Pizza rolls are a beloved frozen snack food that have been around since the 1960s. They consist of bite-sized pieces of dough filled with pizza sauce and cheese that can be quickly baked or microwaved. But what was the original flavor that started it all when pizza rolls first hit the market?
History of Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls were invented in the late 1960s by two brothers from Ohio, Bob and Jim Patt. According to an article from The Columbus Dispatch, the brothers wanted to find a way to recreate the experience of eating pizza on-the-go.
In 1969, the Patt brothers debuted pizza rolls at their family pizza restaurant called “Cock Robin Pizza.” The rolls were an instant hit with customers who loved the portability of being able to eat pizza without a plate or utensils.
The Original Pizza Roll Flavor
When pizza rolls first launched in the late 1960s, there was only one flavor available: traditional pizza.
The original pizza rolls created by Bob and Jim Patt were filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and chunks of pepperoni. This classic pizza flavor profile delivered the taste of pizza in a conveniently handheld form.
According to the official Totino’s pizza rolls website (Totino’s acquired pizza rolls from the Patt brothers in 1975), traditional pizza remains one of their top-selling flavors today. It established pizza rolls as a tasty freezer aisle staple.
Rise in Popularity of Pizza Rolls
After the initial success of pizza rolls at Cock Robin Pizza, the Patt brothers saw the potential for their creation to go national. They began selling them in stores under the brand name Jeno’s Pizza Rolls.
Jeno’s pizza rolls quickly became popular across the United States in the 1970s and 80s. The snack appealed to parents as an easy weeknight dinner option for kids and also became a staple at parties for tweens and teens.
In the 1980s, pizza rolls popularity reached new heights after being featured in the hit movie Real Genius starring Val Kilmer. In the film, students ate pizza rolls as “brain food” while working on a laser project.
New Flavors Emerge
As pizza rolls grew in popularity over the decades, food manufacturers began offering new flavors beyond original pizza to attract consumers.
In 1972, Jeno’s introduced a sausage flavor made with tomato sauce, cheese and sausage crumbles. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, more specialty flavors emerged like taco, barbecue, cheeseburger, bacon and ranch.
Today, leading frozen pizza roll brand Totino’s offers over 10 different flavors including pepperoni, supreme, and buffalo chicken. But classic pizza remains a top choice for those feeling nostalgic.
Nutrition Information of Original Pizza Roll
Here is the nutrition information for a serving of original Totino’s pizza rolls:
| Serving Size | 6 rolls (85g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Protein | 6g |
As you can see, a serving provides a decent hit of carbs and protein but is also high in fat, something to keep in mind for your daily intake.
Where to Buy Original Pizza Rolls Today
While you may associate pizza rolls with school cafeterias and college dorms, you can still easily find original pizza flavor today. Here are some places to buy classic pizza rolls:
- Grocery store freezer aisle – Brands like Totino’s, Jeno’s, and Bagel Bites sell pizza rolls in original flavor
- Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com
- Warehouse clubs such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club often carry large packs
- Gas stations and convenience stores will frequently stock pizza rolls near the hot snacks
You may need to hunt around for the original pizza flavor if your local retailer only carries newer specialty options. But with some searching, you should be able to find this classic snack.
Preparing Original Pizza Rolls
One of the appeals of pizza rolls is how quick and easy they are to prepare. Here is a simple microwave cooking method:
- Line a microwave safe plate with a paper towel.
- Arrange desired number of frozen pizza rolls on the plate without overcrowding.
- Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes for a soft chewy texture or 2-3 minutes for extra crispy.
- Carefully remove from microwave as filling will be molten hot.
- Enjoy immediately while hot!
You can also bake pizza rolls in your oven’s convection setting or an air fryer. Just read package instructions for exact times and temperatures.
Tips for Making the Perfect Original Pizza Rolls
To maximize the delicious nostalgic flavor of original pizza rolls, follow these handy tips:
- Shake the bag before cooking to distribute filling evenly for maximum cheesiness in each bite.
- Only cook as many rolls as you plan to eat in one sitting, don’t reheat.
- If microwave cooking, use a lower power level for a less rubbery texture.
- Let cool 1-2 minutes before eating to avoid burning your mouth!
- Enjoy with fun dipping sauces like marinara, ranch or nacho cheese.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like parmesan, red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.
Conclusion
While specialty flavors have emerged over the years, the original pizza is still arguably the best pizza roll flavor. The classic pairing of tomato sauce, chewy mozzarella, and pepperoni encapsulates exactly what people love about pizza in a convenient, handheld form.
Thanks to brands like Totino’s, new generations continue to enjoy this iconic snack more than 50 years after the Patt brothers first invented it. With a few tips and tricks, you can make perfectly cooked and delicious original pizza rolls at home that taste just like you remember from childhood.