Easy Homemade Pizza Scrolls: A Beginner-Friendly Recipe

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked pizza filling your kitchen. It’s a nostalgic scent that brings back memories of family gatherings, movie nights, and the simple pleasure of biting into a warm, cheesy slice. But what if you could take that classic pizza experience and turn it into something even more convenient, portable, and fun to make?

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Pizza scrolls are the perfect solution. These delightful, spiral-shaped snacks are made with soft, homemade pizza dough and filled with gooey cheese, flavorful sauce, and your choice of delicious toppings. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pack them for lunch, they are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

For beginner cooks, this recipe is a great starting point. The dough is simple to make, and the rolling and filling process is easy to follow. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and an oven or air fryer. If you’ve ever wanted to try making your own pizza dough from scratch but felt intimidated, this is the perfect opportunity to build your confidence in the kitchen.

In this guide, you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions, helpful beginner tips, and practical variations to customize the scrolls to your liking. Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch, a party snack, or a family treat, these pizza scrolls will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Dough

• 4 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour or ‘00’ pizza/pasta flour)
• 20 grams dried yeast (approximately 4 teaspoons)
• 2 teaspoons caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt (regular table salt)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (warm to the touch, not hot)
• 8 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings

• 6-8 tablespoons pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded pizza cheese (mozzarella or a pizza blend)

Choose 2-4 of the Following Toppings

• 100 grams cooked chicken breast, diced (as a substitute for bacon)
• 100 grams beef salami, thinly sliced
• 1 small capsicum (bell pepper), diced
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meat and load the scrolls with extra vegetables such as spinach, olives, or caramelized onions.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy tomato sauce.
• Instead of pizza sauce, try using pesto or a garlic butter spread for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) or your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper (no paper is required for an air fryer).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar. Stir until well mixed, then add the salt.
3. Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir with a spoon or use your hands to mix until the dough starts to come together.
4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes (1-2 hours is even better). The dough should double in size.

2. Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, place it onto a floured surface and knead for another 5 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, add a little more flour.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1 centimeter in thickness. If you prefer smaller scrolls, divide the dough into two portions and roll them separately.
3. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, making sure to cover the edges.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sauce.
5. Add your choice of toppings, such as diced chicken, beef salami, capsicum, mushrooms, or basil leaves. Spread them evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.

3. Roll and Cut the Scrolls

1. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Make sure it is firm but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling.
2. Pinch the end of the roll to seal it so it doesn’t unravel while baking.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 16 even pieces (or 20-24 for smaller scrolls).
4. Place the scrolls on the prepared baking tray or in the air fryer basket, leaving a small gap between each one as they will expand during baking.

Cooking Instructions

Oven Method

1. Bake the scrolls for 15-20 minutes (or 12-15 minutes for smaller ones) until they are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside.
2. Check for doneness by cutting one in half—it should have a fluffy center with no raw dough.
3. Transfer the scrolls to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Air Fryer Method

1. Cook the scrolls in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes for large ones or 8-10 minutes for smaller ones.
2. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to allow air circulation for even cooking.
3. Once done, transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Beginner Tips and Notes

How to Tell if the Dough is Ready

• If you press the dough lightly and it springs back, it has been kneaded enough.
• If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• If it doesn’t rise properly, check if your yeast is still active by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

• If the scrolls brown too quickly in the oven, cover them loosely with foil and continue baking.
• If the dough is too tough, it may have been over-kneaded. Next time, knead only until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• If the scrolls are too dry, reduce the baking time slightly or brush them with a little olive oil before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Dipping Sauces: Serve your pizza scrolls with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a light ranch dressing.
• Side Dishes: Pair them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for a crispier texture.
• Freezing Instructions: Freeze uncooked scrolls on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Pizza scrolls are an excellent recipe for beginners because they offer the satisfaction of homemade pizza with a fun, easy-to-follow process. They are versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors, and they store well for quick meals throughout the week.

If you’ve never made dough from scratch before, this is a great opportunity to learn. The step-by-step guide ensures that even first-time bakers can achieve soft, fluffy scrolls with deliciously melty cheese and perfectly balanced toppings.

Try making a batch and share your experience. Did you experiment with different toppings? Do you have a favorite dipping sauce? Let me know how they turned out—I’d love to hear from you!