10 Quick Recipes Using Store-Bought Frozen Bread Dough
Frozen bread dough transforms into amazing homemade treats without all the mixing and rising time. These clever recipes turn simple store-bought dough into restaurant-quality dishes.
From sweet breakfast rolls to savory dinner breads, you’ll discover how versatile frozen dough can be for busy weeknight cooking.
01. Copycat Restaurant-Style Garlic Breadsticks
Golden buttery breadsticks with that famous restaurant taste you love. Just three simple ingredients create these irresistible warm breadsticks that disappear fast.
Ingredients: 1 package frozen Parker House roll dough (thawed), 4 tablespoons butter (melted), 2 teaspoons garlic salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing.
How To Make Copycat Restaurant-Style Garlic Breadsticks
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil. Remove the thawed roll dough from packaging and place on a clean work surface dusted with flour.
2. Roll each piece of dough into thin breadstick shapes about 6 inches long, stretching gently with your hands. I like to make them slightly uneven for that authentic homemade look that’s even better than restaurant versions.
3. Arrange breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one for expansion. Brush the tops generously with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with garlic salt.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed up beautifully. Brush with any remaining melted butter immediately after removing from oven for extra flavor and shine.
02. Hearty Meat and Cheese Stromboli
A baked sandwich packed with savory meats and melted cheese wrapped in golden bread. This family-friendly dinner pairs perfectly with soup and creates amazing leftovers everyone fights over.
Ingredients: 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed), 6 slices deli ham, 6 slices salami, 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), ½ cup provolone cheese (sliced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 egg (beaten).
How To Make Hearty Meat and Cheese Stromboli
1. Roll the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle about 12×8 inches on a floured surface. Keep the dough slightly thick to prevent tearing when you add the filling ingredients.
2. Layer the ham and salami evenly across the dough, leaving a 2-inch border on all sides. Top with both cheeses, spreading them evenly over the meat for consistent flavor in every bite.
3. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll, pinching the seam and ends closed completely. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
4. Brush the top with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish, then cut 4-5 diagonal slashes across the top. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
5. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing with a sharp serrated knife. This resting time helps the cheese set up and prevents all the filling from oozing out when you cut it.
03. Savory Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
Buttery garlic bread pieces you can pull apart with your fingers. This crowd-pleasing appetizer works great with different cheese varieties like asiago for extra flavor depth.
Ingredients: 1 package frozen dinner roll dough (thawed), ½ cup butter (melted), 4 cloves garlic (minced), ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
How To Make Savory Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
1. Cut each thawed dinner roll into 4 pieces using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. You’ll have lots of small dough pieces that will bake together into one amazing pull-apart loaf.
2. Mix melted butter with minced garlic in a large bowl, letting the garlic infuse the butter for maximum flavor. Toss all the dough pieces in this mixture until every piece is well coated.
3. Combine Parmesan cheese, parsley, and Italian seasoning in another bowl. Roll each buttered dough piece in this mixture, then layer them in a greased bundt pan or tube pan.
4. Pour any remaining butter mixture over the top and sprinkle with leftover cheese mixture. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
5. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. Turn out onto a serving plate immediately and serve warm for the best pulling experience.
04. Sweet Butterscotch Monkey Bread
Pull-apart sweet bread with butterscotch pudding and brown sugar coating. This method creates the most tender, flavorful monkey bread that disappears faster than any other version.
Ingredients: 2 packages frozen dinner roll dough (thawed), 1 package instant butterscotch pudding mix, ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter (melted), 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
How To Make Sweet Butterscotch Monkey Bread
1. Cut each dinner roll into quarters using clean kitchen shears. You want uniform pieces that will bake evenly and create perfect pull-apart sections throughout the finished bread.
2. Mix the dry butterscotch pudding mix with brown sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. This combination creates an incredible flavor coating that penetrates every piece of dough as it bakes.
3. Dip each dough piece in melted butter, then roll in the pudding mixture until completely coated. Layer the coated pieces in a well-greased bundt pan, distributing them evenly.
4. Pour any remaining butter and pudding mixture over the top of the layered dough. This extra coating creates a delicious caramelized bottom when you flip the finished bread.
5. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 45 minutes until noticeably puffed. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through completely.
6. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then flip onto serving plate immediately. The butterscotch coating creates a beautiful glaze that drips down the sides perfectly.
05. Quick Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
Soft cinnamon rolls with buttery filling and sweet glaze on top. These breakfast treats bake up tender and disappear incredibly fast from any kitchen counter.
Ingredients: 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed), 4 tablespoons butter (softened), ⅓ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
How To Make Quick Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
1. Roll thawed bread dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Keep the dough even thickness throughout for consistent baking and perfect spiral layers in each roll.
2. Spread softened butter evenly across the entire surface, leaving a small border along one long edge. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
3. Starting from the long side opposite the clean border, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam closed and cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife.
4. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving small spaces between each roll for expansion. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until noticeably puffed up.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through completely. While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create smooth glaze.
6. Drizzle warm rolls with glaze immediately after removing from oven. The heat helps the glaze soak in slightly while still leaving a beautiful coating on top.
06. Italian Pepperoni Roll
Sliced bread filled with pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese throughout. This tasty quick bread bakes to golden perfection and cuts into perfect bite-sized party appetizers.
Ingredients: 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed), 4 oz sliced pepperoni, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 egg (beaten).
How To Make Italian Pepperoni Roll
1. Roll the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle approximately 14×10 inches on a floured work surface. The dough should be thin enough to roll easily but thick enough to contain all the filling.
2. Brush the entire surface with olive oil, then layer pepperoni slices evenly across the dough, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning over the pepperoni for maximum flavor distribution.
3. Roll up tightly from one long side, pinching the seam and both ends closed securely. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking during baking.
4. Brush the top with beaten egg for a beautiful golden color and make 5-6 diagonal cuts across the top with a sharp knife. These cuts allow steam to escape and create an attractive presentation.
5. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing into thick rounds for serving.
07. Reuben-Style Flatbread Pizza
Pizza topped with classic Reuben sandwich flavors on crispy bread crust. Even people who aren’t huge Reuben fans absolutely love this creative pizza combination that’s totally addictive.
Ingredients: 1 package frozen bread dough (thawed), ½ cup Thousand Island dressing, 6 oz sliced corned beef, 1 cup sauerkraut (drained), 1½ cups Swiss cheese (shredded), 2 tablespoons caraway seeds.
How To Make Reuben-Style Flatbread Pizza
1. Press and stretch the thawed bread dough into a greased 15×10 inch jelly roll pan, creating an even layer that reaches all corners. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes if it springs back too much.
2. Spread Thousand Island dressing evenly across the dough surface, leaving a small border around the edges for crust formation. This tangy base replaces traditional pizza sauce perfectly for authentic Reuben flavor.
3. Layer the corned beef pieces evenly over the dressing, then distribute the drained sauerkraut on top. Pat the sauerkraut dry with paper towels first to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
4. Top with shredded Swiss cheese and sprinkle caraway seeds over everything for that distinctive Reuben taste. The seeds add authentic deli flavor that makes this pizza truly special and memorable.
5. Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares for easier serving.
08. Midwest-Style Stuffed Buns
Savory hand pies filled with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and onions. These hearty buns are beloved throughout Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska as perfect comfort food meals.
Ingredients: 1 package frozen dinner roll dough (thawed), 1 lb ground beef, 2 cups cabbage (chopped), 1 large onion (diced), 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 egg (beaten).
How To Make Midwest-Style Stuffed Buns
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent.
2. Add chopped cabbage to the beef mixture and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until cabbage is tender and most liquid has evaporated, creating a thick filling that won’t make the dough soggy.
3. Roll each dinner roll into a 5-inch circle on a floured surface. Place about ⅓ cup of the cooled meat mixture in the center of each circle, being careful not to overfill.
4. Gather the dough edges up around the filling and pinch tightly closed at the top, creating a sealed pouch. Place seam-side down on greased baking sheets with space between each bun.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg for golden color and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until deep golden brown. These taste amazing served warm and reheat beautifully for quick meals later.
09. Deep-Dish Chicago Pizza
Thick crust pizza layered with homemade sauce, Italian sausage, and cheese. This hearty pan pizza delivers authentic Chicago-style flavors with mushrooms and onions throughout every slice.
Ingredients: 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed), 1 lb Italian sausage, 1 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 cup mushrooms (sliced), 1 medium onion (sliced), 2 tablespoons olive oil.
How To Make Deep-Dish Chicago Pizza
1. Press thawed bread dough into a well-oiled 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet, pushing dough up the sides about 2 inches. The thick crust is essential for authentic Chicago-style pizza structure.
2. Cook Italian sausage in a large skillet until browned and crumbly, then drain fat. In the same pan, sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in olive oil until tender and lightly caramelized for maximum flavor.
3. Layer half the mozzarella cheese directly on the dough crust, then add the cooked sausage, mushrooms, and onions evenly across the surface. This layering method prevents the crust from getting soggy.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese, then spread pizza sauce evenly over everything as the final layer. This reverse layering is the signature technique that makes Chicago pizza so distinctive and delicious.
5. Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly throughout. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting to allow layers to set properly.
6. Cut into wedges using a sharp knife and serve immediately. The thick crust and generous toppings make this incredibly filling and satisfying for any pizza lover.
10. Ultimate Caramel Sweet Rolls
Rich caramel rolls with gooey topping that’s better than any bakery version. These incredibly delicious sweet rolls are so good you’ll want to make them multiple times each month.
Ingredients: 1 package frozen dinner roll dough (thawed), ½ cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar (packed), ⅓ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup chopped pecans.
How To Make Ultimate Caramel Sweet Rolls
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Cook while stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Pour half of this caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel layer for added crunch and flavor.
3. Arrange thawed dinner rolls in a single layer over the caramel and pecans, leaving small spaces between rolls for expansion during rising and baking. They’ll grow together as they bake.
4. Pour the remaining caramel mixture evenly over the tops of all the rolls, making sure each roll gets coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 45 minutes until doubled in size.
5. Remove plastic wrap and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through completely. The caramel will bubble up around the sides beautifully.
6. Cool in pan for exactly 5 minutes, then flip immediately onto a large serving platter. The caramel creates an incredible glaze that coats every roll perfectly when inverted while still warm.
Final Thoughts
These frozen bread dough recipes prove that homemade doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. With simple ingredients and clever techniques, you create bakery-quality results.
Keep a few packages of frozen dough in your freezer for quick meal solutions that taste absolutely amazing every single time.
