Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe

The Best Homemade Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe

Pizza nights just got seriously delicious with these mouthwatering pepperoni pizza rolls that will make you want to dance in the kitchen.

Crispy edges and gooey cheese create an irresistible combination every time.

Stuffed with zesty pepperoni and melted mozzarella, these rolls pack a flavor punch that screams comfort food.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

Teens and adults alike will devour these handheld treats faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Perfectly golden and packed with savory goodness, these pizza rolls promise to be the star of any meal.

Grab a plate and get ready to become the ultimate snack hero.

What Makes Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls So Tasty

  • Quick Family Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters, these pizza rolls deliver cheesy, pepperoni-packed deliciousness that kids and adults will love.
  • Minimal Prep Delight: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create these tasty rolls without complex cooking skills or extensive kitchen experience.
  • Versatile Party Favorite: Great for game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings, these rolls serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or fun main course that everyone can enjoy together.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily swap pepperoni for other toppings like vegetables, different cheeses, or meats to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Ingredient Checklist

Base Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: A soft and flexible foundation that serves as the wrapper for the delicious pizza rolls.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy and stretchy cheese that provides a classic melty texture and rich flavor.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Spicy and savory meat that adds a traditional pizza taste and protein to the rolls.
Cheese Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that adds a sharp and tangy flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Preparation and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Cooking Spray: Used to create a golden, crispy exterior and help the rolls brown nicely.
  • Pizza Sauce: A zesty tomato-based sauce perfect for dipping and adding extra flavor to the rolls.

Directions For Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth rolling action.

Step 2: Stretch and Flatten the Dough

Take your pizza dough and gently spread it out on the prepared baking sheet. Give it a little stretch to create a nice, even surface.

Step 3: Layer on the Cheese

Sprinkle a generous blanket of mozzarella cheese across the entire dough surface. Make sure it covers every inch for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Add Pepperoni Power

Distribute pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layer. Create a colorful pattern that ensures each bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 5: Dust with Parmesan

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top to add an extra punch of tangy, salty goodness.

Step 6: Roll It Up

Starting from the shorter end, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

Tuck and press the edges to seal in all the delicious ingredients.

Step 7: Position the Roll

Place the rolled-up creation seam-side down in the center of the baking sheet.

This helps keep everything tucked in nicely.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Lightly brush the outside of the roll with olive oil or give it a quick spray of cooking spray.

This will help create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color and crispy exterior.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Let the roll rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Slice into 1-inch rounds that reveal the amazing layers inside.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up the pizza rolls and serve with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Get ready for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack!

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Cooking Tips

  • Swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly and accommodate lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Experiment with different protein toppings like cooked sausage, ham, or chicken for varied flavor profiles.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by ensuring the dough is rolled tightly and positioned seam-side down during baking.
  • Create mini rolls by cutting the log into smaller sections before baking for bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispy texture.

Fun Takes On Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

  • Veggie Lovers' Roll: Replace pepperoni with chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and olives for a vegetarian-friendly version packed with colorful, nutritious ingredients.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Roll: Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese alongside mozzarella for a fiery, creamy alternative that brings extra heat and zesty flavor.
  • Mediterranean Inspired Roll: Swap pepperoni with crumbled feta, sliced kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a Mediterranean-style pizza roll with rich, tangy notes.
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll: Incorporate shredded cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, and a light ranch drizzle to transform the classic pizza roll into a hearty, protein-packed meal.

Best Pairings For Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

  • Pair Zesty Marinara Sauce: Enhance the pepperoni pizza rolls with a classic marinara dipping sauce that amplifies the cheesy, spicy flavors and provides a tangy contrast to the rich rolls.
  • Complement with Crisp Pale Ale: Select a light, hoppy pale ale that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni, offering a refreshing palate cleansing experience with each bite.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, savory pizza rolls with a bright, peppery green that adds lightness to the meal.
  • Serve Chilled Red Wine Sangria: Pour a fruity red wine sangria that complements the spicy pepperoni and provides a cool, slightly sweet beverage to offset the warm, cheesy rolls.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Storage Info

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, preserving them for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Microwave Reheating: Warm rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds, ensuring they're heated evenly without becoming soggy.
  • Oven Reheating: Restore crispiness by baking rolls at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, bringing back their original golden-brown exterior and melty cheese interior.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Common Questions

  • What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have pepperoni?

You can easily swap pepperoni with cooked ham, salami, or even diced bacon for a similar flavor profile.

  • Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love these bite-sized pizza rolls, and they’re perfect for lunch boxes, snacks, or party appetizers.

  • How do I prevent the rolls from unraveling during baking?

Pinch the seam and ends of the roll tightly when rolling, and place the roll seam-side down on the baking sheet to help it stay intact.

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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade cheesy pepperoni pizza rolls deliver classic Italian-American comfort straight to your plate. Crisp edges, gooey mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (60 g) sliced pepperoni

Cheese Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Finishing and Serving Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) pizza sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare workspace by preheating oven to 350°F and lining baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Gently stretch pizza dough across the prepared baking surface, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Create a uniform layer of mozzarella cheese across the entire dough surface.
  4. Distribute pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, covering most of the area.
  5. Generously dust Parmesan cheese across the pepperoni layer for extra flavor.
  6. Tightly roll the dough from the shorter edge, creating a compact cylindrical shape.
  7. Position the rolled log centrally on the baking sheet with the seam facing downward.
  8. Enhance exterior by lightly coating with olive oil to promote golden crispiness.
  9. Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the exterior turns rich golden brown and looks crisp.
  10. Allow the pizza roll to rest and slightly cool for easier slicing.
  11. Cut into bite-sized rounds approximately 1-inch thick.
  12. Serve immediately alongside warm pizza sauce for a delectable dipping experience.

Notes

  • Use cold dough for easier rolling and preventing stretching, which helps maintain a tighter, more uniform shape.
  • Trim pepperoni edges to prevent burning and ensure even cooking throughout the roll.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or cheddar for extra flavor complexity.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, swap traditional pizza dough with cauliflower or almond flour-based alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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