Save Craving the classic taste of a pepperoni pizza but looking for a more nutritious option? These Irresistible High Protein Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a total game-changer. Featuring a soft, protein-packed dough made with Greek yogurt, these rolls are stuffed with savory lean beef, spicy pepperoni, and melty mozzarella cheese. They are perfectly portable, making them an ideal choice for a high-protein snack, a satisfying lunch, or a reliable staple for your weekly meal prep.
Pin it Making these rolls is incredibly straightforward. By combining a few pantry staples with lean protein, you can create a batch of 12 rolls in just about 40 minutes. They provide a much-needed protein boost without sacrificing the comforting textures of a fresh-baked pizza.
Ingredients
- Protein Dough: 2 cups (250 g) plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or low fat), 2 cups (240 g) self-rising flour, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt.
- Filling: 200 g (7 oz) lean ground beef (5% fat or less), 80 g (2.8 oz) turkey or beef pepperoni slices, 1 cup (100 g) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil), 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
- Topping: 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian herbs.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks (about 4–5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in black pepper and Italian herbs. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, egg, garlic powder, and salt until a sticky dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes, until smooth.
- Step 4
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12 x 10 inches (30 x 25 cm).
- Step 5
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch (1 cm) border.
- Step 6
- Evenly scatter cooked beef, pepperoni slices, and mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Step 7
- Starting from a long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Step 8
- Arrange rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan and dried parsley or herbs.
- Step 9
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Step 10
- Cool slightly before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure you flour your work surface and rolling pin adequately to prevent the yogurt dough from sticking. When rolling the dough into a log, keep it as tight as possible to ensure the fillings stay securely inside each slice. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by mixing 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 tsp of baking powder and 1/2 tsp of salt.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize these rolls to suit your taste. Substitute the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. To sneak in extra nutrients, add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or fresh spinach to the filling. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, don't skip the crushed red pepper flakes in the meat mixture.
Serviervorschläge
These pizza rolls are delicious on their own, but they are even better when served with a side of warm marinara sauce or a light garlic dip. They are a fantastic addition to a lunchbox or as part of a larger party platter. For long-term storage, these rolls freeze exceptionally well; simply reheat them from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Pin it Whether you are feeding a hungry family or looking for a convenient way to stay on top of your protein intake, these pizza rolls are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the perfect balance of fluffy dough and savory, cheesy filling in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, these rolls freeze exceptionally well. Once baked and cooled, wrap them individually or place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- → What can I substitute for self-rising flour?
Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This combination creates the same rising effect as self-rising flour in the dough.
- → How do I prevent the filling from making the dough soggy?
Drain excess fat from the cooked beef and allow it to cool slightly before assembling. Also, avoid overloading with sauce—keep within the recommended 1/2 cup for the entire batch.
- → Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?
Absolutely. Traditional beef or pork pepperoni works beautifully. Keep in mind that regular pepperoni may release more oil during baking, which creates extra flavor but slightly higher fat content.
- → What other proteins work well in these rolls?
Lean ground turkey or chicken make excellent substitutes for beef. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
- → Why use Greek yogurt in the dough?
Greek yogurt adds moisture and protein while keeping the dough tender. It creates a texture similar to traditional pizza dough but with significantly higher protein content and fewer carbohydrates.