Whole Wheat Pizza Rolls always save my sanity on family night. Everyone in my house has a different opinion about pizza (oh, the great pineapple debate), but these rolls turn the “what’s for dinner” headache into a good, cheesy memory. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve whipped these up and watched them disappear before I could even grab seconds. Try pairing them with something bold, like this delicious wheatgrass shot recipe, if you’re feeling adventurous—for a family dinner that surprises everyone (in a good way). I’ll walk through the ingredients, easy steps, what freezes well, and some not-so-obvious tips that honestly made me wish I’d known them sooner. If you want another unique twist for dinner night, give this wheatgrass shot recipe a peek, I promise it’ll keep things interesting.
Toppings to Add
Here’s where you get to play around. The best part about Whole Wheat Pizza Rolls is throwing in those bits and bobs from your fridge that you almost forgot about. Leftover rotisserie chicken? In it goes. Got a spicy jalapeño you forgot to use last taco night? Slice it up and sprinkle it right in.
Maybe I’m weird, but I like to toss in chunks of bell pepper and red onion—gives everything a sweet kick. My kids beg for extra cheddar, which gets that correct level of gooeyness, and my spouse, always the wild card, sneaks in black olives. If you’re vegetarian, go crazy with mushrooms or spinach. Sometimes, I even add a little feta for a briny punch. The point: don’t overthink it. Use up what you have, or stick to classic pepperoni if it makes your family happiest.
For something fun and subtle, sprinkle Italian herbs on top before baking. Oh! And if you’re fancying a bit of spice, a shake of chili flakes works magic. There are very few rules here, except maybe one: don’t skimp on the cheese—trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Can You Freeze Pizza Rolls?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, these whole wheat pizza rolls are basically made for your freezer. I freeze them all the time, and let me tell you, popping a few out for a near-instant school lunch is a game changer. Here’s what works: bake your pizza rolls as usual, let them cool completely (seriously, let them cool or you’ll deal with soggy bottoms… nobody likes that).
Then just pack them up in a big reusable freezer bag. I’ve found they taste best when reheated in the oven rather than the microwave, but kids aren’t as picky as grown-ups most days. Just a quick ten minutes at 350°F, and you’ll have a piping hot snack. Freezer life? About two months, though mine never last that long because someone always discovers them for a midnight snack.
By the way, if you like planning ahead, make a double batch! Save time and future brain cells. One neighbor swears these pizza rolls have saved her after late soccer practices.
“These rolls are my saving grace on busy weeknights! My kids ask for them every week.” — Danielle, real-life pizza roll enthusiast
Ingredients You Need
You’ll only need a few basic things for Whole Wheat Pizza Rolls, most of which you probably have. Skip fancy stuff.
- Whole wheat flour (about 2 cups)
- Warm water (not boiling, just cozy)
- Instant yeast (one packet, or 2 and ¼ teaspoons)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons for the dough, plus one for brushing)
- Sugar (just a pinch, optional, makes yeast happy)
- Salt (a good pinch, about half a teaspoon)
- Pasta sauce or marinara (a small jar or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (as much as you like)
- Pizza toppings—get creative (pepperoni, peppers, onions, whatever floats your boat)
If something looks strange or you’re missing one, don’t panic. The recipe’s pretty forgiving—definitely not rocket science.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s make these things. First, mix your yeast with warm water (add a pinch of that sugar if you’re in a generous mood), and let it bubble for a few minutes. Dump in the flour, olive oil, and salt, and stir until you have a slightly tacky dough. Knead it a bit—honestly, I use my hands because it feels right.
Let it rise in a bowl covered with a dish towel, about 45 minutes. While it rises, set out your fillings: sauce, cheese, whatever else you picked. When dough looks puffy, roll it out into a rectangle (not a perfect one, don’t fuss).
Spread a layer of sauce, sprinkle cheese—don’t be stingy here—then toss on any toppings. Roll it up (like cinnamon rolls), slice into 1-inch rounds, and place on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with a bit more olive oil. Bake at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is gently bubbling and the tops are golden. That’s it. Pretty doable, right?
Best Tips for Success
There are a few sneaky tricks that really make Whole Wheat Pizza Rolls go from just “meh” to “I-need-four-more.” First, don’t let the dough get too dry; if it’s sticky, that’s fine—dust with a little more flour and call it good. Don’t overfill, tempting as it is. Trust me on this, or all your lovely fillings will leak out and you’ll end up with empty rolls and burnt cheese blobs on your tray.
Use parchment paper if you hate messes. And if you want the softest texture, brush a bit of butter on the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. (I learned that one from my aunt—it’s the secret sauce, seriously.) If you’re baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through. And always taste-test one before serving the whole batch… you know, for quality control. No judgment if two somehow vanish before dinner.
Common Questions
Q: My dough isn’t rising—what did I do wrong?
A: Double-check that your water wasn’t too hot (kills yeast) or too cold (doesn’t wake them up). Sometimes, yeast is just stubborn!
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?
A: Sure thing. I prefer whole wheat for the hearty taste, but all-purpose works if that’s what you have.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Stick them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q: Can I add more veggies without making them soggy?
A: Yup! Try sautéing any watery veggies first (like mushrooms). That keeps extra moisture out.
Q: Is there a low-dairy option?
A: Try using less cheese or swap for a dairy-free cheese blend. Still tastes great!
Give These Pizza Rolls a Go Tonight
If you’re hunting for something easy, kid-approved, and actually fun, you really have to try these Whole Wheat Pizza Rolls. They tick all the right boxes for flavor and convenience—not to mention they help clean out your fridge! For a bit more inspiration, take a look at these smart ideas for homemade whole-wheat pizza rolls or get creative with a delicious wheatgrass shot recipe on the side. You can also check out the trusted recipe at this link for Homemade Whole-Wheat Pizza Rolls ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food, and don’t forget, pizza rolls make any family night feel like a five-star event (with way less stress). Go on, get rolling and see how quickly they vanish at your table.
Whole Wheat Pizza Rolls
Delicious and easy whole wheat pizza rolls that are perfect for family night. Customize with your favorite toppings!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 63 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- Warm water (not boiling, just cozy)
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 and ¼ teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the dough, plus more for brushing)
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pasta sauce or marinara (small jar or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (to taste)
- Pizza toppings (pepperoni, peppers, onions, etc.)
Instructions
- Mix yeast with warm water (add a pinch of sugar) and let bubble for a few minutes.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt; stir until you have a slightly tacky dough.
- Knead the dough by hand until smooth and let it rise in a covered bowl for about 45 minutes.
- Prepare your fillings while the dough rises.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with sauce, and sprinkle generously with cheese and toppings.
- Roll up the dough like cinnamon rolls and slice into 1-inch rounds.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and brush tops with olive oil.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and tops are golden.
Notes
For a special touch, brush baked rolls with butter for a soft texture. Use parchment paper to avoid mess. Can be frozen for about two months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pizza rolls, whole wheat, family dinner, kid-friendly, easy recipe