Ever found yourself craving something hearty, cheesy, and a little spicy? Something that feels like a warm hug but with a kick? Enter the Italian Sausage Roll—a delicious mash-up of pizza and sausage rolls that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is your new best friend.
What Makes This Italian Sausage Roll Recipe Special?
Let’s be honest, sausage rolls are already a winner. But this Italian-inspired version? It’s next-level. Imagine spicy Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a mix of sweet and hot peppers, all rolled up in a golden, crispy pizza dough. It’s like a stromboli’s cooler cousin—easy to make, even easier to devour.
And the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content. Not a fan of spicy? Swap in mild sausage. Vegetarian? Skip the meat and load up on veggies. This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even a late-night snack.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just roll, bake, and enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this authentic Italian sausage rolls recipe:
- 1 fresh or frozen pizza dough ball (about 650 grams or 1½ pounds)
- 1½ lbs hot or mild Italian sausage meat (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2-4 Tbsp hot pickled pepper rings (adjust to your spice tolerance)
- 1 sweet pepper (sliced and sautéed)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
- Flour (for dusting your work surface)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Dough
If you’re using frozen dough, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for a couple of hours before rolling it out.
2. Cook the Sausage
Brown the sausage meat in a pan, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Sauté the Peppers
In the same pan, sauté the sweet pepper strips until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Drain the hot peppers and chop them into smaller pieces if needed.
4. Roll It Out
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a long oval shape. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly, leaving a couple of inches at one long edge. Add the cooked sausage and peppers on top.
5. Roll It Up
Starting from the edge with the filling, roll the dough tightly into a log. Tuck the ends under and place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake to Perfection
Brush the top with olive oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy it as-is.
Tips for the Best Italian Sausage Rolls
- Dough Tips: If your dough is sticky, dust your hands and work surface with flour.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot sausage and controlling the amount of pickled peppers.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the roll ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this like a stromboli or a calzone?
Great question! It’s most similar to a stromboli, which is rolled instead of folded. Calzones are typically half-moon shaped and often include ricotta cheese.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted eggplant.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap slices in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This Italian sausage roll recipe is a winner because it combines familiar flavors in a fun, new way. It’s hearty enough to be a meal but versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge.
Italian Sausage Roll Recipe: A Flavorful Stromboli-Inspired Delight
Ingredients
- 1 fresh or frozen pizza dough ball about 650 grams or 1½ pounds
- 1½ lbs hot or mild Italian sausage meat cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2-4 Tbsp hot pickled pepper rings adjust to your spice tolerance
- 1 sweet pepper sliced and sautéed
- 1 Tbsp olive oil for brushing
- ½ cup marinara sauce optional, for dipping
- Flour for dusting your work surface
Instructions
- Prep the Dough: If you’re using frozen dough, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for a couple of hours before rolling it out.
- Cook the Sausage: Brown the sausage meat in a pan, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Sauté the Peppers: In the same pan, sauté the sweet pepper strips until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Drain the hot peppers and chop them into smaller pieces if needed.
- Roll It Out: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a long oval shape. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly, leaving a couple of inches at one long edge. Add the cooked sausage and peppers on top.
- Roll It Up: Starting from the edge with the filling, roll the dough tightly into a log. Tuck the ends under and place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Brush the top with olive oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy it as-is.
Notes
- Nutrition information is based on one slice using quality sausage and regular mozzarella.
- Marinara sauce is optional for dipping.
- Customize with your favorite fillings for a unique twist.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based sausage.
- Cheese Swap: Use provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot Italian sausage and varying the amount of pickled peppers.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the roll and refrigerate before baking. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze leftovers for quick snacks or meals. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Enjoy this versatile and crowd-pleasing Italian Sausage Roll—perfect for any occasion!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, delicious, and sure to impress, this Italian sausage roll is it. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a slice of cheesy, spicy perfection.
What fillings would you add to your Italian sausage roll? Let me know in the comments below!
Looking for More Italian Recipes?
Here are some must-try recipes that bring authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen:
- Coffee Mate Italian Sweet Cream Recipe
- Instant Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
- Italian Mule Cocktail with Amaretto
- Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe
- Olive Garden Italian Margarita
Try these recipes and bring the taste of Italy to your table!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
