Homemade Pizza Sandwich Rolls a Healthier Additive Free Alternative

Make your own delicious homemade pizza rolls and save on calories and skip the additives

Craving pizza rolls but worried about the additives, processed ingredients, and high calories in store-bought options? You’re not alone. Many popular frozen pizza rolls contain between 260 and 340 calories per serving and often include up to 11 additives. These additives can affect taste, nutrition, and even digestion. The good news is you can make your own pizza sandwich rolls at home with simple, wholesome ingredients that cut down on additives and calories while boosting protein.

Making your own pizza rolls lets you control exactly what goes inside. This means no preservatives, no artificial flavors, and a cleaner, healthier snack or meal option. Here’s how to create delicious, additive-free pizza rolls that satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals.

Homemade pizza rolls fresh from the oven

Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits

Each homemade pizza roll contains:

• 2 rice paper sheets (60 calories)

• 1/2 egg (35 calories, 3 grams protein)

• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (90 calories, 8 grams protein)

• 2 tablespoons pizza sauce (10 calories)

• A pinch of Italian seasoning for flavor

  
  

Optional addition:

• 9 grams preservative-free pepperoni (44 calories, 2 grams protein)

  
  

Total calories: 195 without pepperoni, 240 with pepperoni

Protein: 11 grams without pepperoni, 13 grams with pepperoni

Compared to store-bought pizza rolls, this homemade version has fewer calories and zero additives. The rice paper sheets provide a light, gluten-free wrap alternative to traditional dough, while the egg helps bind the ingredients together. Mozzarella cheese adds protein and calcium, and the pizza sauce brings classic tomato flavor without added sugars or preservatives.

How to Make Your Own Pizza Rolls

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Make your own cheesy gooey, crunchy delicious pizza rolls, high protein, low-calorie

Making these pizza rolls is simple and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the rice paper shell

   In a plate crack and egg and mix until homogeneous. Take your rice paper and immerse in the egg and place on a baking sheet. Repeat the same process and place another rice paper on top of the first rice paper in a staggered fashion.

   
   

2. Assemble the rolls

   Lay one softened rice paper sheet flat. Spoon the shredded mozzarella, pizza sauce onto the center and season with Italian seasoning. Add optional pepperoni. Then fold the edges over to create a sealed roll. Also add any ingredient you enjoy like sauteed mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, etc.

   
   

3. Cook the rolls

   Heat a non-stick pan in an air fryer for about 15 minutes until golden and crispy. For best results turn the rolls every 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

   
   

4. Serve warm

   Enjoy your homemade pizza rolls fresh from the pan with extra pizza sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

   
   

This method keeps the rolls light and crispy without deep frying or using processed dough. You can easily double or triple the recipe for meal prep or family snacks.

Assembling homemade pizza rolls with rice paper and eggs

Why Choose Homemade Over Store-Bought?

Store-bought pizza rolls often contain:

• Multiple additives and preservatives to extend shelf life

• Processed ingredients with added sugars and unhealthy fats

• Higher calorie counts with less protein and fiber

  
  

By making your own, you avoid these downsides. You get a fresher taste, better nutrition, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what you’re eating. Plus, homemade rolls are customizable. You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, swap mozzarella for a lower-fat cheese, or try turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.

Homemade pizza rolls also fit well into various diets:

• Gluten-free (using rice paper)

• Lower calorie and additive-free

• Higher protein for muscle support and satiety

  
  

They make a great snack, lunch, or light dinner option that supports a balanced diet.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Rolls Every Time

• Don’t soak rice paper sheets too long or they will tear easily.

• Use a non-stick pan or lightly oil the surface for even crisping.

• Experiment with seasoning blends like garlic powder or crushed red pepper for extra flavor.

• Store leftover rolls in the fridge and reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep crispiness.

• Pair with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

  
  

Freshly baked crispy homemade pizza rolls

Final Thoughts on Homemade Pizza Rolls

Making your own hot pocket pizza style rolls is a simple way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the additives and excess calories found in many store-bought versions. Research shows that diets high in processed and ultra processed foods place you at increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, mental illness, death, and other adverse health outcomes (Lane et al., 2024, Vitale et al., 2024). With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a tasty, protein-rich snack or meal that fits your health goals.

References:

1. Lane MM, Gamage E, Du S, Ashtree DN, McGuinness AJ, Gauci S, Baker P, Lawrence M, Rebholz CM, Srour B, Touvier M, Jacka FN, O'Neil A, Segasby T, Marx W. Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses. BMJ. 2024 Feb 28;384:e077310.

2. Vitale M, Costabile G, Testa R, D'Abbronzo G, Nettore IC, Macchia PE, Giacco R. Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Adv Nutr. 2024 Jan;15(1):100121.