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Vegetarian pizza rolls with tangy sour cream and bursts of vegetables deliver that unbeatable comfort food taste but still feel fresh and wholesome. They are my weeknight go-to when I want a hot meal in twenty minutes that brings everyone to the table with big smiles.
I first whipped these up when my niece dropped by unexpectedly and we wanted something warm and sharable that would not take all night. Now I even keep extra rolls in the freezer just for these.
Ingredients
- Six crusty rolls: Choose the freshest ones so the centers toast up just right
- One red bell pepper: Adds lovely color and sweetness Choose ones that feel heavy for their size and have taut shiny skins
- One small can of corn: Drained for sweetness and crunch Choose no added sugar or salt if possible
- Two hundred grams sour cream: For richness and a creamy base Reach for full fat for the best taste
- Two hundred fifty grams Gouda: Hand grated for maximum melt Pick a block with a strong fresh dairy smell
- Two teaspoons dried oregano: Lends that classic pizza flavor Rub between your fingers before adding to release oils
- Salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors Flake salt and fresh cracked pepper bring out more taste
- A small handful of fresh organic basil: Lively finish and aroma Look for bright green leaves not wilted or bruised
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Rolls:
- Cut each roll in half lengthwise and arrange them with the cut sides up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper This keeps your rolls crisp underneath and makes clean up easy
- Prepare the Vegetable Topping:
- Deseed your bell pepper and chop into fine cubes so every bite gets a bit of sweet pepper Rinse and drain the corn well Combine the chopped pepper and drained corn with the sour cream grated Gouda dried oregano salt and pepper Mix until the cheese is evenly coated and everything looks well distributed
- Top the Rolls:
- Spoon a generous layer of the creamy cheese and veggie mixture onto each roll half Spread to the edges so all the bread gets covered and every bite is flavorful
- Bake Until Crispy:
- Slide the tray into a preheated oven at one hundred eighty degrees Celsius for fan or convection mode or two hundred degrees with top and bottom heat Bake for about fifteen minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the edges take on a golden finish
- Finish and Garnish:
- If you love that golden pizza cheese look, flip on your oven grill mode for just a moment at the end Watch closely so it crisps but does not burn Pluck fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the rolls right as you serve to keep their color bright and flavor best
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One of my favorite moments was making these with my own mom during a rainy Sunday. We ended up eating two batches back to back while watching old movies and laughing at the melty cheese strings.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat in the oven instead of the microwave so the rolls stay crisp and the cheese remelts with that classic texture. If you want to prep ahead simply assemble the topped rolls cover and refrigerate baking them fresh right before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Any semi-firm cheese melts well in place of Gouda such as mild cheddar mozzarella or edam Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor or use crème fraîche if you want something extra rich Bell peppers in other colors yellow or orange also work and add sweetness. If you are out of basil try a handful of arugula or parsley for a peppery green note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pizza rolls with a green salad or crunchy slaw for a more complete meal I also like to cut them into smaller pieces for party finger food. For kids a side of marinara or ketchup is always a hit while adults might like chili flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil on top.
Cultural and Historical Context
Open faced rolls with cheese and veg toppings are common in many European kitchens Inspired by Italian pizza yet quick and practical for busy cooks these are sometimes called oven rolls or German pizza buns. They are a beloved snack in school lunchboxes and family gatherings across Germany and beyond.
Pro Tips
- Brush the roll halves with a touch of olive oil for extra crunch and flavor
- Always grate cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded for meltier results
- Using room temperature sour cream helps everything mix smoothly and evenly distribute on the rolls
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor and texture.
- → What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used as alternatives to sour cream, providing similar creaminess and tanginess.
- → How can I make these pizza rolls vegan?
Use dairy-free cheese and replace sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream. Ensure your bread rolls are vegan as well.
- → Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the topping a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the rolls just before baking for the best results.
- → What other vegetables can I add?
Additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, or mushrooms can be added to suit your preferences.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular rolls with gluten-free bread or rolls to make this recipe gluten-free.