Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls Recipe

These Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls are a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with gooey cheese and pepperoni are baked together in a pan, creating a pull-apart bread that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls:

For the Dough and Filling:

• Instant or active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise and become light and fluffy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Whole milk: Warmed, adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, adds richness and flavor.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning blend: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Bread flour: Provides structure and creates a chewy texture. You can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey and cheesy filling.
• Chopped pepperoni: Adds a salty and savory flavor to the filling.

For the Topping:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a cheesy topping.
• Chopped pepperoni: Adds another layer of flavor and texture.
• Optional add-ins: Uncooked ground Italian sausage, chopped green pepper, and sliced black olives for a “supreme” style pizza flavor.

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• Butter: Melted, for brushing the baked rolls.
• Italian seasoning and garlic powder: Adds flavor to the butter.

Optional for Serving:

• Pizza sauce: For dipping.
• Chopped fresh basil: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who like a spicy kick.

How to Make Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl), whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes, or until foamy. Add the melted butter, egg, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of the flour. Beat on low speed for 1 minute, then add the remaining flour and beat on medium speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it forms a soft and slightly tacky dough.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough in the stand mixer for 5 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. If the dough becomes too sticky during kneading, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flour at a time on the dough or work surface until it becomes a soft, slightly tacky dough. Avoid adding too much flour.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat it in the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling and Pan

While the dough is rising, mix together 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of chopped pepperoni in a bowl. Grease a 9-inch square pan, a 9-inch springform pan, a 9×13 inch baking pan, or a 10-inch oven-safe cast iron skillet.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Pinch off small pieces of dough (about 1 ½ tablespoons or 1 ounce) and form them into balls. Make an indentation in the center of each ball and fill it with a pinch of the cheese and pepperoni mixture. Seal the filling inside by pinching the dough together, then place the filled dough ball in the prepared pan. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling until the pan is filled.

Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise Again

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping

While the rolls are rising, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of chopped pepperoni. If you’re making the “supreme” version, cook the sausage and chopped green pepper in a skillet until the sausage is cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and combine the sausage mixture with the sliced olives.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and adjust the oven rack to the lower third position. Bake the rolls for 20 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the cheese and pepperoni topping over the rolls. If making the “supreme” version, add the cooked sausage, peppers, and olives as well. Loosely tent the pan with foil and return it to the oven to bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly browned on top. You can check the internal temperature of the rolls with an instant-read thermometer; they should be around 195°F (90°C) when done.

Step 9: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

While the rolls are baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Step 10: Serve

Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with the garlic herb butter. Serve warm with a side of pizza sauce and any other additional pizza toppings, such as fresh basil or crushed red pepper flakes.

How to Serve Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls

• Party Food: These Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls are perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or potlucks.
• Casual Meal: Serve them with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauces for a casual and satisfying meal.
• Snack: These rolls make a great snack anytime of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Cover and store leftover rolls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions:

You can freeze the shaped rolls before baking or freeze the baked rolls. See the Notes section for detailed instructions.

Overnight Instructions:

You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. See the Notes section for detailed instructions.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheeses.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, or spinach.

Can I use pizza sauce?

Yes, you can spread pizza or marinara sauce onto the dough before adding the meats and cheeses.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Print