Save to Pinterest The first time I made these was during a chaotic weeknight when my youngest daughter declared she was bored with regular pizza. I had leftover tortillas from taco Tuesday and a random assortment of toppings, so we started rolling. The kitchen smelled incredible as they baked, and my husband wandered in asking what restaurant I had ordered from. That first batch disappeared in minutes, with everyone reaching for seconds before the tray even hit the table.
Last summer, I brought these to a potluck and watched them vanish while more elaborate dishes sat untouched. My friend Sarah asked for the recipe three times that evening because her teenage son kept texting her about them. Now they are her go-to for sleepovers and I get photos of her kitchen adventures whenever she makes them.
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas: Large burrito-size tortillas work best here because they hold more filling and create impressive spirals
- Cooking spray or olive oil: This gives the tops that beautiful golden color and extra crunch
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Spread it thin so the tortilla stays crisp and does not get soggy
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded bags which have anti-caking agents
- 1 cup diced pepperoni: The pepperoni releases its oils as it bakes creating those crispy edges everyone fights over
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives: These add a briny contrast to the rich cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers: Any color works and they bring a fresh crunch to each bite
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This infuses the whole roll with savory depth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: The dried herbs bloom in the oven and make the kitchen smell amazing
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a gentle warmth that balances the cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Set it to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Spread the sauce:
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread 1/4 cup of pizza sauce evenly but leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow
- Add the cheese and toppings:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the sauce then top with pepperoni bell peppers and olives
- Season the layers:
- Dust the top with a pinch of garlic powder Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you like heat
- Roll it tight:
- Starting from one end roll the tortilla firmly like a sleeping bag to keep everything tucked inside
- Repeat and arrange:
- Make the remaining rolls then place them seam-side down on the baking sheet
- Brush the tops:
- Lightly coat the exposed tortilla with olive oil or cooking spray for that gorgeous golden finish
- Bake until bubbly:
- Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is molten and the tortilla is crispy
- Cool and slice:
- Wait a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly then cut each roll into bite-sized pinwheels
- Serve warm:
- Offer extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping and watch them disappear
Save to Pinterest These became our Friday night tradition after sports practice. The kids can assemble their own with their favorite toppings and I love that something so simple brings everyone to the counter helping and talking. Those messy happy moments in the kitchen mean more than any fancy dinner we have ever made.
Make Ahead Magic
I learned by accident that these freeze beautifully before baking. Now I double the recipe wrap the unbaked rolls individually and toss them in the freezer for emergency dinners or unexpected guests. They go straight from freezer to oven just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I serve them with roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup for a complete meal that still feels fun and casual.
Customization Station
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to what everyone likes. My daughter refuses bell peppers so hers gets extra cheese instead. We have tried cooked sausage mushrooms even spinach with great success.
- Try swapping mozzarella for pepper jack or sharp cheddar for a completely different flavor profile
- Leftover cooked chicken or vegetables from dinner make excellent fillings and reduce food waste
- Brush the tops with melted garlic butter instead of plain oil for an extra savory punch
Save to Pinterest There is something so satisfying about pulling a tray of these golden spirals from the oven and hearing that first crispy crunch when someone takes a bite. Hope they become a favorite in your house too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I customize these pizza bites?
You can easily adapt these rolls with various toppings. Consider adding cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or even different vegetables like onions or jalapeños to suit your preference.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time. If you plan to freeze them, arrange the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → What are the best occasions to serve these?
These make excellent party appetizers, fun snacks for game nights, or even a creative addition to a lunchbox. They're versatile and appealing to a wide range of tastes.
- → Are there alternative cheese options?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile. A blend of cheeses works wonderfully too.
- → How do I get the tortillas golden and crispy?
To achieve a perfectly golden and slightly crispy exterior, ensure your oven is preheated to the recommended temperature. Lightly brushing the tops of the rolled tortillas with olive oil or cooking spray before baking also significantly helps in browning.