If you’re craving a snack that’s absolutely bursting with flavor and super easy to whip up, you’ve got to try my Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe. I love this because it takes all the best parts of pizza—gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and herby butter—and rolls them into bite-sized deliciousness. You’ll find that making these feels like a little pizza party right in your kitchen, and once you taste them, your family and friends will be asking for seconds (or thirds!). So stick around—I’m about to share all the tips and tricks that make this recipe a fan-freaking-tastic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Combination: The garlic and Italian herb butter adds a perfect savory layer to classic pepperoni and cheese.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a party, or a cozy night in, these pizza rolls hit the spot every time.
- Easy Yet Impressive: You’ll be amazed how simple it is to make something this delicious from scratch.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Prep ahead or freeze portions to enjoy fresh, hot snacks anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe works together to create that classic pizza taste we all love, but in a fun, roll-up form. A good quality pizza dough is key, and don’t be shy about seasoning your butter—it really takes these rolls to the next level.
- Pizza dough: I like using refrigerated can pizza dough for convenience and consistent texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melting the butter lets you easily mix in seasonings for that buttery, fragrant brush-on.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil enhances the pizza vibe.
- Garlic powder: Adds that irresistible garlic kick without overpowering.
- Pepperoni slices: Pick your favorite style—classic, spicy, or even turkey pepperoni works great.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, gooey bite.
- Egg: Whisked and brushed on top for a gorgeous golden finish.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on at the end for a touch of sharpness.
- Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping—choose a good one with fresh flavors.
Variations
I love how versatile this Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with different fillings and seasonings, and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. The best part? You can make it your own to fit whatever mood you’re in or what’s in your fridge.
- Veggie-packed version: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach—my kids actually ask for the veggie roll sometimes!
- Spicy twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni to kick up the heat, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
- Cheese lovers: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a richer, more complex gooeyness.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough or flatbread as the base and follow the same steps.
How to Make Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F—this is the perfect temperature to get a golden crust without drying out the inside. While it warms up, roll your pizza dough out on parchment paper into a nice rectangle about 10×15 inches. I found that the parchment makes transferring to the baking sheet so much easier and helps prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season and Brush the Dough
Mix the Italian seasoning and garlic powder into the melted butter, then brush half of it evenly over the dough. This little trick infuses every bite with that rich, herby flavor you crave in your pizza rolls. Save the rest of the butter mixture for later—trust me, this step makes the crust super tasty and golden.
Step 3: Layer Pepperoni and Cheese
Now for the fun part: layering the pepperoni and cheese. Lay your pepperoni slices evenly over the dough, allowing them to overlap just a bit so you get flavor in every bite. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over, covering those spicy circles—you want plenty of melty cheese inside!
Step 4: Roll It Up and Prep for Baking
Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log with the seam side down on the parchment. This helps everything stay together as it bakes. Then whisk your egg and brush it over the entire roll—this gives the rolls a stunning golden shine once baked. Transfer the parchment with the roll onto a baking sheet, and you’re almost ready.
Step 5: Bake, Butter, and Finish
Bake the pizza roll for 15-20 minutes, then pull it out and brush with the remaining garlic-herb butter. If your butter has cooled and solidified, simply give it a quick zap in the microwave to melt again—it’s worth it for that extra flavor and moisture. Return the roll to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until it’s golden brown all over and heated through. After baking, sprinkle the top with grated parmesan cheese and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the cheese set so your slices won’t get all gooey and messy.
Pro Tips for Making Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Butter Brush: I learned this the hard way—brushing seasoned butter before and after baking makes the rolls irresistibly flavorful and golden.
- Roll Tight but Gentle: Rolling too loosely leads to falling apart, but too tight can squeeze out the cheese and pepperoni. Find the cozy middle ground for perfect slices.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the roll cool 10 minutes to avoid cheese leakage and to keep your slices looking neat and appetizing.
- Use Parchment Paper: It makes transfer super easy and cleanup quick—trust me, it’s a game changer for this recipe.
How to Serve Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra grated parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes on top right after baking—it adds a bit of salty sharpness and that subtle heat I always crave. Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley work great too and brighten up the whole plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp Caesar salad or some roasted broccoli for a complete meal. For a snack or party spread, a bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side is a must-have for dipping—trust me, the tangy sauce takes these rolls over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or party, slice the pizza roll into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange them on a platter with small cups of marinara scattered around for easy dipping. I’ve even wrapped individual rolls in foil to pack for picnics or lunches—they stay deliciously warm wrapped up like that.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your pizza rolls cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. I find they keep best in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy them for a quick snack anytime without making a whole new batch.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver with this recipe. Just assemble the roll, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze before baking. When you’re ready, bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is great when you want fresh homemade snacks but need to prep ahead.
Reheating
For reheating, I usually pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get that crisp texture back. You can use the toaster oven too if you’re just reheating a slice or two. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some of the crispiness, so I don’t usually recommend it unless you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just roll it out to the same size and thickness, and follow the rest of the steps as usual.
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How do I keep the pizza rolls from getting soggy?
Brushing the dough with seasoned butter before and after baking really helps keep a crisp crust. Also, letting the rolls rest a bit before slicing prevents cheese and sauce from making the dough soggy.
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Can I add other fillings besides pepperoni and cheese?
Definitely! You can add veggies like mushrooms and spinach or swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or ham. Just be careful not to overload the roll to avoid it bursting while baking.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza rolls?
The oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes restores the crispiness nicely. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them a bit soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings that comforting pizza flavor in such a fun, shareable way. I love how easy it is to make and how everyone—kids and adults alike—goes crazy for it. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own, too. Once you do, keep it handy for game days, snacks, or anytime you need that irresistible cheesy-pepperoni fix. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 slices
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pepperoni Rolls are a savory and cheesy snack made with pizza dough rolled around pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, brushed with a seasoned butter mixture, baked to golden perfection, and served with warm marinara sauce. Perfect for game day or a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Filling
- 13.8 ounce can pizza dough
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Seasoned Butter
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pepperoni rolls.
- Roll Out Dough: On a piece of parchment paper, roll the pizza dough into a 10 by 15-inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Seasoned Butter: Combine the Italian seasoning and garlic powder into the melted butter and stir well. Brush half of this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, reserving the rest for later.
- Add Pepperoni and Cheese: Arrange the pepperoni slices in an even layer on top of the dough, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pepperoni layer.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, sealing the seam by placing it facedown onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then brush it thoroughly over the top and sides of the rolled dough to help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake Initial Phase: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the roll is partially cooked and beginning to brown.
- Brush with Remaining Butter: Reheat the reserved seasoned butter if needed, then brush it generously over the roll to enhance flavor and browning. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the roll is golden brown and hot throughout.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- These pepperoni pizza rolls make a perfect game day snack or appetizer.
- The seasoned butter adds a delicious garlicky, herby flavor to the dough exterior.
- Ensure the roll is tightly rolled to avoid cheese leaking out during baking.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before slicing to maintain their shape.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 299
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 421.6 mg
- Fat: 28.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.9 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 7.7 g
- Cholesterol: 85.8 mg
