Description
These Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, featuring savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce rolled inside soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Filling
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dough & Cheese
- 1 (15-ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease to avoid sogginess in the rolls.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 12 by 18 inches in size.
- Spread the sauce: Evenly spread the cooked sausage and pepper sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to help seal the roll.
- Add the cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the sauce layer for a rich cheesy flavor.
- Roll the dough: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside as you roll.
- Slice into rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces to create individual pizza rolls.
- Bake the rolls: Place the pizza rolls cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm: Let the pizza rolls cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch for a perfect appetizer or snack experience.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- The pizza dough can be replaced with homemade dough if preferred for a fresher taste.
- To make ahead, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with marinara sauce or garlic butter for extra flavor.
