There’s something truly irresistible about sinking your teeth into a freshly baked Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls Recipe. I remember the first time I made these for a casual game night with friends. The kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and melting cheese, and the sight of those golden rolls coming out of the oven had everyone gathering around, eager for a taste. It quickly became the star snack—easy to share, packed with flavor, and just plain fun to eat.
What I love most about this Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls Recipe is how it balances bold, comforting flavors with a texture that’s both soft and slightly crisp at the edges. The bright red marinara, ooey-gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan create a perfect flavor marriage, all wrapped up in buttery garlic. Plus, these rolls aren’t just tasty—they’re super straightforward to assemble and bake. The color contrast between the golden crust, speckled with herbs, and the vibrant melted cheese makes them as enticing visually as they are delicious.
Don’t worry if you’ve never made pizza rolls before! I’ll walk you through the steps clearly and share tips along the way so your Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls turn out golden and scrumptious the very first time. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want a cozy night snack, these rolls are a winner every time.
Why This Recipe Shines
- Flavor Harmony: The blend of garlic butter, marinara, and two cheeses creates a perfectly balanced savory bite.
- Easy Assembly: Only a few ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly yet impressive.
- Texture Play: Soft, pillowy dough meets melted cheese and a crisped top for delightful contrast.
- Showstopper Finish: A bright sprinkle of fresh parsley adds freshness and a pop of color that looks lovely on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With
Grab your measuring cups and spoons because getting the amounts just right is key for these rolls to shine. Exact quantities are laid out in the recipe card at the bottom, but here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need with notes on purpose and possible swaps.
- Pizza dough: The base of your rolls—homemade or store-bought, fresh dough ensures softness.
- Marinara sauce: Provides tangy, zesty flavor—choose your favorite brand or homemade.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that gooey stretch everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth; freshly grated works best but pre-grated is fine.
- Garlic, minced: The star of your garlic butter topping—fresh is key for that punch.
- Butter, melted: Ensures the garlic and seasoning coat the rolls perfectly; unsalted recommended.
- Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend for an extra flavor layer; oregano and basil can work in a pinch.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Garnishes the finished rolls with a fresh, bright note.
If you want to tweak this Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls Recipe, feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone or use gluten-free dough for dietary needs. Just remember, the combo of cheeses and garlic butter is essential for that signature flavor.
Chef’s Note
You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Tools You’ll Need
- Rolling pin: To evenly shape the pizza dough for consistent rolls.
- Baking dish or pan: A greased 9×13-inch works great to hold the rolls snugly.
- Mixing bowl: For preparing your garlic butter topping easily.
- Pastry brush: Ensures even coating of garlic butter over the rolls.
- Sharp knife or dental floss: To slice the rolled dough cleanly and evenly.
- Oven thermometer (optional): Helps verify your oven reaches the perfect 375°F for best results.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls Recipe
Ready to get your hands a little cheesy? Follow these straightforward steps and your kitchen will be filled with irresistible scents in no time.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Try to keep the thickness even for uniform baking.
- Spread the marinara: Using the back of a spoon or a small ladle, evenly spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border all around to keep the sauce from spilling out when rolling.
- Layer the cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce, then add half the grated Parmesan. Don’t be shy—cheese is a big part of what makes these rolls sacred.
- Roll it up: Starting from the long side nearest you, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Try to keep it snug but not overly tight to avoid the rolls bursting while baking.
- Slice evenly: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 evenly sized rolls, about 1 inch thick.
- Arrange & prepare topping: Place the rolls side-by-side in a greased baking dish, leaving just a little space so they can puff up. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Brush generously: Use a pastry brush to coat each roll with your garlic butter mixture. This is the flavor bomb that makes the rolls shine.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown on top and the cheese is bubbling. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn crisp and the internal temp reaches around 190°F.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve while warm. Enjoy the melty, garlicky goodness!
Kitchen Wisdom
- Tip 1: Keep the dough chilled until ready to roll for easier handling.
- Tip 2: Use a serrated knife or dental floss to slice rolls for clean edges.
- Tip 3: Don’t overstuff with sauce or cheese to prevent soggy rolls.
- Tip 4: Serve warm immediately for the best texture and flavor — leftovers reheat well with a quick oven crisp.
How to Serve

Flavor Boosters
Want to kick up your Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls Recipe even more? Try adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving. A light dusting of flaky sea salt after baking can also enhance the savory flavors. For a fresh finish, a splash of lemon juice over the parsley garnish brightens the palette beautifully.
Perfect Pairings
These pizza rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. If you’re craving a drink, a chilled glass of dry white wine or a cold craft beer complements the cheesy garlic flavor perfectly. Feeling cozy? Serve alongside warm tomato soup for a comforting combo your family will love.
Presentation Touches
Present your Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter to make a real impact. For parties, portion these rolls into small snack plates with dipping bowls of marinara or ranch. They also make delightful edible gifts—wrap cooled rolls in parchment and tie with twine for a charming homemade treat.
Variations & Easy Swaps
- Dairy-Free: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan for vegan cheese alternatives—expect slightly different melting but still tasty.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter for some heat.
- Meat Lover’s: Sprinkle cooked pepperoni, sausage, or pancetta inside before rolling.
- Herb Variations: Use fresh basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a different herbal note.
- Gluten-Free Dough: Simply swap with your favorite gluten-free pizza dough for an allergy-friendly option.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make ahead: Assemble rolls and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispness and melty cheese.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months; bake from frozen adding extra bake time.
FAQs
- Can I use leftover pizza dough for this recipe? Absolutely! Leftover dough works perfectly as long as it’s still fresh and pliable.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? Mix dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of thyme to mimic Italian seasoning.
- How do I prevent soggy rolls? Avoid overusing sauce and cheese and make sure to leave a border when spreading the marinara.
- Can I make these vegan? Yes! Use vegan pizza dough and dairy-free cheeses, then replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Do I need to let the dough rise before rolling? If you’re using store-bought dough that’s already risen, you can roll straight away. For homemade dough, follow your recipe’s rise instructions before shaping.
Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garlic Parmesan New York Pizza Rolls are soft, cheesy bites loaded with zesty marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a rich garlic butter topping. These delightful rolls are perfect for parties, snacks, or family dinners, offering bold, savory flavors in every bite with a satisfying golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Sauce
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches to create a base for layering the toppings.
- Spread the Marinara: Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spills during baking.
- Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara, then add half of the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Roll it Up: Carefully roll the dough starting from one long side into a tight log; slice into 12 even pieces about 1 inch thick each.
- Arrange the Rolls: Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish snugly but without crowding them to ensure even baking.
- Garlic Butter Topping: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the remaining Parmesan cheese in a bowl; brush this mixture generously over each roll.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm for the best cheesy, garlicky experience.
Notes
- Use Fresh Dough: Fresh dough ensures the rolls stay soft and fluffy after baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid too much sauce or cheese to prevent the rolls from falling apart.
- Even Slices: Cutting uniform slices promotes even baking throughout all rolls.
- Extra Garlic Butter: For added flavor, brush extra garlic butter on the rolls after baking.

