious Use a neutral oil for the best texture
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth in the topping Aroma is key so check for freshness
- Italian seasoning: A blend with oregano and basil makes these rolls taste like real pizza
- Garlic salt: Adds a flavorful finish A fine grind blends easiest
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan
- Lightly spray a large baking pan with cooking oil to prevent sticking and help the rolls get crispy on the bottom
- Build the Roll Ups
- Lay out each small tortilla Spread one tablespoon of pizza sauce over the surface all the way to the edge Sprinkle a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella evenly on top Arrange four to five slices of pepperoni across the cheese
- Roll and Arrange
- Tightly roll up each tortilla from one edge to the other so the filling stays in place Place the rolls seam side down on your baking pan with space between them
- Add Topping
- Brush the tops of each roll lightly with cooking oil This step helps the topping stick and gives a glossy finish In a small bowl combine garlic powder Italian seasoning and garlic salt Mix well Sprinkle this blend generously over each roll up
- Bake
- Place the baking pan in your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit Bake for just about ten minutes Watch closely The cheese should be fully melted and the tortillas just golden at the edges
- Serve
- Let the pizza roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving They are easy to slice in half or serve whole with some warm extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping
My favorite part of these is how the seasoned garlicky topping crisps on the edge of each roll My nephew always wants extra of the golden corners and those crusty bits are my guilty pleasure too
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to four days They reheat best in a toaster oven or air fryer for a crispy finish You can also freeze baked roll ups for up to two months Wrap tightly in foil or freeze on a tray then store in bags for easy grab and go snacks
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out pepperoni for cooked sausage or thin sliced bell peppers for a veggie version Use part skim or whole milk mozzarella Depending on your taste add black olives mushrooms or a sprinkle of parmesan before rolling
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra pizza sauce ranch or even pesto for dipping Try these as lunch box mains with carrot sticks or a party platter with some salad on the side For a fun appetizer cut each roll up into bite sized pizza pinwheels and secure with toothpicks
Cultural Context
These pizza roll ups riff on the American pizza obsession combining classic pizza flavors with Tex Mex style tortillas They are quick versions of pizza that started showing up at game nights and school cafeterias in the early two thousands
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh basil or summer tomatoes sliced thin inside the rolls in warmer months Try roasted mushrooms or caramelized onion filling for a cozy fall spin In winter go for a mix of cheeses and spicy Italian sausage
Success Stories
My friend who is gluten sensitive swaps in corn tortillas and still enjoys them My neighbor makes huge batches ahead and freezes for easy after school snacks When I brought these to a potluck last holiday everyone came back for seconds
Freezer Meal Conversion
Let baked roll ups cool fully before freezing Lay them out so they do not stick then transfer to a bag Pull out just what you need and pop straight in the oven or toaster without thawing for busy dinner nights
Try these pizza roll ups as a quick lunch or a fun party starter They are easy to make ahead and guaranteed to please every slice lover
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I prevent the roll ups from unrolling during baking?
Place them seam side down on the baking pan and roll tightly so they maintain their shape while baking.
- → Can I substitute whole-wheat tortillas?
Yes, whole-wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, but the baking time remains the same.
- → What other toppings work well inside these roll ups?
Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage all make tasty additions or swaps for the pepperoni.
- → How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Leave a small border when adding cheese and sauce, then roll firmly to minimize melting overflow while baking.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake for freshest results; add a minute or two to the baking time.