Rolled Pizza for the Aperitif

An Easy Appetizer to Share

Rolled pizza is a convenient choice for an aperitif because it can be prepared in advance, sliced into small portions, and served warm or at room temperature. The basic method is simple: spread pizza dough with a modest amount of filling, roll it into a log, bake until golden, and cut it into bite-sized spirals.

Basic Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• Tomato sauce or another light spread
• Grated or thinly sliced melting cheese
• Herbs such as oregano or basil
• Optional fillings, such as olives, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, ham, or salami
• Olive oil for brushing

Avoid using too much sauce or overly wet ingredients, as excess moisture can make the dough difficult to roll and prevent the center from baking evenly.

Preparation

1. Roll the pizza dough into a thin rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Add the cheese, herbs, and chosen fillings in an even layer.
4. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a firm log without squeezing out the filling.
5. Seal the seam and ends, then place the roll seam-side down on a lined baking tray.
6. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven until the crust is well browned and cooked through.
7. Allow the roll to rest briefly before slicing it into spirals.

Filling Ideas

• Classic: tomato sauce, mozzarella, and oregano.
• Vegetable: roasted peppers, zucchini, olives, and cheese.
• Rich and savory: ham, mushrooms, and mozzarella.
• Pesto: a thin layer of pesto with cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Keep the fillings finely chopped and relatively dry so that each slice holds together neatly.

Serving Tips

Use a sharp serrated knife to cut clean slices. Arrange the spirals on a serving plate and accompany them with olives, raw vegetables, or a simple dipping sauce. For advance preparation, assemble the roll and refrigerate it before baking, or bake it earlier and warm it briefly before serving.