If you are looking for a stunning and delicious twist on classic pizza, this Pizza Roses Recipe will quickly become your new favorite appetizer or snack. Imagine delicate, rose-shaped bundles of soft pizza dough, gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a vibrant touch of Italian seasoning, all baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin. This recipe is perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying a fun and flavorful bite-sized treat at home. It’s easy to make, visually impressive, and bursting with familiar pizza flavors that everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular piece of uncooked dough laid flat on a green surface is covered evenly with a layer of bright red tomato sauce, spread in swirling patterns that show slight texture from the sauce's thickness. The dough is pale and smooth, with soft edges, and the sauce has small bits visible mixed in, giving it a speckled look. The background is a white marbled texture with a white brick wall behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Pizza Roses Recipe are delightfully simple yet pack the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component works harmoniously to create those beautiful, savory blooms bursting with cheesy goodness and a crispy crust.

  • 1 (14 oz) tube pizza dough: The soft, stretchy foundation that holds everything together, providing that irresistible chewy bite.
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor and moisture to keep the roses juicy inside.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Brings creamy, melty richness that pulls the whole thing together.
  • 1 (6 oz) bag pepperoni (thinly sliced): Spicy and slightly crispy edges add bold flavor and a classic pizza vibe.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances the herbs and spices in the dough and toppings.

How to Make Pizza Roses Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Muffin Tin and Dough

First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray. Unroll the pizza dough and gently stretch it into an 11-by-18-inch rectangle. This even layer gives you just the right size and thickness to roll up those beautiful pizza roses.

Step 2: Layer Sauce and Cheese

Spread a light, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough’s surface, making sure not to overload it to prevent sogginess. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced dough. This cheesy layer is the heart of the flavor that melts perfectly as the roses bake.

Step 3: Cut Dough into Strips

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough crosswise into strips about 1 ½ inches wide. These strips will become the “stems” of your rose-shaped rolls, so keep them neat but don’t worry about perfection—it adds to their charm!

Step 4: Arrange Pepperoni on Strips

Take one strip at a time and layer 6 to 7 pepperoni slices on top, overlapping slightly so the pepperoni’s curved tops stick out from the dough. This overlapping technique creates the petal effect that makes these pizza roses so eye-catching.

Step 5: Roll and Place in Muffin Tin

Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough and pepperoni strip into a tight spiral. Place each rolled “rose” into the prepared muffin tin, fitting snugly into each cup. Once all roses are in place, sprinkle the tops with Italian seasoning for a fragrant and savory finish.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the pizza roses for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas, and the visual of these puffed, golden roses will have you ready to dive in.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the pizza roses to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or even a drizzle of hot honey for an exciting flavor twist.

How to Serve Pizza Roses Recipe

A close-up of a single muffin-sized pizza held by a woman's hand in front of a metal muffin tray filled with similar mini pizzas, each having a round, golden-brown crust base. The pizza has layers of folded, overlapping pepperoni slices arranged in a rose-like pattern on top of melted, orange-red cheese and tomato sauce, sitting inside the crust. The background is a lightly textured green brick wall, and the surface under the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Pizza Roses Recipe even more inviting, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can add a delightful salty bite, making each rose pop with freshness and color.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of marinara for dipping those cheesy petals. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad to balance the rich, savory flavors of the pizza roses.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the pizza roses on a large platter with mixed olives and colorful bell pepper slices to add visual excitement. You can also place each rose in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go bites that are perfect for kids or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can easily be enjoyed as an indulgent snack or reheated appetizer.

Freezing

Pizza Roses Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, place the roses on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 2 months, making it easy to prepare ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated pizza roses by warming them in a 350-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the dough chewy rather than delightfully crisp.

FAQs

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Absolutely! Crescent roll dough works well and can make the pizza roses a bit fluffier. Just keep an eye on baking times since it may brown a little faster.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for pepperoni?

Yes! You can substitute pepperoni with sliced mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or your favorite vegetarian deli slices to keep the flavor bold without the meat.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Yes, you can assemble the roses ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This makes hosting a breeze when you want fresh, warm bites ready to serve.

What dipping sauces go best with Pizza Roses Recipe?

Classic marinara, ranch dressing, or even spicy honey drizzle create delicious dips that complement the savory flavors perfectly.

How many pizza roses does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 12 roses, perfect for sharing with family or at a small gathering as a fun appetizer.

Final Thoughts

If you want to charm your friends and family with a playful, delicious twist on pizza night, the Pizza Roses Recipe is just what you need. These little flowers of flavor are surprisingly easy to make, bursting with classic pizza goodness, and so fun to eat. Go ahead and give it a try—you will love how special and satisfying these roses look and taste every time.

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Pizza Roses Recipe

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3.9 from 14 reviews

Pizza Roses are a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza, featuring layers of pepperoni and mozzarella rolled up in pizza dough and baked in a muffin tin for easy serving. This appetizer or snack is perfect for parties or family gatherings, offering a visually appealing and tasty bite that combines all your favorite pizza flavors in a portable form.

  • Author: Martha
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

  • 1 (14 oz) tube pizza dough

Fillings

  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 (6 oz) bag pepperoni, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Dough: Unroll the pizza dough or crescent dough sheet onto a clean surface and loosely stretch it into an approximately 11 by 18 inch rectangle to fit the topping layers.
  3. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a light, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough rectangle, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top to cover the sauce.
  4. Cut Strips: Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1 ½ inches wide across the width of the dough, preparing them for layering.
  5. Layer Pepperoni: Take one strip of dough at a time, then layer 6 to 7 pepperoni slices on top of the strip, overlapping slightly. Make sure the top halves of the pepperoni slices stick out of the dough to create the rose petal effect.
  6. Roll Dough: Starting from one end, carefully roll up the dough strip with the pepperoni layered on it into a tight roll to resemble a rose bud.
  7. Arrange in Muffin Tin: Place each rolled dough piece into the prepared muffin tin cups, spacing them evenly. Sprinkle the tops with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
  8. Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza roses to cool slightly in the pan before carefully removing them. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or a drizzle of hot honey as desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute crescent dough for pizza dough if desired.
  • Adjust the number of pepperoni slices per strip depending on your preference.
  • Try other fillings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variations.
  • Ensure the pepperoni hangs over the dough strips to create the petal look.
  • Use a muffin tin sprayed generously with non-stick spray to make removal easy.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.

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