If you are craving a snack that’s cheesy, savory, and downright irresistible, then this Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Each bite bursts with melty mozzarella and spicy pepperoni wrapped in soft, buttery dough, making it a perfect bite-sized treat for game days, parties, or even a cozy night in. It’s so simple to pull together, yet feels delightfully indulgent — perfect for when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in giving the rolls their beautiful texture, robust flavor, and golden finish.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz): The soft, pliable base that forms the perfect doughy wrapper for the delicious fillings.
- Sliced pepperoni (1 cup): Adds a spicy, savory punch and a wonderful meaty bite to every roll.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts to gooey perfection, creating that signature cheesy pull texture.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A fragrant blend that infuses each roll with classic Italian flavor notes.
- Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Brushed on top for a golden brown color and a rich, buttery finish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing and depth to the buttery topping.
- Marinara sauce (optional): Excellent for dipping, giving an extra layer of tomatoey tang to each bite.
How to Make Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready once your rolls are assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Roll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×8 inch rectangle — this size ensures enough surface area to layer your fillings evenly and roll neatly.
Step 2: Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella across the dough, covering most of the surface but leaving a tiny margin at the edges to seal the roll easily. Follow with a generous, even layer of pepperoni slices, which will add that unmistakable spicy, meaty flavor to your rolls. A light sprinkle of Italian seasoning over the top lifts all the ingredients with aromatic herbs.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long side, carefully but firmly roll the dough into a tight log; this ensures the cheese and pepperoni stay snug inside as it bakes. Pinch the seam well to seal it shut. Then, with a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces so they bake evenly and are perfect for grabbing individually.
Step 4: Butter, Bake, and Enjoy
Mix melted butter with garlic powder for an intoxicatingly fragrant coating, and brush it generously over the tops of your sliced rolls. Place them cut side up on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. They’ll transform into golden, bubbly pockets of cheesy goodness. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool just a bit so the cheese sets enough for easy handling.
How to Serve Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe bites are scrumptious on their own, enhancing them with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes adds a delightful sparkle of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of tangy marinara sauce for dipping to balance the richness. A fresh veggie platter complements the rolls brightening the overall snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the rolls on a festive platter around a bowl of warm marinara sauce, or skewer two or three together with decorative picks. These little touches elevate your presentation, making these rolls an inviting star at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe leftovers, store them snugly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for 2 to 3 days and retain most of their deliciousness as a quick snack or light meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked rolls by wrapping the log tightly in plastic wrap and foil before slicing, then thawing overnight before baking. Alternatively, freeze fully baked rolls in a freezer-safe container and enjoy reheated servings later.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the dough perfectly soft yet slightly crispy on top.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and can add a personal touch. Just be sure it’s rolled out to roughly the same size for even fillings and baking.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries — a mix of dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of thyme or rosemary can easily substitute and still provide that classic herb flavor.
Can I make these pepperoni rolls spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes inside the rolls or swap regular pepperoni for spicy or Cajun-style pepperoni for an extra kick.
How many rolls does this recipe yield?
You’ll get approximately 12 rolls, making it perfect for sharing or portioning out for snacks throughout the week.
Is marinara sauce necessary?
Marinara is optional but highly recommended because it introduces a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy rolls. However, they’re delicious enough to enjoy on their own!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is truly one of those tried-and-true favorites that never fails to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. It’s deliciously simple, quick to make, and perfectly suited for nearly any occasion. Do yourself a favor and try it out soon — I promise these rolls will become a staple in your snack and party repertoire!
Print
Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Easy Pepperoni Rolls are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack perfect for game day, parties, or a kid-friendly treat. Featuring melty mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni wrapped in soft pizza dough, they’re baked to golden perfection and served warm with optional marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×8 inch rectangle to create an even base for the filling.
- Add Filling: Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, then layer the sliced pepperoni on top. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the fillings to add flavor.
- Roll Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam well to seal so the cheese and pepperoni stay inside during baking.
- Slice Rolls: Place the log seam-side down and using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, then brush this mixture evenly over the tops of each roll to enhance browning and add flavor.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted inside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute refrigerated pizza dough with crescent dough or homemade pizza dough.
- For a spicy kick, add banana pepper slices inside or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- These rolls reheat well and make great leftovers.
