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Crispy Mini Pizza Lunchbox Rolls with Mozzarella and Basil

mini pizza lunchbox rolls - featured image

These crispy mini pizza rolls combine gooey mozzarella and fresh basil in a portable, kid-friendly snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 1012 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • ½ cup (120ml) tomato sauce or marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 10×12 inches (25×30 cm). The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  2. Spread ½ cup (120ml) of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
  3. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the sauce.
  4. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella over the sauce layer, then scatter the fresh basil leaves on top, tearing large leaves if needed.
  5. Starting on the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges by pinching the dough.
  6. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
  7. Place the rolls cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spaced about 1 inch apart.
  8. Brush the tops with 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil.
  9. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  10. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brush olive oil on top for a golden, crispy crust. Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its bright flavor. Avoid overfilling with cheese to prevent oozing. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini pizza rolls, mozzarella, basil, lunchbox recipe, kid-friendly snack, crispy pizza rolls, easy pizza recipe