Cheesy Sourdough Pizza Rolls

These Sourdough Pizza Rolls are a delightful and savory twist on classic pizza, offering a crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy interior. The blend of mozzarella and pepperoni wrapped in sourdough dough makes for a satisfying bite that’s sure to please anyone craving a comfort food fix.

Perfect for serving as an appetizer, a party snack, or an easy weeknight dinner, these pizza rolls are customizable to your tastes. You can switch up the fillings by adding veggies like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers, or even substitute the pepperoni with sausage or bacon. Whether for a casual gathering or a movie night, these rolls will have everyone coming back for more.

Full Recipe:

• 1 batch of sourdough dough (or store-bought pizza dough)

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the sourdough dough onto a floured surface into a rectangular shape.

3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on top, leaving about an inch of space from the edges.

4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add the sliced pepperoni, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

6. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick rolls and place them on a greased baking sheet.

7. Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle a little more Italian seasoning on top.

8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

9. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 8 rolls

History and Origin

Sourdough pizza rolls are a modern fusion of two beloved culinary staples: sourdough bread and pizza. While pizza itself traces its origins back to ancient civilizations, the iconic version we know today with tomatoes, cheese, and various toppings hails from Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. Sourdough, on the other hand, has a much older history. It is one of the oldest methods of leavening bread, dating back to ancient Egypt, over 4,000 years ago. The fermentation process, which uses wild yeast, gives sourdough its distinct tangy flavor and dense texture.

The combination of sourdough bread and pizza is not a traditional pairing, but rather a contemporary twist that merges two popular food traditions. Sourdough’s rich flavor adds depth to the pizza roll, transforming the standard pizza into something a little more complex. These pizza rolls are a relatively recent invention in the culinary world, becoming popular in home kitchens, food blogs, and casual dining spots as a fun and interactive way to enjoy pizza flavors in a portable form.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of sourdough pizza rolls is their versatility. While the classic version features mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce, there are countless ways to customize these rolls to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Vegetarian Version
For those who prefer a meatless meal, you can easily swap out the pepperoni for vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. Adding roasted garlic or a sprinkle of basil can further elevate the flavor profile.

Vegan Version
To make these rolls vegan-friendly, simply replace the mozzarella cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and omit any animal products, such as pepperoni. You can even try adding vegan sausage or mushrooms for a hearty filling.

Gluten-Free Version
For those following a gluten-free diet, you can use a gluten-free sourdough dough or opt for a gluten-free pizza dough. Many stores offer excellent pre-made gluten-free pizza dough that works just as well for these rolls, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.

Cheese Lovers’ Variation
For a truly indulgent experience, consider mixing multiple types of cheese into the filling. Try adding cheddar, provolone, or parmesan alongside the mozzarella for extra flavor and a gooey texture.

Herb-Infused Rolls
Adding fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme to the dough or as a topping can infuse the rolls with extra fragrance and flavor. A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder can also complement the rich, cheesy interior.

Nutritional Information

Sourdough pizza rolls, like many comfort foods, are indulgent and high in calories, but they also offer some nutritional benefits due to the quality of ingredients used. A single roll typically contains around 230-250 kcal, depending on the fillings and the dough used. The nutritional breakdown includes a moderate amount of protein from the cheese and pepperoni, as well as carbohydrates from the sourdough dough.

Macronutrients

• Protein: The mozzarella cheese and pepperoni provide a decent amount of protein, with each roll contributing around 10-12 grams. This makes the pizza rolls a filling snack or appetizer.

• Carbohydrates: The sourdough dough contributes a significant portion of carbohydrates, primarily in the form of simple sugars from the flour. A single roll can contain around 30-35 grams of carbohydrates.

• Fats: The fats in these rolls primarily come from the cheese and the olive oil used for brushing. Expect around 10-12 grams of fat per roll, with some of that being saturated fat from the cheese. However, olive oil provides some healthier monounsaturated fats.

Micronutrients
Sourdough pizza rolls can also provide some essential vitamins and minerals. The mozzarella cheese adds calcium, which is important for bone health, and the pepperoni provides iron. The fresh basil used for garnish provides small amounts of vitamin K and antioxidants. If you choose to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, you’ll also boost the roll’s content of vitamins A, C, and various B vitamins.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Sourdough pizza rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions, and there are many ways to serve them depending on the context of the meal.

As an Appetizer or Snack
Serve them on their own with a side of marinara sauce or ranch for dipping. They’re ideal for casual get-togethers or as a fun snack for a movie night. You can even serve them at parties or gatherings, where guests can pick them up and dip them as they please.

With a Salad
Pair these rolls with a light, fresh salad to balance out the richness of the rolls. A simple arugula and cherry tomato salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, savory rolls.

As a Main Dish
For a more substantial meal, pair these pizza rolls with a hearty soup, such as a tomato bisque or a creamy mushroom soup. The creamy texture of the soup pairs beautifully with the doughy rolls, making for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

With Drinks
These rolls go wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a non-alcoholic option, try pairing them with a chilled iced tea or sparkling water. If you’re looking for something with a bit of kick, a cold beer, such as a pale ale or pilsner, complements the cheesy, savory flavors of the rolls. Red wine, particularly a light, fruity option like Pinot Noir, would also pair nicely.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To make sure your sourdough pizza rolls turn out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up your pizza rolls with cheese and toppings, avoid overstuffing them. Too much filling can cause the rolls to fall apart while baking.

2. Use Room Temperature Dough: If you’re using homemade sourdough dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it more pliable and easier to work with.

3. Seal the Edges Well: Be sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the fillings from leaking out during baking. Pinch the seams together firmly.

4. Brush with Olive Oil: Brushing the rolls with olive oil before baking gives them a golden, crispy finish. It also enhances the flavor.

5. Bake on a Preheated Sheet: For extra crispiness, preheat your baking sheet in the oven before placing the rolls on it. This helps to get the bottom of the rolls nice and crispy.

Potential Health Benefits

While sourdough pizza rolls aren’t exactly a health food, they do offer some benefits due to the quality ingredients used. Sourdough, for example, is known for being easier to digest than regular bread, thanks to its long fermentation process. The wild yeast and bacteria used in sourdough fermentation can help with the absorption of nutrients in the gut.

Additionally, using olive oil to brush the rolls adds healthy fats, and if you incorporate vegetables into your rolls, you’ll add fiber and antioxidants. Though these pizza rolls are not a low-calorie option, they can be a satisfying treat in moderation, offering some nutritional value alongside their indulgent flavors.

Conclusion

Sourdough pizza rolls are an innovative and fun twist on traditional pizza, bringing together the best of both worlds. Their combination of crispy, tangy sourdough and gooey, cheesy fillings makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these pizza rolls are versatile, easy to make, and fully customizable. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try making them today and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!