Earlier this month, I volunteered at a weekend program for kids in foster care. The community center was buzzing with energy—crafts, music, games—but it was the kitchen that drew the biggest crowd. Some of the kids were shy at first, unsure how to help or what to expect. But as soon as we pulled out ingredients and mentioned pizza, the room changed.
Smiles widened. Little hands reached eagerly for spoons and cheese. They didn’t just want to eat—they wanted to make something. We chose something playful and easy: Doritos Pizza Rolls. Suddenly, the room smelled like melted cheese, warm dough, and spiced chips, and the joy on those kids’ faces was something I won’t forget.
They giggled as they rolled up dough and pressed pepperoni into place. For a few hours, they weren’t thinking about where they came from or what they didn’t have. They were just kids being kids—laughing, creating, tasting, and feeling proud of what they’d made.
Watching them take ownership of their food and beam with every bite made me realize how powerful cooking can be. It’s more than just recipes—it’s comfort, creativity, and confidence, all rolled into something as simple as a pizza snack.
Short Description
These Doritos Pizza Rolls are a perfect snack or appetizer. With a crispy Dorito coating and gooey cheese filling, they’re the ultimate fusion of pizza and chips. Easy to make and perfect for any gathering!
Key Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
For the Dorito coating:
- 1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Small bowl for the Dorito coating
- Large bowl for the pizza dough and toppings
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten it, and then cut it into small rectangles about 3 inches by 4 inches.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Spread a small spoonful of pizza sauce on each rectangle of dough. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices on top. Carefully roll each rectangle up, pinching the edges to seal them so the filling stays inside.
Step 4: Coat with Doritos
In a bowl, combine the crushed Doritos, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Roll each pizza roll in this flavorful Dorito mixture until it’s fully coated.
Step 5: Bake
Place the prepared pizza rolls on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 6: Serve
Serve these warm with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these tasty pizza rolls in no time.
Crispy and Cheesy: The crushed Doritos give these rolls a satisfying crunch, while the melted mozzarella and pepperoni provide the ultimate pizza flavor.
Versatile: Whether as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, these pizza rolls are incredibly versatile.
Fun Twist on Traditional Pizza: The Dorito crust adds an unexpected yet delightful crunch and flavor that’s sure to win over your taste buds.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. The rolls aren’t sealing properly:
Solution: Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly. If they’re still opening, you can wet your fingers with a little water and press the dough edges together more firmly.
2. The Dorito coating isn’t sticking:
Solution: Ensure the melted butter is warm but not too hot. This will help the Dorito coating adhere better. If it’s too cold, the butter may harden too quickly.
3. The rolls are too greasy:
Solution: Be careful not to overdo it with the melted butter. A light coat on each roll is all you need to get that crispy, golden exterior.
4. Uneven baking:
Solution: Be sure to place the rolls in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure they brown nicely.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serving Style: These Doritos Pizza Rolls make a great snack for game day or a party. Serve them on a platter with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Pairing Suggestions: They pair perfectly with a side salad for a complete meal or with some garlic bread for an even more indulgent treat.
Drink Pairing: Pair with a cold soda, sparkling water, or even a refreshing homemade lemonade to balance out the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To keep them fresh, make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing them.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but the texture won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use any melty cheese you like, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
2. Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
3. Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni and add some sliced veggies, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, for a vegetarian twist.
4. Can I freeze these pizza rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place the rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes when you’re ready to eat them.
5. How do I keep the Dorito coating crunchy?
The best way to keep the coating crispy is to bake the rolls as soon as they’re coated, and avoid covering them tightly with foil during baking.
Tips & Tricks
Add extra flavor: For even more flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the Dorito coating before baking.
Don’t skip the garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These add a burst of flavor to the rolls that truly elevates them.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the Dorito mixture for a spicy kick.
BBQ Chicken: Replace the pepperoni with cooked, shredded chicken and a little barbecue sauce. Add some red onion for an extra flavor punch.
Vegetarian: Use a mix of veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach instead of pepperoni for a delicious vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
Some dishes have a way of making people feel cared for, even if they’ve never had that consistently in their lives. Doritos Pizza Rolls did more than feed those kids—they gave them a moment of joy, of choice, of shared celebration.
They got to make something with their own hands and then enjoy it with friends. And in that moment, their smiles said more than words ever could.
Doritos Pizza Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
For the filling:
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
For the Dorito coating:
- 1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the rolls don’t stick and cleanup is easier.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough. Flatten it evenly with a rolling pin, then cut it into rectangles about 3x4 inches in size.
- Spoon a little pizza sauce onto each dough rectangle. Add shredded mozzarella and a few mini pepperoni slices. Roll them up gently and pinch the edges closed so the filling stays inside.
- In a bowl, mix crushed Doritos with melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Roll each dough piece in the mixture until it’s completely coated.
- Place the coated rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
