Imagine the best parts of New York’s beloved pizza, rolled into bite-sized, flavor-packed bundles and finished with a blanket of garlicky Parmesan. That’s exactly what you get with Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls! They’re everything you crave in a pizza—gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and golden, chewy dough—but in a format that’s perfect for sharing (or not sharing at all). Whip these up for game night, a cozy movie marathon, or whenever you want to bring a touch of city-style magic to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls is in how a handful of pantry staples come together to make something show-stopping. Each ingredient is there for a reason: from stretchy mozzarella to vibrant marinara, every part plays a role in making these rolls irresistible.
- Pizza Dough (1 pound): Room temperature dough is easier to handle and bakes up beautifully tender with a slightly chewy bite.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): For essential melt and that iconic pizza pull in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Use good-quality Parmesan for maximum nutty flavor—they top the rolls and melt into golden, savory perfection.
- Marinara Sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for dipping): Lively and zesty, this ties all the flavors together—be generous when dipping, too!
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a spicy kick for those who love a little heat.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For brushing the rolls, giving them a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the topping oil, offering punchy aroma and taste.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkled on top for a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Just a pinch helps balance and highlight all the other flavors.
- Flour (for rolling out dough): Keeps the dough from sticking so your rolls stay beautifully shaped.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Get Set for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), so it’s good and hot—this guarantees your Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls get that signature golden finish. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the rolls release easily and the bottoms stay perfectly crisp instead of sticking.
Step 2: Roll and Sauce the Dough
Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll out the pizza dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle. If the dough resists or springs back, let it rest for a minute to relax the gluten. Once it’s the right size, grab your marinara and spread it evenly, but leave a 1-inch border around the edges—this helps keep the sauce from escaping as you roll.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Spice
Time for the cheese! Scatter mozzarella all over your sauced dough, then sprinkle on half of the grated Parmesan. If you like a little fire, dust on those crushed red pepper flakes. Don’t be shy with the cheese: this is where you get that classic pizza gooeyness in every roll.
Step 4: Roll Up and Slice
Starting from the long side, snugly roll your dough into a tight log, just like making cinnamon rolls. Once you have a perfect log, slice it into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife—you should have about 12 neat rolls. Nestle these rolls, cut side up, onto your lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to puff as they bake.
Step 5: Bring on the Garlic Goodness
Mix the olive oil and minced garlic together in a small bowl. Gently brush this aromatic mixture over the tops of each roll so they’ll sizzle with garlicky flavor as they bake. Shower the remaining Parmesan over the top for a cheesy, crackly finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch as your Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls puff up, turn golden, and send the aroma of cheesy garlic throughout your kitchen. When they’re bubbly and beautifully browned, remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple minutes.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
For extra color and brightness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the warm rolls. Serve alongside a bowl of extra marinara for dipping—because who can resist an extra hit of that sauce?
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
Nothing beats the finishing touch of freshly chopped parsley on your hot Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls. Not only does it add a burst of freshness and color, but a quick sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving can take them completely over the top.
Side Dishes
These pizza rolls are stars on their own, but they love good company. Pair them with a light, crisp salad tossed in vinaigrette or a classic Caesar for some greens. A cool, creamy ranch or garlic dip also makes a crowd-pleasing addition for dunking. If you’re stretching them into a meal, round things out with antipasto skewers or a simple vegetable platter.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange the Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls in a swirl formation on a platter, or stack them pyramid-style for dramatic effect. For a family movie night, serve them straight from the baking sheet for that casual, everyone-grab-one vibe. Try mini skewers for a party-friendly appetizer, or tuck a warm roll into a lunchbox alongside veggies and fruit for an extra-special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, and their flavors even deepen a little overnight—meaning cold leftovers make a pretty great snack!
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, let the rolls cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for having a last-minute appetizer or snack ready to go.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 8 minutes if thawed, or 15 minutes from frozen. This brings back that crisp exterior and gooey cheese. In a pinch, a quick zap in the microwave (30 seconds or so) will do, though the rolls may be a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls?
Absolutely—store-bought pizza dough is a huge time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just let it come to room temperature for easy rolling and better texture.
What other fillings can I add?
Get creative! Pepperoni, cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers all tuck beautifully into the rolls for a fun twist on classic flavors.
Can I make these rolls gluten free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and check that your marinara is gluten free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.
Why did my rolls unroll or lose their shape?
If the dough isn’t rolled tightly enough, or if there’s too much sauce, the rolls can unravel during baking. Make sure to keep a clean border around the edges and roll with a gentle but firm hand for best results.
Are Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls vegetarian?
Yes! As long as you stick to the base recipe, these rolls are vegetarian. Just double-check your cheese is suitable for vegetarians if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a sure-fire way to impress friends or simply brighten up your snacking routine, Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls are the answer. Their gooey centers, garlicky tops, and satisfying crunch make them a real crowd pleaser—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again. Give them a try and get ready for some seriously happy faces around your table!
