Cheese and Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to adore this Cheese and Pepperoni Rolls Recipe. I first tried these rolls on a cozy weekend afternoon, and ever since, they’ve become my go-to for game days, parties, or whenever I want something melty, cheesy, and perfectly pepperoni-packed. They’re ridiculously easy, seriously satisfying, and – full disclosure – my family goes crazy for them every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create that classic pizza flavor in roll form. The canned pizza dough is a game changer—it’s soft, easy to roll, and browns perfectly, while the Italian seasoning and garlic powder add that extra touch of savory goodness.

• Pizza dough: I love using canned dough for convenience, but homemade pizza dough works great too if you have the time.
• Unsalted butter: Melts smoothly and lets you control the saltiness in this recipe.
• Italian seasoning: A handy mix of herbs that brings an authentic Italian vibe without any fuss.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory kick—fresh garlic works but can be stronger and harder to spread evenly.
• Pepperoni slices: Choose your favorite spicy or mild varieties—just make sure they’re thinly sliced for even rolling.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The meltiest and most classic pizza cheese—always go for good quality for best results.
• Egg: Used to give the rolls a glossy, golden finish when baked.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
• Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping—homemade or store-bought, your call!

Variations

I love that this Cheese and Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is so flexible—you can really make it your own. I’ve tried swapping out cheeses and adding herbs directly into the dough for fun twists. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Cheese Swap: I once replaced mozzarella with provolone for a smokier flavor and it was a hit.
• Add Veggies: Throw in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the pepperoni for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking to give those rolls a little extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough and a bit more patience rolling it out carefully.

How to Make Cheese and Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Dough Ready and Flavored

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—get it nice and hot so your rolls bake evenly. Roll the pizza dough out on parchment paper into a neat 10×15 inch rectangle. This makes rolling it up a breeze later. Then, mix your melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and brush about half of this buttery goodness all over the top of the dough. This adds flavor and helps the dough brown gorgeously in the oven.

Step 2: Layer the Pepperoni and Cheese

Next, lay down your pepperoni slices in an even layer—don’t worry if they overlap a bit, they’ll shrink when baking. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pepperoni; this cheesy layer is what makes the inside delightfully gooey.

Step 3: Roll It Up Tight

Starting from the long side of your dough rectangle, roll it tightly into a log shape with the seam side down. The parchment paper helps to transfer your rolled log onto a baking sheet without stretching or losing shape. Trust me, rolling tight keeps the fillings snug, so none of that delicious cheese leaks out while baking.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk your egg in a small bowl, then generously brush it over the entire log—top and sides. This creates that beautiful golden-brown shine you see on bakery rolls. Pop it into your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the outside starts turning golden. Then, warm up the remaining butter mixture and brush it over the log to give it an extra buttery finish. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until it’s golden and hot all the way through.

Step 5: Finish and Slice

Once baked, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top and let the roll cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the cheese set so your slices don’t ooze out messy cheese. Slice into 1-inch thick rounds and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. You’ll find that each bite bursts with classic pizza flavor in a fun, handheld form!

How to Serve Cheese and Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh chopped basil on top after baking—adds a fresh pop and brightens the flavor. Sometimes a dusting of red pepper flakes is great if you like a little heat. Fresh oregano works well too, if you have it on hand.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair perfectly with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or my favorite—garlic parmesan roasted potatoes. For dipping, warm marinara is a must, but ranch or a spicy aioli works wonders if you want to switch it up.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these on a big wooden board for casual parties, surrounded by ramekins of marinara, extra cheese, and dipping sauces. For kids’ birthday parties, I sometimes carve smiley faces into the top before baking—it’s always a hit and makes snack time extra fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover them tightly so they don’t dry out—and don’t worry, they reheat beautifully without losing their structure or flavor.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, I highly recommend freezing the rolled-up log before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps the crust crisp and the cheese perfectly gooey—microwaving tends to make them soggy, so I avoid that whenever possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this Cheese and Pepperoni Rolls Recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for just about any occasion where you want to impress without stress. Whether you’re making it for a casual snack or party platter, I promise these rolls will disappear fast—and you’ll be asked to make them again and again. So next time you want something cozy, cheesy, and a little bit special, give these a try; you won’t regret it!

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