Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls

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I can’t tell you how many times these Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls have saved my day. Whether I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party or a fun twist on pizza night, these little rolls always deliver. The flakey puff pastry, gooey cheese, zesty marinara, and garlicky butter combine to create a bite-sized flavor bomb that disappears in minutes.

What I love most is how effortless they are. Just a handful of ingredients, a few simple steps, and you have golden, cheesy spirals that are perfect for dipping and devouring. They’re kid-approved, party-friendly, and dangerously addictive straight out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls

These rolls check all the boxes: crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and fun. They’re faster than traditional pizza, easier to share, and totally customizable. Perfect for quick lunches, movie nights, or as a game-day snack. Plus, they make your kitchen smell like a pizzeria—who can resist that?

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What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

Go with store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets for ease and consistency. Let them thaw until just pliable—not too soft or they’ll tear. I prefer using all-butter puff pastry for extra richness, but any variety works well. Just make sure it’s cold when you roll.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to add provolone or sharp cheddar for a twist.
• Sauce: Marinara is a must for dipping, but you can use pesto or even buffalo sauce for a spicier version.
• Toppings: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives all roll up beautifully.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley is great, but dried Italian seasoning or basil can be used in a pinch.

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Ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls

• Puff Pastry Sheets: The base of the rolls—light, flaky, and buttery. Make sure they’re thawed but still cold.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza stretch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and crispy finish on top.
• Pizza Sauce or Marinara: For spreading inside and serving as a dip.
• Garlic Butter: A mix of melted butter and minced garlic gives these rolls their signature flavor.
• Pepperoni Slices (optional): For a meaty, spicy kick.
• Chopped Parsley: For freshness and a pop of color.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings extra herb flavor to the rolls.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly flour your surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets.

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Step 2: Add the Filling

Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Add pepperoni slices if using.

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Step 3: Roll and Slice

Gently roll the pastry up from one end to the other like a jelly roll, keeping it tight but not squishing the filling out. Slice into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife.

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Step 4: Arrange and Brush

Place the slices cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Mix melted butter with minced garlic and a pinch of Italian seasoning, then brush the tops of the rolls with this mixture.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them around the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve warm with extra marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.

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How Long to Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls

Prep Time: You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep—this includes thawing the puff pastry, spreading the sauce, adding toppings, and rolling everything up. It’s quick and easy, especially if you have everything laid out in advance.

Bake Time: Baking takes roughly 18 to 22 minutes. Keep a close eye after the 18-minute mark to ensure they’re golden and crisp but not overdone. Once out of the oven, give them 2-3 minutes to cool slightly before serving so the cheese sets and they’re easier to handle.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls

• Keep the puff pastry cold when working to make rolling easier and help the rolls puff up better in the oven.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t overload with sauce—it can make the pastry soggy.
• Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices without smushing the roll.
• For a crispier finish, bake on the lower-middle rack and brush with garlic butter mid-bake.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using warm puff pastry: It becomes sticky and hard to roll. Chill it briefly if it gets too soft.
• Too much sauce: Leads to soggy bottoms or leaking rolls.
• Overfilling: Makes it hard to roll and keeps the layers from baking evenly.
• Underbaking: Results in doughy centers. Make sure the tops are golden and firm.
• Skipping the garlic butter: It adds both flavor and a gorgeous golden finish.

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What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls?

1. Marinara or Pizza Sauce

The classic and most delicious pairing for dipping.

2. Creamy Ranch Dip

Perfect contrast to the garlicky, cheesy richness of the rolls.

3. Chopped Salad

A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette helps balance the richness.

4. Tomato Basil Soup

Great for a cozy, comforting combo that turns snack time into a meal.

5. Mozzarella Caprese Skewers

Light and refreshing, these pair well as a cold, bite-sized side.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: These are best eaten fresh, but if you must store them for a few hours, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 hours.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to revive the crispiness.

Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing. Flash freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 22–25 minutes, brushing with garlic butter halfway through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 rolls

• Calories: ~220
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 370mg
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 7g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can roll and slice them ahead, then chill or freeze them until ready to bake.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead?

Absolutely. It’s softer and more bread-like, but still delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Use dried parsley or skip it—it’s mostly for garnish and doesn’t impact flavor much.

How do I make these vegetarian?

Just skip the pepperoni or meat toppings. Add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a veggie twist.

Can I reheat them?

Yes! Use an oven or air fryer for best results. Microwaving works, but the rolls may soften instead of staying crisp.

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Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls are the kind of snack that disappears as soon as they hit the table. They’re everything you love about pizza—cheesy, saucy, garlicky—in a fun, shareable form. Whether you’re feeding kids, guests, or just yourself on a cozy night in, these rolls are a guaranteed hit. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can turn ordinary puff pastry into something unforgettable.

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