Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls Recipe

If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of pizza but want something a little handier and perfect for sharing, Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls are here to steal your heart. These fluffy rolls swirled generously with rich pizza sauce and melty mozzarella create a bite-sized marvel that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, from game nights to casual family dinners. The combination of garlic butter brushed over the golden-baked rolls adds an irresistible aroma and a buttery finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you try these rolls, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to make these delightful Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls. Each component plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of fluffy dough, savory sauce, gooey cheese, and aromatic butter that makes every bite unforgettable.

• 2 cups Flour: The foundation of our soft, fluffy dough that will rise beautifully and hold all the delicious fillings.
• 1 tsp Yeast: Activates the dough, helping it become light and airy with the perfect chew.
• 3/4 cup Warm water: Just the right temperature to wake up the yeast and bring the dough together.
• 1/2 cup Pizza sauce: Adds that irresistible tangy, herby flavor that defines a great pizza roll.
• 1 cup Mozzarella: Melts perfectly inside, giving each bite a luscious, gooey center.
• 2 tbsp Garlic butter: Brushed on top for a buttery, garlicky finish that makes these rolls truly addictive.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing the yeast into the warm water and allowing it to bloom until foamy, signaling the yeast is active and ready. Then, gradually add the flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead it gently for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about an hour. This rising step is crucial to achieve those pillowy soft rolls everyone will rave about.

Step 2: Roll Out and Layer with Sauce and Cheese

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape about ¼ inch thick. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface, making sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent leaks. Generously sprinkle the mozzarella over the sauce, distributing it evenly for perfect melty pockets in every slice.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal it well. Using a sharp knife, slice the log crosswise into 8 equal pieces, each one revealing a beautiful spiral of sauce and cheese. These pinwheel shapes promise a mouthful of flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the sliced rolls cut-side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each so they can puff up nicely. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 18 minutes, until the rolls are beautifully golden and the cheese has melted into cheesy magic inside.

Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven and are still piping hot, brush them generously with the garlic butter. This final touch adds a luscious shine and a fragrant garlic scent that elevates these pizza rolls from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls

Garnishes

To make these Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls even more inviting, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top after brushing with garlic butter. Not only does it add a splash of color, but it also gives a fresh herbal lift that complements the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a fresh crisp salad or a zesty marinara dip to balance the cheesy richness with some brightness. A bowl of roasted veggies or a light soup also pairs beautifully for a complete meal that feels both satisfying and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange your Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls in a circular pattern on a large platter, with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center—picture party ready and irresistible. You can also serve them in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin to bring warmth and hospitality right to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, don’t worry—they reheat wonderfully. Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, keeping them soft and fresh. For best texture, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked sliced rolls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring the rolls back to their fresh-from-the-oven glory, warm them in a 160°C oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can re-brush with a little warm garlic butter to refresh that irresistible shine and flavor before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls?

Absolutely! Using store-bought dough can save time and still produce delicious rolls. Just roll it out and follow the layering and baking steps as usual.

What cheeses work best besides mozzarella?

While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness and mild flavor, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend for a different twist. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt differently and may alter the texture slightly.

Can I make these rolls spicy?

Definitely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or sprinkle finely chopped jalapeños over the cheese for a zesty kick that balances perfectly with the buttery garlic.

Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?

Yes, by swapping mozzarella for a plant-based cheese and using a vegan garlic butter substitute, these rolls can be made fully vegan without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

Make sure not to overload the dough with sauce—spread a thin, even layer leaving a border. Also, baking at the right temperature allows the crust to crisp just enough to avoid sogginess.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls are such a joy to make and eat, combining familiar pizza flavors with the coziness of soft, warm bread and an addictive garlic buttery finish. Whether you’re sharing them with family or surprising friends at a get-together, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!