📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy, which means the yeast is active and ready to go. This step is crucial; if it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, and you'll want to get fresh yeast!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. It's okay if it looks a little rough at this point; we'll smooth it out in the next step.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time. Kneading develops the gluten, giving your pizza rolls that lovely chew.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This step is all about patience—the longer the rise, the better the flavor and texture.
5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare your pizza filling. In a bowl, combine the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, this is where you can get creative with extra spices!
6. Assemble the Pizza Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the dough, the more layers you'll have in your rolls. Spread the pizza sauce mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and any other toppings you like over the sauce. Think pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Don't overload it, or the rolls will be hard to seal.
8. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Make sure the roll is snug to avoid air pockets. This is where things can get a little messy, so take your time and keep everything tight.
9. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls. You should get about 16-20 rolls, depending on the length of your log. Don't worry if they're not perfect; they'll still taste amazing!
10. Place on Baking Sheet: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the pizza rolls, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each roll. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
11. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the pizza rolls with melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle with a little extra Italian seasoning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different!
12. Cool and Serve: Let the pizza rolls cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired. And that's it—enjoy your homemade pizza rolls!