High Protein Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Snow was falling outside my kitchen window last February when I first experimented with two-ingredient dough. I needed something comforting but wanted to stick to my fitness goals. The result was these pepperoni pizza rolls that disappeared so fast at my Super Bowl gathering that my brother actually asked if I had ordered delivery.

My roommate walked in mid recipe and immediately canceled her takeout plans. The smell of garlic and melting cheese filled our tiny apartment while we waited impatiently by the oven. Now they are our Friday night staple, perfect for curling up with a movie when we want something indulgent but still nourishing.

Ingredients

• Plain Greek yogurt: Full fat works best for texture but nonfat keeps it lighter
• Self rising flour: The leavening is already built in for perfect rise every time
• Egg: Adds structure and helps the dough hold together when rolling
• Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with savory flavor throughout
• Lean ground beef: Use 5% fat or less to keep the filling from getting greasy
• Turkey pepperoni: All the pizza flavor with less saturated fat
• Part skim mozzarella: Melts beautifully while keeping protein high
• Pizza sauce: Look for one with no added sugar for cleaner macros
• Dried Italian herbs: Oregano and basil recreate that pizzeria aroma

Instructions

Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

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Preheat your workspace:

Set oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks

Brown the beef:

Cook ground beef in a nonstick skillet for 4 to 5 minutes until fully browned then season with pepper and Italian herbs

Mix the dough:

Combine Greek yogurt, self rising flour, egg, garlic powder and salt until sticky then knead on floured surface for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth

Roll it out:

Shape dough into a 12 by 10 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface

Add the layers:

Spread pizza sauce leaving a half inch border then top with cooked beef pepperoni and mozzarella

Roll and slice:

Tightly roll from the long edge into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces

Top and bake:

Arrange rolls cut side up on the sheet brush with oil then sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs before baking 18 to 22 minutes until golden

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These became my go to meal prep gift when my friend started training for a marathon. She messioned how much she craved pizza but needed portable protein and now she makes a batch every Sunday. There is something special about food that fuels you while still feeling like a treat.

Make Ahead Magic

Assemble the entire log wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze for up to a month. Slice frozen rolls directly onto the baking sheet and add 3 to 4 minutes to the bake time. The dough actually freezes exceptionally well and you might not notice any difference in texture.

Filling Variations

Swap ground beef for crumbled turkey sausage or keep it vegetarian with spinach and bell peppers. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to the filling for extra umami flavor without changing the consistency. Just remember to drain any excess moisture from vegetables before layering.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls pair perfectly with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. I also love serving them alongside warm marinara for dipping or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

• Let rolls cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from escaping
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator
• Reheat at 350F for 5 to 7 minutes to restore that fresh baked texture

Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.

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Hope these pizza rolls become a regular in your kitchen rotation too. There is nothing quite like pulling a batch of golden cheesy rolls out of the oven and watching everyone gather around.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make self-rising flour if I don't have any?

You can easily create your own self-rising flour. For this dish, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sift them together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution before using in the dough.

→ Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Absolutely! While lean ground beef is specified, you can substitute it with lean ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer. Ensure it's cooked through and seasoned well before adding to the rolls.

→ What are some ways to add extra vegetables to these rolls?

To boost your veggie intake, consider finely chopping bell peppers, onions, or spinach and mixing them into the beef filling after it's cooked. Ensure any added vegetables are sautéed first to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy roll.

→ How should I store leftover pepperoni rolls, and can I freeze them?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Yes, these rolls freeze exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

→ Can I prepare the dough or filling in advance?

You can prepare the cooked ground beef and mix the filling ingredients (excluding the sauce on the dough) a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The dough is best made fresh, as its leavening properties are most active when first mixed, ensuring the best texture.