Doritos Pizza Rolls Chicken Sausage

This spicy twist on classic pizza rolls combines zesty nacho cheese Doritos with savory chicken sausage for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The crispy Doritos coating adds incredible crunch and bold flavor that takes these homemade pizza rolls to a whole new level.

I created these during a football Sunday when my family wanted something more exciting than regular pizza. Now they specifically request these Doritos-crusted rolls whenever friends come over for game watching parties.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: gives you a quick start while still tasting homemade
• Pizza sauce: adds classic tomato flavor while keeping the filling moist
• Mozzarella cheese: creates that perfect gooey stretch when you bite in
• Chicken sausage: offers lean protein with less fat than traditional pork sausage
• Mini turkey pepperoni: adds extra flavor pockets without excess grease
• Nacho Cheese Doritos: provide the distinctive crunchy coating and bold flavor
• Melted butter: helps the Doritos stick and adds richness
• Garlic powder: enhances savory notes throughout the roll
• Italian seasoning: brings aromatic herb flavors that complement the pizza elements
• Egg wash: ensures the Doritos coating adheres properly during baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is perfect for getting the rolls golden brown without burning the Doritos coating. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Prepare the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your refrigerated pizza dough until it forms an even rectangle. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into 8 equal rectangles. Try to make them as uniform as possible so they bake evenly.

Assemble the Rolls:

Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each rectangle, leaving about half an inch of border around the edges. This border helps create a proper seal. Sprinkle approximately 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add about a tablespoon of crumbled chicken sausage and a few mini pepperonis if using. Be careful not to overstuff or the rolls may burst during baking.

Roll and Seal:

Starting from one of the short ends, carefully roll each rectangle into a cylindrical shape. Firmly pinch the edges and seams to create a good seal. If any areas look like they might open during baking, give them an extra pinch and press to secure.

Prepare Doritos Coating:

Crush the Doritos into small pieces but not completely into powder some texture is important. Mix thoroughly with melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a wide, shallow bowl. The butter helps the seasoning stick to the chips and creates a richer flavor.

Coat the Rolls:

Brush each rolled pizza roll with beaten egg, making sure to cover the entire surface. This egg wash acts as glue for the Doritos mixture. Roll each moistened roll in the Doritos mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage and good adhesion.

Bake:

Arrange the coated rolls on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least an inch between each roll. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. You might see some cheese bubbling out which is perfectly fine.

Serve:

Allow the rolls to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This cooling time prevents mouth burns and allows the filling to set slightly. Serve with additional warmed pizza sauce in small dipping bowls.

Save This

The Doritos coating is truly what makes these rolls special. I discovered this technique accidentally when my kids crushed chips over regular pizza one night. The combination of the nacho cheese flavor with Italian seasonings creates this amazing flavor fusion that keeps everyone reaching for more.

Make Ahead Tips

These pizza rolls work beautifully for meal prep. You can assemble them completely through the coating step, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time since they'll be starting cold. For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Easy Substitutions

If Nacho Cheese Doritos are too spicy for your taste, Cool Ranch or even plain tortilla chips work well as alternatives. For a different protein option, try cooked ground turkey with taco seasoning instead of chicken sausage for a Mexican-inspired version. Vegetarians can substitute black beans or plant-based crumbles seasoned with Italian herbs. For a lower-carb option, consider using fathead dough or cauliflower pizza crust instead of the refrigerated pizza dough.

Perfect Pairings

These zesty pizza rolls pair wonderfully with cooling dips beyond traditional pizza sauce. Try serving with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a simple Greek yogurt dip with fresh herbs. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside fresh veggie sticks, a simple green salad, or sweet potato fries. These rolls also complement soup nicely for a more substantial meal. My family loves them alongside a bowl of tomato basil soup for weekend lunches.

Common Queries

→ How can I keep the crust crunchy after baking?

Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack after baking so the Doritos crust remains crisp and doesn't get soggy from steam.

→ Can I substitute another cheese for mozzarella?

Yes, you can use cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor and melt.

→ Are the turkey pepperoni slices necessary?

No, the mini pepperoni is optional. You can omit or swap with your favorite deli meats or keep it vegetarian.

→ Can these be made ahead and reheated?

Yes, bake the rolls, cool, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the exterior.

→ What dipping sauce goes best with these rolls?

Classic pizza sauce works well, but ranch or spicy marinara are flavorful alternatives for dipping.