Whole Wheat Pizza Rolls Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian-Style Bread

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Whole Wheat Pizza Rolls Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian-Style Bread

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good pizza night, but sometimes you want something a little different, a little healthier, and a whole lot more fun. These whole wheat pizza rolls are exactly that! They’re soft, fluffy, packed with flavour, and honestly, so satisfying. I first made these when I was craving something comforting and homemade, and they’ve been a family favourite ever since. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average pizza rolls. We’re using whole wheat flour for a boost of goodness, and the Indian-inspired flavours (we’ll get to that!) make them truly special. They’re perfect as a snack, a light meal, or even a party appetizer. Plus, making your own dough is surprisingly therapeutic, don’t you think?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious rolls:

• 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour (approx. 250g)
• 2 teaspoon Cane Sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon Instant Yeast (approx. 5g)
• 1 ¼ cup Lukewarm Water (approx. 300ml)
• 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ cup Pizza Sauce (approx. 120ml)
• 1 teaspoon Butter

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Whole Wheat Flour: Benefits & Choosing the Right Type

Whole wheat flour is a fantastic source of fibre and nutrients. I prefer using a fine whole wheat flour for a softer texture, but you can use a coarser grind if you like a more rustic roll.

Instant Yeast: Understanding Bloom Time & Activity

Instant yeast is super convenient because you don’t have to bloom it, but blooming it (mixing it with warm water and sugar) helps ensure it’s active. You’ll know it’s working when it gets frothy – that’s the yeast waking up!

Olive Oil: Flavor Profile & Substitutions

Olive oil adds a lovely flavour, but you can substitute it with any neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil if you prefer.

Cane Sugar: Role in Yeast Activation & Taste

Sugar feeds the yeast, helping it activate and rise. It also adds a subtle sweetness that balances the flavours.

Lukewarm Water: Importance of Temperature

The water temperature is crucial! Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast. Too cold, and it won’t activate. Aim for lukewarm – around 105-115°F (40-46°C).

Pizza Sauce: Regional Indian-Inspired Variations (e.g., using a spiced tomato base)

Now, for the fun part! While you can use store-bought pizza sauce, I love adding a little Indian twist. Try stirring in a pinch of garam masala, some turmeric, or even a dash of chili powder for a spiced tomato base. My grandmother used to add a tiny bit of ginger-garlic paste – it’s amazing.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, bloom the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the sugar, yeast, and ¼ cup of lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets nice and frothy.
2. In a large bowl, sift the whole wheat flour 2-3 times. This makes the rolls lighter! Mix in the salt.
3. Pour the bloomed yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Gradually add the remaining water, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
4. Now for the kneading! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and supple. It’s a good workout, right?
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Patience is key here!
6. Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out into a 2mm-thick circle on a floured surface.
7. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Roll it up tightly into a log, and then slice into 9 equal pieces.
8. Arrange the rolls in a greased 6-inch round baking tin. Cover and let them proof for another 30 minutes, until they’ve puffed up a bit.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and beautiful.
10. Immediately brush the warm rolls with melted butter. Let them cool slightly before serving – though I usually can’t resist grabbing one while it’s still warm!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make these rolls perfect every time:

Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency

The dough should be sticky, but not overly wet. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

Troubleshooting Yeast Activation

If your yeast doesn’t bloom, it might be old or the water was too hot/cold. Start with fresh yeast and check the water temperature.

Rolling and Shaping Techniques for Even Rolls

Rolling the dough evenly is important for uniform rolls. Use a rolling pin and apply even pressure.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Keep an eye on the rolls while they’re baking. Ovens vary, so adjust the baking time as needed.

Preventing Sticking & Ensuring Easy Removal

Greasing the baking tin well is essential! You can also line it with parchment paper for extra insurance.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Pizza Rolls

Substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Gluten-Free Pizza Rolls (Using Alternative Flours)

Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Spice Level: Adding Chili Flakes or Green Chilies to the Sauce

My friend loves adding a generous pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick! You could also finely chop some green chilies.

Festival Adaptations: Incorporating Festive Flavors (e.g., Diwali-inspired fillings)

During Diwali, I sometimes add a filling of mashed sweet potato and nuts to the rolls – it’s a delicious festive treat!

Cheese Variations: Exploring Indian Paneer as a Filling

Instead of mozzarella, try crumbling some paneer (Indian cheese) into the rolls. It adds a lovely creamy texture and flavour.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a side of yogurt dip or a sprinkle of chaat masala.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of flour works best for these pizza rolls?

A fine whole wheat flour is ideal for a softer texture, but you can experiment with different grinds.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

How do I know if the yeast is still active?

Bloom it! If it doesn’t get frothy after 5-10 minutes, it’s likely not active.

Can I freeze these pizza rolls after baking?

Yes, you can! Let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container.

What can I add to the pizza sauce to make it more flavorful?

Get creative! Try adding garam masala, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, or chili powder.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these delicious whole wheat pizza rolls. I hope they bring a little joy to your kitchen! Let me know how they turn out in the comments below.