📖 Instructions

1. First, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Making sure your oven is hot enough before you begin, will ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust.
2. In a large bowl, or even better, a stand mixer, mix together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let that sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture gets foamy. This step is crucial because it activates the yeast, which helps our dough rise beautifully! If it doesn't foam, your yeast may be old – time to get some fresh yeast!
3. Add in the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. If you're using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. If its too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour. If you're kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until its smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If the dough seems dry, add a tiny bit of water – like, a teaspoon at a time. After kneading, form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. A warm spot is key for a proper rise! I often place mine near a sunny window or inside the oven (turned off, of course!).
6. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Try to keep it as even as possible to ensure consistent thickness throughout the rolls.
7. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Don't overload it with sauce, or the rolls will get soggy! I love using a good quality marinara sauce, but store-bought works just fine too.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Then, add your favorite pizza toppings! For a patriotic theme, I like to use pepperoni (red), cooked sausage (white), and black olives (blue). You could also use bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or whatever your heart desires!
9. Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one long end. Pinch the seam to seal it closed. This will prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces. Space the rolls slightly apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter (or olive oil) and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. This gives them a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a delicious flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy these bite-sized bursts of patriotic flavor with your friends and family!