Crispy Pizza Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Pizza Rolls are a delightful appetizer or snack, packed with savory Italian flavors and melty cheese. These golden, bite-sized treats combine seasoned sausage, pepperoni, and veggies wrapped in crispy wonton wrappers. Perfect for dipping and sharing at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced small
- 1/2 small green bell pepper, diced small
- 5 medium baby bella mushrooms, chopped small
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 mild Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1/3 cup sliced pepperoni, chopped small
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella shreds (whole milk preferred)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan fine shreds
- 1 package wonton wrappers (or egg roll wrappers cut into 3.5-inch squares)
- Water, for sealing
- About 1/4 cup peanut oil (or other neutral oil) for frying
- Marinara or ranch, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Step 2: Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook for 4–5 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in the chopped pepperoni, then transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow to cool slightly.
- Step 3: Once slightly cooled, stir in the marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan shreds until well combined.
- Step 4: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Dip your finger or a small brush in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center.
- Step 5: Roll the wrapper up from the bottom edge into a log shape to enclose the filling. Press the top edge to seal, then press the sides inward to secure the filling. Moisten and fold any extra wrapper edges if needed for a tight seal.
- Step 6: To pan-fry: Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook the rolls in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels before serving.
- Step 7: To bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F on convection mode. Spread 3 tablespoons of oil on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly rub both sides of each roll with oil and place on the sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp. Some filling might seep out but they will still taste delicious.
- Step 8: Let the pizza rolls cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with extra marinara or ranch for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole milk mozzarella for extra creamy melty cheese.
- Try substituting spicy Italian sausage for a little heat.
- Mix in chopped fresh basil or oregano for a fresher herb flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and pepperoni and add extra mushrooms and spinach.
- If baking, flipping the rolls halfway through ensures even crisping.
Storage
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to crisp them back up, or re-fry briefly in a hot skillet. Avoid microwaving as this can make the wrappers soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these pizza rolls?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but uncooked pizza rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen either by pan-frying or baking but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use if I don’t have wonton wrappers?
You can use egg roll wrappers cut into squares about 3.5 inches wide. They work similarly and will get equally crispy when cooked.
Print
Crispy Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 pizza rolls 1x
Description
These Crispy Pizza Rolls are a delightful appetizer or snack featuring a savory filling of Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and cheeses wrapped in wonton wrappers and cooked to golden perfection. You can either pan-fry them for a classic crispy finish or bake them in the oven for a lighter alternative. Serve warm with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small yellow onion, diced small
- ½ small green bell pepper, diced small
- 5 medium baby bella mushrooms, chopped small
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 mild Italian sausage, casing removed
- ⅓ cup sliced pepperoni, chopped small
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1½ cups Tillamook Farmstyle Whole Milk Mozzarella Shreds
- ¼ cup Tillamook Parmesan Fine Shreds
Rolls:
- 1 package wonton wrappers (or egg roll wrappers cut into 3.5-inch squares)
- Water, for sealing
- ~¼ cup peanut oil or other neutral oil (for frying or brushing for baking)
- Marinara or ranch, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms along with salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook for 4-5 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Stir in the chopped pepperoni, transfer mixture to a bowl, and let cool slightly.
- Mix cheese and sauce: Stir marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses into the cooled sausage mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble the rolls: Lay a wonton wrapper flat. Moisten edges with water using your finger or a pastry brush. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center. Roll up from the bottom into a log, enclosing the filling and pressing to seal the top. Press the wrapper skin on the left and right sides of the filling to secure edges. Optionally moisten any extra skin and fold in to seal tightly.
- Pan-fry option: Heat a thin layer of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add rolls in batches and fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Bake option: Preheat oven to 425°F using convection mode. Spread 3 tablespoons of oil on a parchment-lined baking sheet and rub oil on both sides of each roll. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Note: some filling might seep out during baking but the rolls remain delicious.
- Serve: Allow rolls to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with extra marinara or ranch sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Wonton wrappers work best for a crispier texture, but egg roll wrappers cut to size are a good substitute.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to control spice level.
- For baking, make sure to rub oil on both sides to ensure even crisping.
- Do not overfill the wrappers to prevent bursting during cooking.
- These rolls can be made ahead and frozen; reheat by baking or frying until crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Crispy pizza rolls, pizza appetizers, Italian sausage rolls, homemade pizza rolls, easy appetizer recipes, pan-fried pizza rolls, baked pizza rolls, pizza snacks
