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Tortilla Pizza Rolls

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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Difficulty: Super Easy
Spice Level: Kid-Friendly (customizable)
Servings: 20-24 rolls (feeds 4-6)
Cost: Ultra Budget-Friendly

These Tortilla Pizza Rolls are the ultimate quick-fix snack, appetizer, or fun weeknight dinner. They take all the beloved flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza—tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni—and wrap them into a portable, dippable, crispy-edged package. Using simple flour tortillas as the “crust,” they come together in minutes, bake to golden perfection, and are guaranteed to disappear just as fast. Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, game day, or a no-fuss meal that everyone from toddlers to adults will adore.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup (240g) pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping

  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

  • 60-70 slices of pepperoni (about one 5-6 oz package)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Optional additions: ¼ cup finely diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, cooked Italian sausage crumbles, or finely chopped ham

For Assembly & Baking:

  • 5 large (10-inch) burrito-size flour tortillas

  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning (for topping)

For Serving:

  • 1 cup (240g) warmed pizza sauce or marinara sauce (for dipping)

  • Optional: Ranch dressing for dipping

Equipment

  • Baking sheet

  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

  • Pastry brush

  • Sharp serrated knife

  • Small bowls for mixing

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Filling & Preheat

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This is crucial for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

  2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. This ensures every bite is evenly seasoned.

  3. Have your pizza sauce, pepperoni, and any optional toppings ready and within reach.

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls

This process is like making a sushi roll or a burrito—tight is right!

  1. Lay the Foundation: Place one flour tortilla on a clean, dry surface. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the entire surface, leaving a ½-inch border along the top edge clean (this will help seal the roll).

  2. Add Cheese & Toppings: Sprinkle a generous handful (about ⅓ cup) of the seasoned cheese mixture evenly over the sauce. Arrange 12-14 slices of pepperoni in a single layer over the cheese. If using other toppings, sprinkle them on now.

  3. Roll Tightly: Starting from the bottom edge closest to you, begin rolling the tortilla up tightly, tucking in the filling as you go. When you reach the clean border at the top, press gently to seal the roll. The bit of sauce on the underside will help it stick. Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining 4 tortillas and filling, spacing the rolls evenly on the baking sheet.

Step 3: The Golden, Crispy Finish

  1. Brush & Season: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops and sides of each tortilla roll with the melted butter. This promotes browning and adds flavor.

  2. Sprinkle: Combine the 1 tablespoon of Parmesan and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning in a small dish. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered rolls.

  3. Score (Optional but Helpful): Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 small, shallow slashes on the top of each roll. This allows a little steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Start checking at 15 minutes.

  2. The rolls are done when the tortillas are golden brown, crisp to the touch, and you can see the cheese bubbling at the ends.

Step 5: Slice, Dip, and Devour

  1. Cool Slightly: Let the baked rolls cool on the pan for 5 minutes. This allows the melted cheese to set slightly, making them easier to slice cleanly.

  2. Slice: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. A gentle sawing motion works best to keep the shape intact.

  3. Serve: Arrange the pizza rolls on a platter with bowls of warm pizza sauce and ranch dressing for dipping. Serve immediately while they’re warm, crispy, and the cheese is gloriously gooey.

Recipe Notes & Pro-Tips for Success

  • Tortilla Tip: Large, burrito-size tortillas work best. If you only have medium (8-inch) tortillas, you may get more rolls (6-7) with slightly less filling in each. Don’t use “street taco” size—they’re too small.

  • The Tight Roll: A tight roll is essential for neat slices that hold together. Don’t overfill, or the tortilla will tear when rolling.

  • Prevent Sogginess: Avoid spreading too much sauce. A thin, even layer is sufficient. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crisp tortilla.

  • Cheese Matters: Use pre-shredded low-moisture mozzarella for convenience, or shred a block yourself for even better melt. Avoid fresh mozzarella balls, as they are too wet.

  • Make-Ahead & Freezing: These are fantastic for preparing in advance.

    • To Freeze Before Baking: Assemble and roll the tortillas. Place them whole on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to the bake time. Slice after baking.

    • To Freeze After Baking: Bake, cool completely, then freeze the whole rolls on a tray before bagging. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes, then slice.

  • Air Fryer Method: For a faster, crispier result, cook assembled (buttered and seasoned) whole rolls in a preheated 370°F air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden. Let cool slightly, then slice.

  • Customization Station: Set out bowls of different fillings and let everyone make their own! Great options include BBQ sauce with chicken and cheddar, pesto with spinach and feta, or Alfredo sauce with ham.

Why This Recipe Wins

It transforms three basic, affordable ingredients (tortillas, sauce, cheese) into a fun, interactive, and deeply satisfying food. It’s faster than ordering delivery, more customizable than frozen snacks, and delivers that perfect contrast of crispy exterior and molten, cheesy interior that defines the best pizza experiences.

Nutrition Information (Per Roll, based on 24 rolls, without dipping sauce)

  • Calories: ~110 kcal

  • Total Fat: 6g

    • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Cholesterol: 15mg

  • Sodium: ~280mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g

    • Dietary Fiber: <1g

    • Sugars: 1g

  • Protein: 5g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on specific ingredients and brands. Values will vary depending on the tortillas, cheese, and pepperoni used. This calculation assumes 24 rolls from 5 large tortillas.

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