Pizza Buns are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the classic flavors of pizza in a convenient, handheld form. These soft, doughy buns are filled with tangy marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all rolled up and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, an easy lunch, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, Pizza Buns are a versatile and satisfying option. The best part? They’re highly customizable, allowing you to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. Serve them warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a hit on your hands.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices or other pizza toppings (like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Assemble the Pizza Buns:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni slices or other toppings. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Roll and Slice:
- Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Pizza Buns:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake the pizza buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Pizza Buns are a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat that combines the best parts of pizza into a portable, shareable snack. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a cozy night in, these buns are sure to be a hit with pizza lovers of all ages.
