Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls are a fun and cheesy twist on traditional pizza. These crispy, baked egg rolls are stuffed with mozzarella, provolone, marinara sauce, and topped with pepperoni before being coated in garlic butter and baked to perfection. Served with a side of marinara sauce, they make for an irresistible appetizer or game-day snack. These rolls are easy to make and packed with all the flavors of pizza, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Egg Rolls
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried parsley
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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12 square egg roll wrappers
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1/2 cup marinara sauce
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12 slices provolone cheese
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12 slices pepperoni
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5 tbsp butter, melted
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for brushing)
For the Garlic Butter
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3 tbsp butter
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1 tsp fresh sage leaves
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1 clove garlic, minced
For Serving
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Warm marinara sauce
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease two baking sheets.
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Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup Parmesan, basil, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, garlic, and mozzarella cheese.
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Assemble the egg rolls: Brush water around the edges of each egg roll wrapper. Add 1 tbsp marinara sauce, 1 slice provolone, 1 tbsp of the cheese mixture, and 1 slice pepperoni to the center. Roll up the wrapper, folding in the sides as you go.
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Coat the rolls: Place the rolls on the baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
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Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, flip the rolls, add 1-2 more pepperoni slices on top, and bake for another 8–10 minutes until crispy.
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Make the garlic butter: While the rolls bake, melt 3 tbsp butter in a pan and cook the sage until crispy. Remove from heat and stir in garlic.
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Serve: Brush the garlic butter over the baked egg rolls and serve with marinara sauce on the side.
Nutrients
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Calories: 265 per serving
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Fat: 17g
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Carbs: 22g
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Protein: 11g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
What Makes Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls Special?
The beauty of Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls lies in their versatility and ease of preparation. The combination of Italian herbs and melted cheese packed inside a crispy wrapper makes for an irresistible snack. The garlic butter topping is what sets this dish apart, adding layers of flavor that enhance the overall experience. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the melty, cheesy interior is a texture lover’s dream.
Whether you are looking for a savory appetizer or a crowd-pleasing snack, these pizza egg rolls check all the boxes. And while they have the look and feel of something complicated, they are surprisingly simple to make, ensuring that even novice cooks can create a masterpiece in their own kitchen.
The Flavor Profile of Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls
The flavor profile of Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls is built around classic Italian pizza elements. The gooey mozzarella cheese offers that melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the provolone provides a slightly sharper, nuttier flavor. The pepperoni slices add a savory depth, with their slight spiciness and rich, meaty taste.
The addition of marinara sauce brings a tangy and slightly sweet note, complementing the other ingredients perfectly. But the real magic happens with the garlic butter, which infuses every bite with a fragrant, buttery richness that elevates the dish to something extraordinary. The fresh sage leaves in the garlic butter contribute an earthy, aromatic undertone that deepens the flavor profile, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
The Appeal of Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls as an Appetizer
Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving them at different types of events. Their small, bite-sized nature makes them the perfect appetizer for parties, barbecues, and potlucks. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they are easy to serve and eat. The combination of pizza flavors in a hand-held roll makes them a familiar yet innovative treat that everyone will enjoy.
Moreover, these egg rolls can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, adding even more customization to the flavor experience. Traditional marinara sauce is the go-to pairing, but you can also experiment with ranch dressing, garlic dipping sauce, or even spicy buffalo sauce for a bit of a kick. This adaptability makes the egg rolls a great option for catering to various tastes at large gatherings.
Baked, Not Fried: The Healthier Option
One of the great things about Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls is that they are baked, not fried. While fried food tends to be greasy and heavy, baking these egg rolls gives them the same crispy texture without the added calories and fat. Baking the egg rolls also ensures that the filling stays nicely sealed inside, preventing any mess while keeping the flavors intact.
Additionally, using quality ingredients like fresh herbs, cheese, and butter elevates the dish without the need for excess oil or unhealthy additives. So, while these rolls are undeniably rich and indulgent, they offer a slightly healthier option than their deep-fried counterparts, which makes them a great choice for those who still want to enjoy a delicious snack without going overboard on unhealthy fats.
Customizing Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls
One of the best things about Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls is the potential for customization. While the classic version, with pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara, is always a hit, the recipe can be easily adapted to suit a variety of tastes. If you’re looking to cater to vegetarians, consider swapping out the pepperoni for vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. You can even add fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, adding some crushed red pepper flakes or even jalapeños inside the rolls can spice things up. On the flip side, for a milder version, you could opt for a more delicate cheese blend, using something like ricotta and parmesan. The garlic butter topping can also be tailored to your preferences, whether you want to make it extra garlicky or add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an added layer of richness.
The Importance of the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the garlic butter sauce is technically optional, it truly is the star of the show when it comes to these pizza egg rolls. After baking the rolls, brushing them with a fragrant, herbed garlic butter ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. The richness of the butter combines with the aromatic sage and garlic, creating an irresistible topping that enhances the flavors inside the rolls.
This finishing touch not only contributes a delicious flavor, but it also imparts a beautiful golden sheen to the egg rolls, making them look as good as they taste. The garlic butter helps to tie everything together, making these pizza egg rolls more than just a snack – it makes them a savory experience worth savoring.
Making Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls for Large Groups
When it comes to preparing Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls for larger gatherings, the recipe is easily scalable. The egg rolls can be made in batches, and you can prepare them ahead of time. Simply assemble the rolls, brush them with butter, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for busy hosts who want to serve a warm, fresh appetizer without spending too much time in the kitchen.
If you’re making a large quantity, consider using multiple baking sheets to ensure the rolls have enough space to cook evenly. You can also increase the amount of marinara sauce for dipping, as the sauce will be a big hit alongside the rolls.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls offer a deliciously inventive twist on the classic pizza. With their crispy golden exterior, cheesy interior, and flavorful garlic butter topping, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or simply looking for a new snack, they deliver a satisfying and indulgent experience. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, these egg rolls are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the essence of pizza in a portable, crispy form. Try making them for your next event, and watch as they quickly become a favorite among your guests!