Name: Easy Pizza Roses Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 can of pizza dough; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 6-8 slices mozzarella cheese; 12-18 slices pepperoni

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Introduction

Easy Pizza Roses are a fun and creative twist on classic pizza, perfect for parties or a family snack. These bite-sized treats combine flaky dough, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni, all shaped into beautiful rose-like swirls. They’re as delicious as they are charming!

A close-up view of six pizza rolls in a black muffin pan, each roll designed like a rose. Each roll has three visible layers: a bottom pale beige dough layer forming a base, a middle layer of melted white cheese peeking softly between the folds, and a top layer of reddish-brown pepperoni slices curled and stacked in a spiral to form rose petals. The pepperoni slices have a slightly glossy texture with some crispy edges, sitting tightly around the cheese and dough. The muffin pan rests on a white marbled texture, with a hint of a red and white patterned cloth visible at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can of pizza dough
1/2 cup marinara sauce
6-8 slices mozzarella cheese
12-18 slices pepperoni

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
Step 2: Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Unroll the pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into six long strips about 1-2 inches wide.
Step 4: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each dough strip, leaving a small border along the edges.
Step 5: Cut the mozzarella slices to fit the length of the dough strips and layer them over the sauce.
Step 6: Place pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, letting half of each slice hang off the edge of the dough strip.
Step 7: Carefully roll each strip tightly into a rose shape, tucking the ends underneath to keep it secure.
Step 8: Place each rolled pizza rose into the prepared muffin tin cups.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips & Variations

Swap marinara sauce for pesto or Alfredo to change up the flavor profile.
Use different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique taste.
Add veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers instead of pepperoni for a vegetarian option.
Chill the dough strips briefly before rolling to make them easier to handle.
Try sprinkling some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pizza roses in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows six pizza rose rolls in a black muffin tray, each made of three main layers. The base layer is a golden-baked dough with a soft, slightly fluffy texture. The middle layer is a spread of thick, bright red pizza sauce covering the dough. On top, thin slices of pepperoni are rolled carefully to look like red and orange flower petals with a slightly oily shine. Small amounts of melted white cheese are melted between the pepperoni slices, adding a creamy texture and color contrast. The tray is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pizza roses ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizza roses and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I freeze pizza roses?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled, unbaked pizza roses on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.