Description
Pesto Mozzarella Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack featuring soft pizza dough rolled with vibrant basil pesto and creamy fresh mozzarella. Baked until golden and bubbly, these rolls offer a perfect balance of herby flavor and melty cheese, ideal for quick bites, party appetizers, or casual snacking that impresses.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Base
- 1 portion pizza dough (homemade or pre-made, about 12x8 inches rolled out)
Filling
- 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or cubed
Toppings and Seasonings
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for sprinkling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Keep the thickness even to ensure uniform baking and a soft interior.
- Spread the Pesto: Using a spoon or spatula, evenly spread a generous layer of basil pesto across the dough, covering it edge to edge for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Add the Mozzarella: Slice fresh mozzarella into thin strips or small cubes and scatter them evenly over the pesto layer, ensuring each roll will have that irresistible cheesy stretch.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick rolls and place them cut side up on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of each roll with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of garlic powder and grated parmesan if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth, then serve warm for the best melty, pesto-cheese experience.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for better melt and avoiding rubbery texture.
- Leave a small border when spreading pesto to prevent leaking during baking.
- Allow dough to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Brush with olive oil to achieve a golden crust and enhanced flavor.
- Serve warm to enjoy optimal gooeyness of the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pesto, mozzarella, rolls, appetizer, snack, pizza dough, basil, cheesy, easy recipe
