Irresistible Pizza Rolls with Turkey Bacon: Your New Favorite Snack!
These Irresistible Pizza Rolls offer a quick and satisfying snack solution, expertly blending classic pizza flavors with the savory, leaner profile of turkey bacon for a lighter, yet equally delicious, bite.
Achieve perfectly golden, crispy rolls in just 15 minutes of baking, relying on a simple assembly of crescent dough, robust marinara, and two types of cheese alongside the turkey bacon. This baking method ensures minimal cleanup and a healthier snack.
These versatile pizza rolls are perfect for game day gatherings, effortless weeknight appetizers, or a delightful after-school treat, best served warm with extra marinara for dipping. They are designed for easy preparation and universal appeal.
Irresistible Pizza Rolls With Turkey Bacon
Pizza rolls feature crispy turkey bacon and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets (14 oz / 400g total) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) marinara sauce or pizza sauce, room temperature
- 1.5 cups (170g) shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices (2 oz / 56g) turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and finely crumbled
- 1/4 cup (30g) finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons (10g) sliced black olives, drained and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (5g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried oregano
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
- Additional marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cook 4 slices turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Finely crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces.
- Thaw 2 sheets frozen puff pastry until pliable (15-20 minutes at room temperature, if needed).
- Lightly flour a work surface. Unroll one thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it to a 10×12 inch (25×30 cm) rectangle. Repeat with the second sheet.
- Spread 1/4 cup (60ml) marinara sauce over each puff pastry sheet. Leave a 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) border along one long edge.
- Distribute 3/4 cup (85g) shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each sheet. Sprinkle half of the crumbled turkey bacon, diced red bell pepper, and chopped black olives over the cheese. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano over the fillings.
- Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll each puff pastry sheet into a log.
- Wrap each pastry log in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
- Whisk 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon (15ml) water in a bowl.
- Remove logs from refrigerator. Slice each log into 12, 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick rounds.
- Arrange sliced pizza rolls cut-side up on baking sheets. Leave 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each roll.
- Brush tops and sides of each pizza roll with egg wash.
- Bake pizza rolls for 16-18 minutes at 400°F (200°C), rotating sheets halfway, until pastry is puffed, golden brown, and cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove baking sheets from oven. Cool rolls on sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm with additional marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Thaw frozen puff pastry in refrigerator overnight. For room temperature thaw, allow 30-40 minutes until pliable.
- Add other fillings: finely chopped pepperoni, cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or thinly sliced green onions. Ensure all added ingredients are pre-cooked and finely chopped.
- Store leftover pizza rolls in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed and crisp.
- Freeze uncooked rolls: Arrange sliced rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (1-2 hours). Transfer frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 1 month. To bake from frozen, place on baking sheet, brush with egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For even slices, use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Rolls
Ingredient Tips
- Pre-crisp Turkey Bacon:Pan-fry your turkey bacon over medium heat (325°F-350°F) for 5-7 minutes per side until it achieves a deeply golden brown and crisp texture, not just cooked. Let it cool for 2 minutes, then dice into 1/4-inch pieces for optimal distribution and a satisfying bite in every roll.
- Thicken Your Pizza Sauce:If your store-bought pizza sauce appears too thin, gently simmer 1 cup of sauce over low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by approximately 1/4 volume. This concentrated sauce should be thick enough to generously coat the back of a spoon without dripping excessively, preventing soggy rolls.
- Cheese Blend for Melt and Flavor:For superior melt and depth of flavor, use a precise blend of cheeses: 3/4 cup of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella (freshly shredded for best results) combined with 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese per batch. Avoid pre-shredded varieties as their anti-caking agents can hinder a truly smooth, gooey melt.
- Enhance Wonton Crispness:For a pronouncedly crisp exterior, lightly brush both sides of each individual wonton wrapper with precisely 1/4 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil before adding the filling. This minimal coating helps achieve a beautiful golden brown color and a satisfying shatter-crisp texture upon baking.
Technique Tips
- Precise Filling Portioning:Accurately measure 1.5 teaspoons of filling (1 teaspoon sauce, 1/2 teaspoon cheese and bacon mix) into the exact center of each wonton wrapper. Exceeding 2 teaspoons of filling will almost certainly lead to blowouts during baking, causing messy cheese leakage.
- Secure Sealing Technique:To prevent filling leaks, moisten two adjacent edges of the wonton wrapper with exactly 1/4 teaspoon of water, then fold the dry corner over to meet the wet edges, forming a triangle. Press down firmly and evenly along the entire seam for a full 5 seconds with your fingertips to create a robust, watertight seal.
- Optimal Oven Baking:Bake your pizza rolls on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees halfway through the cooking time. The rolls are perfectly done when they are uniformly golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbling at the edges.
- Air Fryer Perfection:For an even crisper finish, air fry the rolls in batches of 6-8 at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes. Flip the rolls precisely halfway through the cooking cycle. They are ready when they achieve a deep golden brown color and you hear an audible sizzling sound.
Common Issues
- Soggy Bottoms:If your pizza rolls suffer from soggy bottoms, it’s typically due to insufficient air circulation. Always bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Additionally, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) for at least 15 minutes before introducing the rolls to ensure immediate crisping.
- Filling Leaks or “Blowouts”:Blowouts are almost always caused by overfilling or an inadequate seal. Strictly adhere to 1.5 teaspoons of filling per roll. After moistening the wrapper edges with water, press the seams for a minimum of 10 seconds with sustained, firm pressure to guarantee a completely secure, leak-proof seal.
- Uneven Browning:To prevent uneven browning caused by oven hot spots, make it a strict practice to rotate your baking sheet 180 degrees exactly halfway through the 12-15 minute baking time. This ensures every pizza roll receives consistent heat exposure for a uniform golden crispness.
- Too Salty (Turkey Bacon):If the turkey bacon makes your rolls too salty, reduce its quantity by 1/4 in the filling for future batches. Alternatively, balance the flavor by adding 1/8 teaspoon of granulated sugar to every 1/2 cup of pizza sauce; sugar effectively mutes excessive salinity without making the rolls sweet.
How to Store and Reheat Pizza Rolls
Ensuring your irresistible pizza rolls with turkey bacon remain delicious for future snacking requires proper storage and reheating techniques. Whether you’ve made a large batch or have leftovers, understanding the best methods will help preserve their quality and flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
Duration: 5-7 days in airtight container
For cooked pizza rolls, store them in a shallow, airtight glass container or a food-grade plastic container with a secure lid. This prevents them from absorbing odors from other foods and keeps moisture locked in (or out). While they are safe to eat for up to 7 days, you’ll notice a gradual decline in quality after day 3. The crispy exterior will soften considerably, the turkey bacon may lose some of its smoky flavor intensity, and the cheese filling might become less vibrant and slightly firmer. The dough can also become a bit chewier. For the best experience, aim to consume them within 3-4 days.
Freezer Storage
Duration: 2-3 months
Freezing is an excellent option for longer storage. To prevent the rolls from sticking together, arrange cooled, cooked pizza rolls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag, pressing out as much air as possible, or an airtight freezer-safe container. Label with the date. When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator for optimal results. You can reheat directly from frozen, but it will require a longer cooking time. Expect a slightly softer, chewier crust compared to fresh, but the filling should hold its integrity well. The turkey bacon’s texture remains quite good post-freeze.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven (Best Method for Crispness):Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange thawed pizza rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly. For frozen rolls, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, rotating once, until thoroughly heated and crispy. This method delivers the closest texture to freshly baked.
- Air Fryer (Excellent Alternative):Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place thawed pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd). Cook for 6-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and hot. For frozen rolls, cook at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking frequently. This method is faster than the oven and also produces a wonderfully crispy exterior.
- Microwave (Quickest, but Texture Change):Place 2-3 thawed pizza rolls on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warm throughout. For frozen rolls, microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking at 30-second intervals. While quick, the microwave will result in a soft, often soggy crust and the cheese can become rubbery. The turkey bacon’s crispness will be lost entirely. Only recommended if time is of the essence and texture is not a priority.
Method Rating: The oven works best for reheating, consistently delivering a crispy exterior and gooey interior. The air fryer is an excellent alternative, offering similar crispness in less time. The microwave is acceptable for speed, but expect a significant change in texture, making the rolls soft and potentially chewy.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing components of your Irresistible Pizza Rolls in advance can streamline the cooking process. You can pre-cook the turkey bacon and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Shredding your cheese blend ahead of time and storing it in an airtight bag or container will keep it fresh for 5-7 days in the fridge. For the ultimate make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire pizza roll recipe, but do not bake them. Instead, flash freeze the unbaked rolls on a parchment-lined sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. These can be stored for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place frozen, unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, adding about 5-10 minutes to the original baking time.