If you’re craving a snack that’s packed with gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and buttery, golden crust, you’re in for a treat with this Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls come together—crispy on the outside and filled with melty mozzarella and zesty pepperoni inside. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, a casual party, or just want a fun dinner idea, these pizza rolls hit all the right spots. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your rolls turn out perfect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this tasty snack.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are a hit at parties, lunchboxes, or movie nights.
- Customizable: Easily tweak fillings to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Consistently Delicious: I’ve made these on countless occasions, and they never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. For this Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe, I like using a good quality canned pizza dough and fresh mozzarella to get that melty, satisfying stretch every time.
- Pizza dough: A pre-made dough saves time but rolling it out evenly helps ensure a consistent bake.
- Unsalted butter: Melting this with seasonings gives the rolls a gorgeous golden color and rich flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herbal depth without overpowering the cheese and pepperoni.
- Garlic powder: A subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the butter and herbs.
- Pepperoni slices: Choose your favorite brand; thicker slices hold up well inside the roll.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded thanks to less anti-caking agent.
- Egg: Brushed over the dough, it creates a shiny golden crust that’s so inviting.
- Parmesan cheese: A final sprinkle adds a salty bite and texture contrast.
- Marinara sauce: Essential for dipping—and the perfect partner for these rolls.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. You can swap ingredients or add extras so it perfectly suits your craving or dietary needs.
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage or bacon bits for a heartier roll my family can’t get enough of.
- Vegetarian: Substitute pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers—delicious and just as satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes inside before rolling for that little heat burst I adore.
- Cheese Mix: Try using a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and even a bit of sharp cheddar for extra depth.
How to Make Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Seasoned Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper to about a 10×15-inch rectangle. This helps when rolling up later and prevents sticking. Mix the melted butter with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder—this combo infuses your crust with so much flavor. Brush half of this buttery mixture evenly over the dough; save the rest for later. Trust me, this butter is a game-changer for browning and flavor.
Step 2: Layer in the Pepperoni and Cheese
Next, arrange the pepperoni slices on the buttered dough in a single, even layer. Don’t stress about overlapping a bit; it helps keep the filling cohesive. Then sprinkle your shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pepperoni. I usually go for the full 1.5 cups because, well, it’s pizza—more cheese, more happiness!
Step 3: Roll it Up Tight and Get Ready to Bake
Starting at the long side of your rectangle, roll the dough up tightly into a log, pressing gently as you go so it sticks together. Flip it over seam-side down onto the parchment-lined baking sheet for stability. Then, whisk your egg and brush it all over the top and sides of the roll—this egg wash is what gives the crust a beautiful shine and color as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake and Butter Again
Bake your roll for 15-20 minutes, until it starts to turn golden. Then, brush the remaining seasoned butter over the top—you might want to reheat it briefly to melt it again—and pop the roll back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes. This last step locks in flavor and ensures the crust crisps up beautifully. Bake until the roll is golden brown and hot all the way through.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra salty kick and let it cool for about 10 minutes—this keeps the cheese from oozing everywhere when you cut it. Finally, slice your roll into 1-inch thick pieces and get ready to dip and devour!
Pro Tips for Making Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Even Rolling: Rolling the dough evenly to about the same thickness helps avoid uneven baking or doughy spots.
- Extra Butter Love: Don’t skip brushing with butter twice; it keeps the crust tender and adds flavor.
- Cooling Helps Slicing: Let the roll cool before slicing to prevent the cheese from spilling out messily.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Ovens vary, so I always check for golden edges and bubbling cheese to know when it’s perfect.
How to Serve Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for color and a little brightness. Sometimes, a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes on top is lovely if I want to kick things up a notch.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or some roasted garlic green beans for a more rounded meal. And, of course, don’t forget plenty of warm marinara sauce for dunking—you’ll get hooked like I did!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging the slices on a wooden board with ramekins of different sauces—ranch, spicy marinara, even garlic butter. It makes it look irresistible and invites everyone to dig right in. You can also cut smaller bite-sized rolls for kid-friendly finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they last well for up to 3 days. When I reheat them, I make sure to warm them in the oven or toaster oven to bring back that lovely crisp crust.
Freezing
Freezing these rolls before baking works great if you want to prep ahead. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
For reheating, I avoid the microwave since it can make the crust soggy. Instead, I pop the slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
FAQs
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Can I make the Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the regular pizza dough with a gluten-free pizza dough of your choice. Just keep in mind that some gluten-free doughs are more delicate, so handle gently and follow the dough brand’s instructions regarding baking times and temperatures.
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Is it possible to prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours or up to overnight before baking. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking so they cook evenly.
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What dipping sauces work best with the pizza rolls?
Traditional marinara sauce is a classic choice and works beautifully, but you can also offer ranch, garlic butter, spicy sriracha mayo, or even pesto for different flavor experiences.
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Can I use premade pepperoni or substitute other meats?
Definitely! Premade pepperoni slices are perfect. If you want to mix things up, try cooked sausage, ham, or turkey pepperoni. Just make sure any meat you add is cooked or safe to eat as is.
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How can I ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out while baking?
Rolling the dough tightly and sealing the seam well before baking helps. Also, letting the roll cool slightly before slicing reduces the chances of cheese oozing out.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that this Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is one of those easy recipes that never gets old. It’s comfort food at its best—simple, cheesy, and satisfying. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy, and that warm homemade touch makes it so much better than anything store-bought. If you’re looking for a snack that’s quick to pull together but feels special, this one’s a winner. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be slicing up second and third helpings in no time!
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: American
Description
Delicious homemade pepperoni rolls featuring soft pizza dough stuffed with pepperoni slices and melted mozzarella cheese, brushed with garlic and Italian seasoned butter, baked to golden perfection, and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect as a game day snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Dough and Butter Mixture
- 13.8 ounce can pizza dough
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Filling
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping and Serving
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat while you prepare the rolls.
- Roll Out Dough: On a piece of parchment paper, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 10 by 15 inches in size to create an even surface for filling.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir well and brush half of this mixture evenly over the rolled out dough, reserving the rest for later.
- Add Filling: Arrange the pepperoni slices in an even layer over the buttered dough, overlapping as needed. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the pepperoni.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log with the seam side down to seal the filling inside. Transfer the log along with the parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl, then brush it onto the top and sides of the dough log evenly to achieve a golden crust.
- Bake First Phase: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dough starts to turn golden.
- Brush Remaining Butter: Reheat the remaining seasoned butter if needed and brush it over the partially baked roll to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Bake Second Phase: Return the roll to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the roll is golden brown and thoroughly heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the roll from the oven, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top, and let it 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.
- Brushing the dough with seasoned butter adds flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Use warm marinara sauce for the best dipping experience.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated baking stone if available.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before slicing to prevent the cheese from spilling out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 299
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 422 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: 86 mg
