Low-Calorie Pepperoni Pizza Rolls — Healthy Pizza Rolls for a Guilt-Free Snack
I still remember the first time I made pizza rolls for a game night with friends — everyone loved them so much that the tray vanished within minutes. Years later, I wanted that same nostalgic comfort without the extra calories, so I started tweaking the recipe: swapping in whole wheat dough, choosing low-fat pepperoni and cheese, and adding Italian seasoning for flavor. These Low-Calorie Pepperoni Pizza Rolls give you the familiar, handheld pizza experience with a lighter profile — perfect for cozy nights in, kid-friendly snacks, or a healthier party appetizer. Pizza rolls themselves are a fun American convenience-food spin on Italian pizza flavors, compacted into a bite-size, grab-and-go form that’s become a pantry staple over decades.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is for busy parents, snack lovers who want lighter options, and beginner home cooks looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Core ingredients overview:
- This recipe combines whole wheat pizza dough, low-fat pepperoni, low-fat cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a light spray of olive oil to create flavorful, lower-calorie pizza rolls that bake up golden and satisfying.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools (you will need):
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Rolling pin (or clean bottle)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (for seasoning mix)
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat pizza dough — adds fiber and a nuttier flavor than white dough.
- Low-fat pepperoni — keeps the classic pepperoni taste with fewer calories and less fat.
- Low-fat cheese — melts nicely while lowering overall fat and calories.
- Italian seasoning — boosts aroma and authentic pizza flavor with no added calories.
- Garlic powder — adds a savory depth and convenience over fresh garlic.
- Olive oil spray — helps promote even browning with minimal added fat.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the whole wheat pizza dough on a floured surface until about 1/8–1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into small rectangles (about 2×3 inches, or your preferred bite size).
- Place a slice of low-fat pepperoni and a small amount of low-fat cheese on each rectangle.
- Sprinkle each with a pinch of Italian seasoning and a light dusting of garlic powder.
- Roll up the dough around the filling and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray to promote browning.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
- Yes. Freeze assembled (but unbaked) pizza rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I use instead of low-fat pepperoni?
- Try turkey pepperoni, thinly sliced lean deli turkey with Italian seasoning, or small pieces of roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
- Yes — lower the temperature to around 350°F (175°C) and cook in a single layer for about 8–12 minutes, checking for golden brown and melted cheese.
Q: How do I keep the rolls from leaking cheese?
- Don’t overfill: use a modest amount of cheese and press the seam tightly when sealing. Chilling the rolls for 10–15 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape.
Tips & Tricks
- Trim the filling edges: make sure filling stays away from the outer 1/4 inch of dough to prevent leaks while baking.
- Even sizes bake more evenly: cut rectangles to a uniform size so they all finish at the same time.
- Use a light hand with oil spray: a mist is enough to get golden color — too much can make the bottoms soggy.
- Warm slightly before serving: reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer for best texture if serving from frozen or after refrigeration.
Enjoy these Low-Calorie Pepperoni Pizza Rolls hot from the oven — share them at your next gathering or save them for a quick, tasty snack!
Conclusion
For more healthy variations and inspiration, check out these resources: Healthy Homemade Pizza Rolls | Chelsey Amer Nutrition, Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels – Lose Weight, Eat Pizza, High Protein Pizza Rolls | Chef Jack Ovens, Totino’s™ Pepperoni Pizza Rolls™ | Pizza Bites | Totino’s US, and Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups – Make It Skinny Please.
Low-Calorie Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 batch Whole wheat pizza dough Adds fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- 20 slices Low-fat pepperoni Fewer calories and less fat.
- 1 cup Low-fat cheese Melts nicely while lowering overall fat.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Boosts aroma and authentic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adds a savory depth.
- 1 spray Olive oil spray Promotes even browning with minimal fat.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the whole wheat pizza dough on a floured surface until about 1/8–1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into small rectangles (about 2x3 inches, or your preferred bite size).
- Place a slice of low-fat pepperoni and a small amount of low-fat cheese on each rectangle.
- Sprinkle each with a pinch of Italian seasoning and a light dusting of garlic powder.
- Roll up the dough around the filling and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray to promote browning.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
