Oh man, let me tell you about the magic of homemade pizza rolls! These little crispy pockets of joy have been my go-to game day snack for years—way better than anything from the freezer aisle. I still remember the first time I made them for a football party, watching my friends’ eyes light up when they bit into that molten mozzarella and pepperoni goodness. Now they won’t let me show up without them!
What makes these pizza rolls so special? Fresh wonton wrappers fry up impossibly crispy, hugging that ooey-gooey cheese and zesty pizza sauce inside. And the best part? You can whip up a batch in about 30 minutes flat. Whether you need a killer appetizer for your next gathering or just a midnight snack (no judgment here), these homemade pizza rolls never disappoint. Trust me, once you try them fresh from the fryer, there’s no going back to the frozen stuff.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Pizza Rolls
Listen, I don’t throw around the word “perfect” lightly, but these pizza rolls? They’ve earned it. Here’s why they’ll become your new obsession:
- That CRUNCH: Fresh wonton wrappers fry up so crisp you’ll hear the snap from across the room. No soggy, store-bought nonsense here.
- Melty magic: That moment when you break one open and the mozzarella stretches for days? Pure happiness in every bite.
- Faster than delivery: From fridge to plate in 30 minutes flat—even when your crew shows up unannounced.
- Shareable (or not): Perfect finger food for parties, but I won’t judge if you “test” half the batch solo.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite toppings like sausage, veggies, or extra pepperoni for your signature twist.
Seriously, these little guys check all the boxes—easy, delicious, and downright addictive. You’ve been warned!
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Rolls
Alright, let’s gather our pizza roll squad! You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to create these crispy, cheesy wonders:
- Wonton wrappers: About 20 fresh ones – they’re the crispy magic blanket for our filling
- Mozzarella: 1½ cups shredded (trust me, fresh-grated melts better than pre-shredded!)
- Pizza sauce: ½ cup plus extra for dipping (I always sneak a spoonful while cooking)
- Pepperoni: ½ cup of mini ones or chopped regular slices – go wild if you’re a pepperoni lover!
- Italian seasoning: Just 1 teaspoon makes all the difference
- Oil: For frying – vegetable or canola works great
- Optional: Parmesan for dusting on top like fairy dust of deliciousness
See? Nothing fancy here – just simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary when combined. Now let’s get rolling!
How to Make Homemade Pizza Rolls
Alright, let’s turn these simple ingredients into crispy, cheesy magic! Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be snacking like a champ in no time.
Step 1: Assemble the Filling
Lay out those wonton wrappers like little edible napkins. Now, here’s the fun part: pile about 1 tablespoon of mozzarella right in the center of each one. Add a teaspoon of pizza sauce (don’t go overboard or it’ll leak!) and 2-3 mini pepperoni pieces. A tiny sprinkle of Italian seasoning? Chef’s kiss!
Step 2: Fold and Seal
Dip your finger in water and run it around the edges of each wrapper—this is your “edible glue.” Fold them into perfect little triangles, pressing firmly to seal. Pro tip: Really squish those edges together or you’ll have cheese explosions in the fryer!
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
Heat your oil to 350°F (use a thermometer—guessing is risky!). Fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and gorgeous. Drain on paper towels, then resist eating them all immediately. Serve with extra sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear!
Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza Rolls
After countless batches (and a few kitchen disasters), I’ve learned all the tricks for perfect pizza rolls every time. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fresh wrappers are non-negotiable: Check the date on your wonton wrappers—stale ones tear easier and won’t crisp up right.
- Oil thermometer is your best friend: 350°F is the sweet spot. Too cold = greasy, too hot = burnt outside, cold cheese inside.
- Serve immediately: These lose their magical crispness fast, so fry them just before serving.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady.
- Seal tight or weep cheese: Press those edges like you mean it—water helps, but pressure is key.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the pizza roll hero at every gathering!
Variations for Your Pizza Rolls
One of my favorite things about these pizza rolls? You can reinvent them a dozen ways! Here are some tasty twists I’ve tried over the years:
- Veggie lovers: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach (squeeze out excess water first!)
- Cheese experiments: Try provolone for extra tang or add ricotta for creamy bursts
- Baked option: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes if you prefer not to fry
- Meat madness: Italian sausage or crispy bacon bits make killer additions
The possibilities are endless – that’s half the fun of making them at home!
Serving and Dipping Ideas
Now for the best part – the dipping! My personal favorite is classic marinara warmed up with a pinch of red pepper flakes for kick. But don’t stop there – try ranch dressing for a cool contrast, or garlic butter for serious indulgence. A shower of grated Parmesan on top? Absolute perfection. Serve them piping hot with small bowls of different sauces so everyone can mix and match!
Storing and Reheating Homemade Pizza Rolls
Okay, let’s be real—these pizza rolls rarely last long enough to store! But if you somehow have leftovers (miracle alert!), here’s how to keep them tasting great. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until crispy again. No microwave unless you enjoy soggy pizza rolls—trust me on this one!
Homemade Pizza Rolls FAQs
I’ve gotten so many questions about these pizza rolls over the years—here are the answers to the ones people ask most!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. They won’t get quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious.
How do I keep my pizza rolls from getting soggy?
Two tricks: make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F), and don’t let them sit too long after frying. Drain on paper towels immediately—that extra grease is the enemy of crispiness!
Can I make these ahead for game day?
You bet! Assemble them up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated (separate layers with parchment). Fry just before serving for maximum crunch.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
My personal favorite is marinara with a dash of garlic powder, but ranch, garlic butter, or even spicy mayo all work beautifully. Get creative!
Can I use egg roll wrappers instead?
Technically yes, but they’ll be thicker and less crispy. Stick with wonton wrappers for that perfect finger-food texture.
Nutritional Information
Let’s be honest—we’re not eating pizza rolls for their health benefits! But for those curious, here’s the scoop: each serving (about 5 pizza rolls) clocks in around 360 calories. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can change based on your exact ingredients and how much oil they absorb during frying. Enjoy them as the occasional indulgent treat—they’re totally worth it!
Share Your Homemade Pizza Rolls
I’d love to hear how your pizza rolls turn out! Did you add any fun twists? Snap a pic of that glorious cheese pull and tag me. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover this recipe—now go make some kitchen magic!
Print
Irresistible Homemade Pizza Rolls in 30 Minutes You’ll Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade pizza rolls are a cheesy, crispy snack perfect for game day or as a fun appetizer. These fried bites are filled with mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.
Ingredients
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- ½ cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Oil for frying
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Lay wonton wrappers flat on a clean surface.
- Place about 1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella in the center of each wrapper.
- Add 1 teaspoon pizza sauce and a few pieces of pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning.
- Brush wrapper edges with water, fold into a triangle, and press firmly to seal.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
- Fry pizza rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh wonton wrappers for best results.
- Do not overfill to prevent breaking while frying.
- Adjust pepperoni quantity to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pizza rolls
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg