Easy Pizza Roses

Easy Pizza Roses are a fun, delicious twist on classic pizza that I shape into beautiful rose-like rolls. I layer pizza dough with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni (or any toppings I like), then roll them up and bake until golden and melty. They look impressive, but they’re super simple to make and perfect for parties, appetizers, or a creative weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these pizza roses because they combine everything I enjoy about pizza—crispy dough, gooey cheese, and bold toppings—into a fun, hand-held shape. They’re cute, portable, and taste amazing straight from the oven. Whether I serve them as a snack, a lunchbox treat, or part of a game-day spread, they always get tons of compliments and disappear fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)

• Pizza sauce or marinara

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Pepperoni slices (or turkey pepperoni, salami, or veggie toppings)

• Olive oil or melted butter

• Dried Italian seasoning

• Optional: grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with parchment circles.

2. I roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle and cut it into long strips about 2 inches wide.

3. On each strip, I spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, sprinkle mozzarella, and place overlapping pepperoni slices along the top edge.

4. I fold the bottom edge of the dough strip up to enclose the toppings, then gently roll it up from one end to the other to form a rose shape.

5. I place each rolled pizza rose into a muffin cup and brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter.

6. I sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan (if using).

7. I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

8. I let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 pizza roses, depending on the size of the dough strips. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, so everything is ready in about 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped veggies for a meatless version. I’ve used pesto instead of tomato sauce, or even BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. If I want a cheesy pull-apart version, I add extra mozzarella and a touch of cheddar. I can also make mini versions with thinner strips for party bites.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pizza roses in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes or microwave them for 30–60 seconds. If I want to freeze them, I wrap each one individually and reheat straight from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, I’ve used crescent dough and it works great for a softer, flakier texture. Just be gentle when rolling.

How do I keep them from unrolling in the oven?

I make sure to press the end of the dough firmly to seal and place them in a muffin tin so they hold their shape while baking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. I wait to brush with oil or butter until just before baking.

What cheese works best?

I usually stick with mozzarella, but I’ve added provolone, Parmesan, or a little ricotta for variety. Any good melting cheese works.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free pizza dough and check that all toppings are gluten-free. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.

Conclusion

Easy Pizza Roses are the perfect mix of fun presentation and craveable flavor. They’re simple to make, totally customizable, and great for any occasion. I love how they turn a classic pizza night into something extra special, and they’re always a big hit with both kids and adults.