Irresistible Pizza Roll Stuffing Recipe Perfect for Holidays

Posted on October 29, 2025

You know that moment during the holidays when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and just a little indulgent? That’s exactly why I created this irresistible pizza roll stuffing recipe. Imagine the cheesy goodness of classic pizza rolls combined with the savory richness of holiday stuffing. It’s the perfect side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe thirds!

This recipe was born out of a family experiment. One Thanksgiving, my kids begged for pizza rolls to snack on while waiting for dinner. Instead of serving them as-is, I decided to work them into our meal. The stuffing turned out to be the star of the table, blending Italian flavors with traditional holiday vibes. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

If you’re looking for a holiday dish that’s fun, flavorful, and totally unexpected, this pizza roll stuffing is the answer. It’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold flavors—all while maintaining the cozy familiarity of stuffing. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the festivities.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: This recipe only takes about 30 minutes to prep, so you can whip it up even on busy holiday mornings.
Kid-Friendly: Pizza rolls are a crowd-pleaser for kids and the cheese-stuffed goodness ensures they’ll love every bite.
A Fun Twist on Tradition: It’s stuffing, but with an unexpected and delicious Italian spin.
Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this stuffing works just as well for game days or casual family dinners.
Customizable: You can tweak the flavors to suit your family’s preferences—more spice, less cheese, or even gluten-free options.

What makes this recipe stand out is its bold, cheesy flavor melded with classic stuffing texture. The pizza rolls bring a fun element to the dish without overpowering the traditional stuffing vibe. It’s comfort food at its best, with a playful twist that will win over both kids and adults. Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that’ll have people asking where you got the idea!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry or freezer. Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:

Frozen pizza rolls: Choose your favorite brand and flavor; pepperoni and cheese are classics.
Day-old bread cubes: About 4 cups, preferably a mix of white and whole wheat for texture.
Butter: Unsalted, melted (adds richness).
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
Celery: 2 stalks, diced (adds crunch).
Chicken broth: 2 cups (or vegetable broth for vegetarians).
Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated (for that extra cheesy flavor).
Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded.
Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons.
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish.

If you’re looking for substitutes, you can use gluten-free bread cubes or dairy-free cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions. The pizza rolls can also be swapped for mini calzones or other filled snacks if you’re feeling adventurous!

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing all the ingredients together.
Skillet: For sautéing the onions and celery.
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch pan works great.
Kitchen knife: For chopping vegetables and bread cubes.
Wooden spoon: For mixing everything evenly.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, a deep casserole dish will work just fine. I’ve even made this in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm—it’s just as delicious!

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring until the cubes are moistened but not soggy. Add more broth if needed.
Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Cut the pizza rolls into halves or quarters, depending on their size, and gently fold them into the stuffing mixture.
Transfer the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro tip: If you want an extra crispy top, sprinkle a bit more mozzarella cheese before the final baking stage.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t skip the sauté: Cooking the onion and celery before mixing ensures the stuffing has a depth of flavor.
Keep it moist: Add broth gradually to avoid soggy stuffing—start with less and add more as needed.
Crispy topping: For a crunchier top layer, use a broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Pizza roll variety: Experiment with different pizza roll flavors; sausage or veggie rolls can add new dimensions to the dish.
Cheese balance: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for maximum meltiness—it makes all the difference.

One mistake I made early on was overloading the stuffing with pizza rolls. It’s tempting to pack them in, but balance is key. Too many rolls can overpower the stuffing texture and flavor!

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free: Swap the bread cubes for gluten-free bread and use gluten-free pizza rolls.
Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and try cheese-only pizza rolls.
Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pizza rolls for a fiery twist.
Seasonal Veggies: Toss in diced butternut squash or mushrooms for added depth and texture.
Personal Touch: I’ve tried adding sun-dried tomatoes and it brings a delightful tang to the dish—give it a shot!

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Whether it’s adjusting the level of cheese or swapping out a few ingredients, it’s versatile enough to suit any palate.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this stuffing warm, straight from the oven, as a side dish for turkey, ham, or even roast chicken. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine for a balanced meal.

To store leftovers, transfer the stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through. If the stuffing feels dry, add a splash of broth before reheating.

Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen over time, so it might taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional highlights for this dish:

Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving
Protein: Cheese and pizza rolls add a good dose of protein.
Carbs: A hearty source of energy, thanks to the bread cubes and pizza rolls.
Fats: Rich in healthy fats from the cheese and butter.

This recipe is perfect for satisfying holiday cravings without going overboard. If you’re watching your diet, consider using reduced-fat cheese or adding more veggies to increase fiber content.

Conclusion

This irresistible pizza roll stuffing recipe is the ultimate holiday side dish for those who love bold flavors and a touch of cheesy indulgence. It’s the perfect way to mix traditional comfort food with a fun, modern twist.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share your version—did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about it! Here’s to making your holiday meals even more memorable.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Yes, but it’s best to dry out the bread first. Cut it into cubes and toast them in the oven for a few minutes to get the right texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the stuffing and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day for the best results.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Add a bit of broth if it seems dry.

Can I use homemade pizza rolls?

Definitely! Homemade pizza rolls will add a personal touch to the dish and can be customized with your favorite fillings.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment! Provolone, cheddar, or even gouda would be delicious alternatives to mozzarella.

Pin This Recipe!