Homestyle Pizza Rolls

Ingredients:

1 package pizza dough

1 cup of your favorite pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup pepperoni slices, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons melted butter

A pinch of garlic powder

Additional toppings as desired (mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.), finely chopped

Cornmeal or flour, for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the pizza dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Add toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the chopped pepperoni and any additional toppings of your choice.

Roll it up: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch-thick rounds.

Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the pizza rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking.

Bake: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the tops of the pizza rolls.

Bake: Bake the pizza rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Serve: Remove the pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!

Cook Notes and Variations:

Customize the Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the fillings! Add your favorite pizza toppings such as cooked sausage, diced ham, sliced olives, or fresh basil for extra flavor.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and add a variety of veggies for a vegetarian-friendly version. Think mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a burst of color and flavor.

Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or use spicy pepperoni slices.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

Keto Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, use a low-carb pizza dough made with almond flour or coconut flour. Opt for a sugar-free pizza sauce and choose low-carb toppings such as cooked sausage, bacon, and sliced bell peppers. Substitute the mozzarella cheese with a combination of shredded mozzarella and shredded cheddar for extra flavor.

Low Carb Version: Similarly, for a lower-carb option, use a low-carb pizza dough and reduce the amount of sauce and cheese used. Stick to low-carb toppings and adjust the portion sizes to fit your dietary needs.