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All the gooey, cheesy goodness you remember, now in homemade form. These crispy bites are loaded with pepperoni pieces, stretchy mozzarella, and a splash of tangy sauce. They're fast to whip up, so they're awesome for parties, after-school snacking, or when you just crave a little comfort food.
Movie nights with my nephews always meant these snacks were gone in seconds. If anyone calls for a game night snack, this is the first thing requested, every single time.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Mozzarella: shred it for best melting, buying a fresh block is the way to go if you've got the time
- Pizza sauce: thick, with obvious tomato bits, it brings the right amount of tangy flavor and keeps everything juicy
- Egg roll wrappers: you want them uncracked and smooth, these give that extra crunch
- Neutral oil for frying: canola or vegetable is perfect, so the flavors shine, not the oil
- Mini pepperoni: go for the small ones, chopped up for flavor that pops with each bite
- Water for sealing: simple trick to keep the goodies from leaking out
Easy Instructions
- Drain and Serve:
- Drop the crispy rolls on paper towels to help soak up extra oil, then serve with more sauce for dipping, while they’re steaming hot
- Fry the Rolls:
- Only cook a handful at a time in the hot oil, around one or two minutes till you see them puff and turn golden, flip if you need an even color
- Double Seal:
- Go over the top and bottom again with a dab of water, folding them inwards and pressing tight so everything’s locked inside
- Wet the Edges and Roll:
- Water around every edge with your finger, then gently fold the wrap over the filling and press by the sides to help close it up
- Fill the Wrappers:
- Drop a spoonful of filling close to one end of each wrapper square, leaving a border above and below so you can close them without spills
- Mix the Filling:
- Stir up the mozzarella, sauce, and chopped pepperoni in a bowl so every scoop has all the goodness
- Prep the Wrappers and Cheese:
- Chop cheese and slice wrappers into quarters on a clean surface to get ready for filling
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour about one or two inches of oil into your pan or fryer and bring it up to three hundred fifty degrees, use a thermometer to nail the temp
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I go straight for the minis when I buy pepperoni. They’re punchy and plump, just like the slices I’d sneak as a kid. Passing around these hot rolls to my family is honestly one of my favorite ways to get everyone smiling and hanging out together.
Smart Storage Ideas
Pop any leftovers in a sealed container—they’ll be good in the fridge for a few days. To make them crispy again, spread them on a hot oven tray for a few minutes. Freezing? Put them in a single layer first, that way you won’t end up with a stuck-together pile.
Swap-Out Options
No mini pepperoni? Chop up standard size or use turkey pepperoni instead. Going meatless? Mushrooms or diced bell peppers make it hearty. Out of mozzarella? Cheddar or provolone will do, though the flavor will change a bit.
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Tasty Ways to Serve
Dip these hot rolls in warm pizza sauce, or get a little wild and try ranch. Slot them next to a fresh salad for a lighter meal, or pile on a platter with fruits and crunchy veggies if you're going for kid appeal.
Backstory
Homemade pizza rolls take a cue from classic American pizzeria snacks and the frozen treats so many of us grew up on. Making them yourself means you pick what goes in, and they taste even better—no nostalgia lost.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How do I stop the filling from spilling out?
Make sure you press and seal every side of the egg roll wrappers snugly. Dabbing a little water on the edge really helps, and folding the seams twice adds some leak protection.
- → Can I swap out mozzarella for another cheese?
Definitely! Try cheddar for a sharp bite or provolone for a creamy melt. Mozzarella's stretchy fun, but mix it up if you want.
- → How should I warm up leftovers so they're crispy?
Skip the microwave or you'll get soggy crusts—pop them in the oven or air fryer until the outsides get toasted again.
- → Do these freeze well?
Yep. Lay unfried rolls out on a flat pan, freeze, then you can toss them straight into hot oil from the freezer—just give them a little extra time to turn golden.
- → What's a good sauce to dip them in?
Pizza sauce is a no-brainer, but ranch or garlic butter is awesome too if you want to shake things up.