Imagine pulling apart warm, fluffy rolls that ooze cheesy goodness and are infused with the rich, aromatic essence of pesto. The moment you take a bite, your taste buds dance with joy, and your heart sings. This is not just a snack; it’s an experience. Whether it’s game night with friends or a cozy family dinner, these Cheesy Pesto Rolls will steal the spotlight and leave everyone begging for seconds.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Cheesy Pesto Rolls Recipe</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
- What type of cheese works best in Cheesy Pesto Rolls?
- How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling during baking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering in the kitchen every Sunday afternoon. We’d bake together while sharing stories and laughter. I vividly remember the first time we made these Cheesy Pesto Rolls; the kitchen was filled with delightful aromas, and our taste buds knew we were in for a treat. These rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or an elegant dinner party; they promise an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cheesy Pesto Rolls are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
- Their burst of cheesy flavor combined with aromatic pesto creates a mouthwatering experience for all
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown tops and cheesy centers, they are sure to impress any crowd
- Enjoy them as appetizers or pair them with soups and salads for a hearty meal
I remember my cousin taking one bite and exclaiming they could eat these rolls every day!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous; both work beautifully.
Pesto Sauce: Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor; homemade is even better if you have the time.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that gooey texture we all crave—don’t skimp on this!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth to the flavor profile and a beautiful golden crust.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances richness and helps achieve that perfect golden color.
Garlic Powder: This brings an extra punch of flavor—because who doesn’t love garlic?
Italian Seasoning: A dash of this blend elevates the overall taste, making each bite divine.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesy Pesto Rolls Recipe
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks during baking.
Prepare Your Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, stretch it out on a floured surface until it forms a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Homemade dough? You’re already winning at life!
Add the Pesto Layer: Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce evenly over the dough. Don’t be shy; this is where the magic happens! The aroma will make your kitchen feel like an Italian bistro.
Add Cheese Galore!: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the pesto layer, followed by grated Parmesan cheese. Let’s be honest: more cheese equals more happiness.
Roll It Up Tight: Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight cylinder. Don’t worry if some cheese tries to escape—it’s like little cheesy confetti!
Slice into Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, really!), slice the rolled-up dough into 1-inch sections. Place these beauties cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Drizzle olive oil over the rolls and sprinkle garlic powder along with Italian seasoning before popping them into the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and ooze deliciousness.
Now you can sit back and enjoy the heavenly aroma wafting through your home while waiting impatiently for those cheesy morsels to cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue!
Let me tell you: The first bite will transport you straight to foodie paradise. These Cheesy Pesto Rolls aren’t just food—they’re love wrapped in dough!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Pesto Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining gooey cheese and aromatic pesto
- These rolls are perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer, and they vanish faster than you can say “cheesy goodness.”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the dough and filling. Roll out the dough, spread pesto, sprinkle cheese, and roll tightly before slicing into pinwheels. Bake until golden brown for that irresistible crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the mozzarella for feta or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can also drizzle a balsamic glaze on top after baking for a gourmet touch. Get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cheesy Pesto Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your dough slightly chilled for easier rolling
- Use fresh basil pesto for maximum flavor impact
- Always keep an eye on them while baking to avoid over-browning
Making these Cheesy Pesto Rolls always brings back memories of impromptu gatherings at my friend’s house, where we’d devour them before dinner even started.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and still tastes delicious when filled with cheesy goodness.
What type of cheese works best in Cheesy Pesto Rolls?
Mozzarella is classic, but using gouda or cheddar adds exciting flavors and textures.
How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling during baking?
Make sure to roll them tightly and seal the edges with a little water or egg wash.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cheesy Pesto Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible experience of Cheesy Pesto Rolls, where warm, fluffy dough meets gooey mozzarella and aromatic pesto. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they make an excellent appetizer or side dish. Get ready to wow your guests with this delightful treat!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
- Spread pesto evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pesto layer.
- Roll the dough tightly into a cylinder and slice into 1-inch sections.
- Place cut-side up on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
