Italian Pizza Rolls

Italian Pizza Rolls Recipe - Authentic Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 9 rolls

Introduction

Italian Pizza Rolls are a delicious and convenient twist on traditional pizza. These savory rolls are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground sirloin, vegetables, and cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy egg roll wrapper. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a meal, these pizza rolls are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Pizza rolls are a popular snack food that originated in the United States in the 1960s. They are typically made with pizza ingredients such as cheese, sauce, and pepperoni, all rolled up in a dough and baked until crispy. This Italian-inspired version of pizza rolls adds a unique twist with the addition of ground sirloin and vegetables, giving them a hearty and satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

0.33 cup of finely chopped carrots
0.33 cup of finely chopped onion
0.33 cup of finely chopped green pepper
1 tsp of minced garlic
0.5 lb (227 g) of ground sirloin
0.5 cup of tomato sauce
0.5 tsp of dried oregano leaves
0.5 tsp of dried basil leaves
0.5 cup of shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
9 egg roll wrappers

How to prepare

In a non-stick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté the carrots, onion, green pepper, and garlic over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
Add the sirloin and cook until browned.
Remove from heat and stir in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
Place about 2 tbsp of the mixture in the middle of each egg roll wrapper.
Fold the lower bottom third up, fold the 2 sides toward the center, and then roll up.
To prepare and eat now: preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Place the pizza rolls on a non-stick baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake for 9 minutes, then turn the rolls over and continue baking for another 4 to 6 minutes or until crispy and browned.
Cut each roll in half and serve.

To freeze

Do not bake the prepared rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, transfer them to freezer zip top bags, label, and freeze.
To prepare after freezing: preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Remove the rolls directly from the freezer and place them on a nonstick baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then turn the rolls over and continue baking for another 5 to 6 minutes or until crispy and browned.
Cut each roll in half and serve.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground sirloin and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini.
Add your favorite pizza toppings such as pepperoni, olives, or sausage to customize the flavor of the pizza rolls.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the carrots, onion, and green pepper to ensure that they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.

- When filling the egg roll wrappers, be careful not to overfill them to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

- For a crispier crust, brush the pizza rolls with a little olive oil before baking.

- To save time, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the pizza rolls.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Pizza Rolls can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. They pair well with a side salad or marinara sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Italian Pizza Rolls can be baked in the oven for a crispy texture. They can also be fried in oil for a more indulgent treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground sirloin.

- Any type of cheese can be used in place of part skim cheese.

- Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried oregano and basil for a more vibrant flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Pizza Rolls can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Italian Pizza Rolls on a platter with marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Pizza Rolls pair well with a variety of beverages such as beer, wine, or soda. They also go well with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Italian Pizza Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian Pizza Rolls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian Pizza Rolls contains approximately 18 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian Pizza Rolls contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian Pizza Rolls contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian Pizza Rolls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Italian Pizza Rolls contain dairy (cheese) and wheat (egg roll wrappers).

Summary

Italian Pizza Rolls are a balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, they may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or wheat allergies.

Summary

Italian Pizza Rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. With a flavorful filling of ground sirloin, vegetables, and cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy egg roll wrapper, these pizza rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you bake them fresh or freeze them for later, Italian Pizza Rolls are a convenient and satisfying meal option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Italian Pizza Rolls. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my tiny kitchen. I had just finished preparing a batch of homemade bread dough when I heard a knock at the door. Curious, I wiped my hands on my apron and went to answer it.

Standing on my doorstep was a sweet elderly Italian woman named Nonna Maria. She was a friend of a friend and had heard about my love for cooking. Nonna Maria greeted me warmly and handed me a small package wrapped in brown paper. "This is a recipe for my famous Italian Pizza Rolls," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I thought you might like to give it a try."

I eagerly unwrapped the package and studied the handwritten recipe. The ingredients were simple - flour, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, tomato sauce, cheese, and a few other seasonings. But it was the method that intrigued me. Nonna Maria's instructions were precise and detailed, with tips on kneading the dough just right and letting it rise to perfection.

I thanked Nonna Maria profusely and promised to make the Pizza Rolls soon. She smiled and patted my hand before bidding me farewell. As I watched her walk down the street, I couldn't wait to get started on this new culinary adventure.

The next day, I rolled up my sleeves and set to work in the kitchen. I followed Nonna Maria's recipe to the letter, carefully measuring each ingredient and mixing the dough until it was smooth and elastic. As it rose on the countertop, I prepared the tomato sauce and grated the cheese, savoring the aroma of garlic and oregano that filled the room.

When the dough had doubled in size, I punched it down and divided it into small balls. I rolled each one out into a thin circle, spread a generous spoonful of sauce over it, and sprinkled on the cheese. Then, with a practiced hand, I rolled up the dough into a tight spiral and placed it on a baking sheet.

As I slid the tray into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The scent of baking bread mingled with the savory aroma of the Pizza Rolls, promising a delicious treat to come. When they emerged from the oven golden brown and bubbling, I knew I had created something truly special.

I let the rolls cool for a few minutes before sampling one. The crust was crisp and chewy, the sauce tangy and flavorful, and the cheese melted to perfection. I closed my eyes and savored the taste, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction wash over me.

From that day on, Italian Pizza Rolls became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sundays. Each time I rolled out the dough and filled it with sauce and cheese, I thought of Nonna Maria and the gift she had given me.

Years passed, and my recipe collection grew. I learned new dishes from friends, family, and cookbooks, each one adding to the tapestry of flavors that filled my home. But it was the Italian Pizza Rolls that remained my favorite, a reminder of that chance encounter with Nonna Maria and the joy of discovering something new.

Now, as I look back on those days in my cozy kitchen, I can't help but smile. Cooking has always been more than just a hobby for me - it's a way to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through food. And thanks to Nonna Maria and her delicious recipe, I have a taste of Italy right in my own home.

So if you ever find yourself craving a bit of Italian comfort, just whip up a batch of Pizza Rolls and let the flavors transport you to a sunny kitchen filled with love and laughter. And who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon a new recipe that will become a cherished part of your own culinary journey. Bon appétit!