Save These Alfredo Garlic Spinach Pizza Rolls are my favorite way to bring a touch of Italian-American comfort to gatherings or cozy nights in. With pillowy-soft dough and a silky Alfredo interior, each bite is a celebration of rich cheese, tender spinach, and golden garlic. They always disappear first from the appetizer tray and turn even the simplest dinner into something memorable.
I first made these for a game night with friends and watched the entire batch vanish in minutes. Now my family asks for them on pizza Fridays when we are craving something a little more special.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough: offers a chewy golden base and saves prep time Choose a fresh dough from the bakery section for best results
- All-purpose flour: helps keep the dough from sticking as you roll it out Choose a fine-milled flour for smoother handling
- Heavy cream: in the Alfredo sauce makes it indulgently smooth Use high-fat cream for richest flavor
- Unsalted butter: controls the saltiness of both the sauce and tops Select high-quality European style if you want extra buttery notes
- Parmesan cheese: brings classic sharp nutty character Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it fresh for extra punch
- Garlic: fresh and minced infuses every layer with bold aroma Choose firm unblemished cloves for the best flavor impact
- Fresh spinach: adds color and nutrition plus a clean bright taste Go for baby spinach or sturdy mature leaves if you chop them
- Olive oil: used to sauté spinach and garlic for deeper taste Extra virgin adds more richness and aroma
- Mozzarella cheese: melts creamy and holds everything together Shred your own for gooey stretch texture
- Crushed red pepper flakes: give a gentle heat kick Totally optional if you like it mild
- Dried Italian herbs or oregano: on top finish the rolls with a savory herbal note A classic pizza flavor everyone loves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and golden bottoms
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat then add minced garlic Stir gently for one minute to let it become fragrant Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer stirring frequently so the cream does not scorch Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened Taste for salt and pepper Remove from the heat and cool until spreadable but still pourable
- Sauté the Spinach:
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat Add minced garlic and wait until its scent fills the kitchen about thirty seconds Toss in the chopped spinach stirring until all the leaves are wilted and glossy with oil Lightly season and set aside to cool completely
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Lightly dust your countertop with flour Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about twelve by fifteen inches Even thickness is key for even baking
- Layer the Fillings:
- Spread the cooled Alfredo sauce evenly over the dough all the way to the edges but leave a half-inch space bare for sealing Scatter sautéed spinach over the sauce then evenly sprinkle with mozzarella and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat
- Roll and Slice:
- Roll from one long side to form a tight log Press the edge to seal so the filling does not ooze out Use a sharp knife to slice into twelve equal pieces
- Arrange and Top:
- Arrange the slices cut side up on your prepared baking sheet Give each roll some space for spreading Brush with melted butter then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and dried Italian herbs for flavor and color
- Bake and Serve:
- Slide the tray into the oven Bake for eighteen to twenty two minutes until the rolls are bubbling the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and fragrant Let them cool briefly before enjoying so the cheese stays in place
Save Every time I use a top-notch Parmesan cheese the sauce turns out silkier and more flavorful. My kids love helping to roll up the dough and sprinkle cheese all over the top making pizza rolls is our weekend tradition when we all gather in the kitchen together.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge They will keep for up to three days Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to restore their original crispness and keep the filling hot and gooey You can freeze baked rolls individually on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months Thaw and warm in the oven to keep the edges crisp
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have fresh spinach swap in chopped kale or even arugula The greens give flavor and nutrition but you can use what you have For vegans try cashew cream in the Alfredo sauce and your favorite plant-based cheese Store-bought dough works well but if you have time homemade dough makes them extra special
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls hot from the oven as an appetizer with extra Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping For lunch add a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette and some fresh fruit On pizza night these pair nicely with a bowl of soup or antipasto platter for sharing
Cultural and Historical Context
Stuffed pizza rolls like these are inspired by Italian stromboli and American pizza bites The Alfredo sauce draws from classic Fettuccine Alfredo yet this version focuses on a creamy portable filling perfect for busy families and parties The combination of cheese cream and spinach gives a nod to Italian-American comfort food
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in sautéed mushrooms when they are in season for an earthier filling Use fresh basil in place of Italian herbs in summer for a brighter finish Add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce in winter for warmth and depth
Success Stories
Friends have asked me for this recipe more than any other appetizer I make I have adapted it for holiday gatherings by using red pepper slices and extra herbs for festive color The time I took these to a summer picnic they were gone within minutes even before the sandwiches came out
Freezer Meal Conversion
Follow all the steps through baking Let cool fully then wrap each roll in plastic and freeze When you have a busy night reheat from frozen at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbling They make a quick after-school snack or party treat straight from the freezer
Save I once forgot to let the Alfredo sauce cool before spreading and it made my dough soggy patience is key for the perfect roll every time
Common Questions
- → What kind of dough is best?
Use refrigerated pizza dough or homemade for soft, chewy rolls with a golden crust.
- → Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before sautéing to avoid excess moisture in the rolls.
- → Is it possible to add protein?
Sprinkle cooked, diced chicken over the spinach before rolling for added protein and flavor.
- → How do I reheat the rolls?
Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
- → What dips pair well?
Serve with extra Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping to accentuate creamy and tangy flavors.
- → Can other greens be substituted?
Kale or arugula can replace spinach for a different flavor or nutritional profile in the filling.