Homemade Pizza Scrolls: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your kitchen into a pizzeria! Forget ordering takeout; we're diving headfirst into creating these irresistible, cheesy, and utterly satisfying treats from scratch. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy scroll, bursting with the familiar flavors of your favorite pizza – that's precisely what awaits you.

Pizza, in its various forms, has a rich history, tracing back to ancient flatbreads enjoyed in Mediterranean cultures. The modern pizza we know and love originated in Naples, Italy, evolving from simple street food to a global phenomenon. These Homemade Pizza Scrolls are a playful twist on this classic, offering a portable and shareable way to enjoy those beloved pizza flavors.

What makes pizza so universally appealing? It's the perfect combination of textures and tastes: the soft, chewy dough, the tangy tomato sauce, the gooey, melted cheese, and the endless possibilities for toppings. These scrolls capture all of that magic in a convenient, handheld package. They're perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, parties, or even a quick and easy dinner. Plus, making Homemade Pizza Scrolls is a fun activity to do with kids, getting them involved in the kitchen and creating lasting memories. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get baking!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (7g or 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing

For the Pizza Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Filling:

1 1/2 cups (about 150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (about 50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni, diced (or your favorite pizza toppings!)
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)

For Brushing:

2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Making the Dough:

Okay, let's get started with the dough! This is the foundation of our delicious pizza scrolls, so let's take our time and do it right. Don't be intimidated; it's easier than you think!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Make sure the yeast is fresh; otherwise, your dough won't rise properly. I always give it a little sniff to make sure it smells yeasty!
Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. The water temperature is crucial! Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate. Aim for that sweet spot around 110°F (43°C).
Mix the Dough: Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry if it's a little sticky at this point.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the pizza scrolls their chewy texture. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working its wonders, creating all those lovely air bubbles.

Making the Pizza Sauce:

While the dough is rising, let's whip up a quick and flavorful pizza sauce. You can definitely use store-bought sauce, but homemade is so much better and surprisingly easy!

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
Cool the Sauce: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using.

Assembling the Pizza Scrolls:

Now for the fun part – assembling our pizza scrolls! This is where you can get creative with your toppings. Feel free to substitute or add your favorites!

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the scrolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches. Aim for an even thickness.
Spread the Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce. Then, add the diced pepperoni, black olives, and green bell pepper (if using). Don't overload the toppings, or the scrolls will be difficult to roll.
Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
Slice the Scrolls: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into 1-inch thick scrolls.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the scrolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each scroll.

Baking and Finishing Touches:

Almost there! Just a few more steps, and we'll be enjoying warm, cheesy pizza scrolls.

Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley.
Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the tops of the pizza scrolls with the garlic butter mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden color and add extra flavor.
Bake the Scrolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the scrolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Cool Slightly: Let the pizza scrolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy! Serve the pizza scrolls warm and enjoy! They're perfect for a snack, lunch, or party appetizer. You can also serve them with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, or spinach.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top of the scrolls before baking.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Freezing: Pizza scrolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Sweet Pizza Scrolls: For a sweet treat, try using a sweet dough recipe and filling the scrolls with Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or fruit preserves.

Troubleshooting:

Dough Not Rising: Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm enough. Also, ensure the rising environment is warm and draft-free.
Dough Too Sticky:

Conclusion:
And there you have it! These Homemade Pizza Scrolls are more than just a snack; they're a delightful experience waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of pizza but craves a fun, portable, and shareable twist. Forget ordering takeout – these scrolls are fresher, tastier, and made with love (and your own two hands!). Think about it: the aroma of freshly baked dough mingling with the savory scent of tomato sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings filling your kitchen. It's pure bliss! And the best part? They're incredibly versatile.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
These scrolls are fantastic on their own, perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even a casual dinner. But why stop there? * Dipping Delights: Serve them with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a creamy garlic dip for an extra layer of flavor. * Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or filling for a little kick. * Veggie Power: Load them up with your favorite vegetables! Think bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, spinach – the possibilities are endless. * Meat Lovers' Paradise: Go all out with pepperoni, sausage, ham, or bacon. The more, the merrier! * Cheese, Please!: Experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan can add a unique twist. * Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the dough for an aromatic boost. * Sweet Treat: For a dessert variation, try filling the scrolls with Nutella and sliced bananas. Bake until golden brown and drizzle with chocolate sauce. I've made these Homemade Pizza Scrolls countless times, and each time I tweak the recipe a little to suit my mood and what I have on hand. That's the beauty of this recipe – it's incredibly adaptable. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. I'm confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your household. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. The satisfaction of making something delicious from scratch is truly rewarding, and these scrolls are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let's create a community of pizza scroll enthusiasts! I can't wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Happy baking!

Homemade Pizza Scrolls: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide
Homemade pizza scrolls filled with pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for a snack, lunch, or appetizer!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time120 minutes
Category: Lunch
Yield: 16 pizza scrolls
Save This Recipe
Ingredients

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 packet (7g or 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 1/2 cups (about 150g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup (about 50g) grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup pepperoni, diced (or your favorite pizza toppings!)

1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)

1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

Make a well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil.

Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Grease a bowl with olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.

Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12x18 inch rectangle.

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce. Add pepperoni, black olives, and green bell pepper (if using).

Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

Slice the log into 1-inch thick scrolls.

Place the scrolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scroll.

In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley.

Brush the tops of the pizza scrolls with the garlic butter mixture.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, or spinach.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top of the scrolls before baking.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Freezing: Pizza scrolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.

Sweet Pizza Scrolls: For a sweet treat, try using a sweet dough recipe and filling the scrolls with Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or fruit preserves.

Homemade Pizza Scrolls: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide