These marinara pizza dough roll ups spiral refrigerated pizza dough around tangy marinara and melted mozzarella, then slice into twelve golden pinwheels that you can dip in extra sauce.
There are only four ingredients, no rising, and about fifteen minutes of hands on work. They bake in twenty minutes, making them an easy snack, lunch box treat, or appetizer that kids love to help roll.
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Why This Marinara Pizza Dough Roll Ups Recipe Works
Store bought pizza dough skips the rising time, so the roll ups go from the can to the oven in minutes.
Spreading the sauce all the way to the edge and sprinkling the cheese evenly gives each spiral a balanced bite of tomato and cheese.
Cutting the log into twelve slices bakes them into soft centers with crisp, golden edges, and they hold together well for dipping.
Ingredients for Marinara Pizza Dough Roll Ups
- You need one can of refrigerated pizza dough, one cup of marinara or pizza sauce, and one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Keep extra marinara warm for dipping, and have a little flour on hand to dust the counter so the dough does not stick.
Pizza dough. Refrigerated dough rolls out easily and bakes into a soft, chewy spiral.
Marinara. A thick sauce spreads without running and keeps the layers from turning soggy.
Mozzarella. Shredded low moisture mozzarella melts evenly and holds the spirals together.
Flour. A light dusting keeps the dough from sticking while you roll it out.
Dipping sauce. Warm marinara on the side adds extra flavor to each bite.
How to Make Marinara Pizza Dough Roll Ups
1. Heat and roll. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F, then roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
2. Add the sauce. Spread the marinara over the dough, leaving a thin border along one long edge.
3. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
4. Roll and cut. Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinch the seam closed, and cut it into twelve slices.
5. Bake. Place the slices cut side up on a lined baking sheet and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until golden.
6. Serve. Let the roll ups rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with extra marinara.
Use a sharp knife or a length of dental floss to cut the log, because pressing down with a dull blade squashes the spirals. Chilling the log for ten minutes before slicing also helps them keep their round shape.
How to Serve Marinara Pizza Dough Roll Ups
Serve the roll ups warm with a bowl of marinara. They make a quick lunch alongside a crisp house salad or air fryer asparagus. Creamy coleslaw adds crunch, and peach lemonade keeps drinks cool.
How to Store and Reheat Marinara Pizza Dough Roll Ups
Cool the roll ups and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F for about eight minutes, or in the microwave for twenty seconds. Freeze the baked roll ups for up to two months and warm them from frozen for twelve minutes.
Tips and Variations for Marinara Pizza Dough Roll Ups
Flag the allergens. These contain wheat and milk, so check labels for anyone with allergies.
Do not taste raw dough. The dough contains uncooked flour, so wait until the roll ups are baked before tasting.
Do not overfill. Too much sauce or cheese leaks out and burns on the pan, so keep the layers light.
Seal the seam. Pinch the edge firmly so the log does not unroll in the oven.
Use parchment. A lined pan keeps the bottoms from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Add toppings. Cooked sausage, diced peppers, or sliced olives can go in with the cheese.
Cool briefly. The cheese stays very hot, so let the roll ups rest before serving young children.
Check trusted guidance. Read the University of Wisconsin Extension leftovers guidance for safe storage and reheating.
To make a pepperoni version, lay a single layer of sliced pepperoni over the cheese before rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marinara Pizza Dough Roll Ups
Can I make marinara pizza dough roll ups ahead of time?
Yes. Roll and cut them, cover the tray, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
Why do my marinara pizza dough roll ups unroll while baking?
The seam was not pinched closed or the log was loose, so roll tightly and seal the edge.
Can I freeze marinara pizza dough roll ups?
Yes. Freeze the baked roll ups for up to two months and reheat them in the oven.
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes. Roll out your favorite pizza dough and follow the same steps.
What other cheeses work?
Provolone or a pizza blend both melt well.
Marinara Pizza Dough Roll Ups
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough 13.8 ounce can
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour for dusting
- 1 cup marinara sauce plus extra for dipping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus 1/2 cup more
Instructions
Cooking
- Roll. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and roll the dough into a rectangle.
- Fill. Spread the marinara and sprinkle on the mozzarella.
- Cut. Roll into a log, pinch the seam, and cut 12 slices.
- Bake. Bake on a lined sheet for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Serve. Rest a few minutes and serve with warm marinara.
