These mouthwatering Pepperoni Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combine flaky puff pastry, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni into perfect bite-sized pinwheels. Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, they’re ideal for busy weeknight dinners, game day snacking, or as an impressive appetizer when friends drop by unexpectedly. The contrast between the crispy, golden exterior and the melty, cheesy interior creates an irresistible texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, these pepperoni rolls are practically foolproof, even if you’re new to baking.
- Time-Saving: Using store-bought puff pastry means you can have these rolls in the oven in under 20 minutes of prep time—perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like a chore.
- Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic on its own, but you can easily adapt it with your favorite pizza toppings or seasonings to make it your own.
- Crowd Favorite: I’ve never seen these disappear so quickly at a gathering—they’re like pizza in a portable, hand-held form that everyone loves!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff Pastry: The magical base that creates those flaky, buttery layers without any of the work. It’s essentially the secret weapon for making these rolls look and taste like they took hours.
- Marinara Sauce: Provides that classic pizza flavor base. Use a high-quality sauce here since it’s a key flavor component.
- Pepperoni: The star of the show! These little spicy discs add that distinctive pizza flavor we all crave. Get the best quality you can find—it makes a difference.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that perfect stretchy, gooey texture when melted. Freshly shredded works better than pre-packaged for optimal meltability.
- Olive Oil: Brushed on top to help achieve that gorgeous golden-brown finish that makes everyone’s mouth water before the first bite.
- Red Chili Flakes: Adds that subtle heat kick that balances the richness of the cheese and pastry. Adjust according to your spice preference.
- Dried Oregano: Provides that classic Italian flavor profile that elevates these from simple rolls to authentic pizza-inspired treats.
- Fresh Basil: The finishing touch that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Veggie Lover’s Rolls
Substitute the pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian option that’s just as delicious and satisfying.
Meat Feast Rolls
Add small pieces of cooked sausage, ham, or bacon alongside the pepperoni for an extra indulgent treat that meat lovers will go crazy for.
Mediterranean Style
Replace the marinara with pesto, use feta instead of mozzarella, and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Breakfast Rolls
Fill with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese for a morning version that makes getting out of bed worthwhile.
How to Make Pepperoni Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. If it’s coming straight from the refrigerator, let it sit for about 5 minutes to become more pliable and prevent cracking when you roll it.
Step 2: Add the Sauce and Toppings
Spread the marinara sauce in an even layer across the pastry, leaving that crucial half-inch border around the edges. This border is essential for proper sealing. Next, arrange your pepperoni slices in an even pattern, making sure every future bite will get some of that spicy goodness. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over everything.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape, applying gentle pressure to keep it compact. When you reach the end, pinch the seam firmly to create a seal. Using a sharp, preferably serrated knife, cut the log into approximately 3/4-inch slices.
Step 4: Arrange and Season
Place the slices cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll to allow for expansion. Brush each roll with olive oil, then sprinkle with the red chili flakes and dried oregano.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed up beautifully and turned a rich golden brown. The cheese should be completely melted and starting to bubble.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Allow the rolls to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve while still warm for the best flavor and that Instagram-worthy cheese pull.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cold Hands, Warm Pastry: Keep your hands cool when handling the puff pastry, but make sure the pastry itself isn’t too cold, which can cause it to crack during rolling.
- Don’t Overload: It’s tempting to pile on extra toppings, but this can make rolling difficult and may cause the filling to leak out during baking.
- Freeze Ahead: You can prepare these rolls up to the cutting stage, then freeze them solid on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Even Slicing: Use a gentle sawing motion with your knife rather than pressing straight down, which can compress your beautiful spiral.
- Rotation Matters: Halfway through baking, rotate your baking sheet for even browning—most ovens have hot spots that can cause uneven results.
How to Serve
These pepperoni rolls are versatile enough to fit almost any occasion:
As an Appetizer
Serve on a large platter with extra marinara sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
For Dinner
Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the rolls. The contrast of warm, cheesy rolls with cold, fresh greens is absolutely delightful.
Game Day Special
Arrange on a tiered serving tray alongside other finger foods like buffalo wings, veggie sticks, and spinach dip for the ultimate sports-watching spread.
Lunch Box Star
These rolls hold up remarkably well in lunch boxes and can be enjoyed at room temperature, making them perfect for school or work lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place completely cooled rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some of their crispness but will still taste great.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper if stacking. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving works in a pinch but will result in a softer texture.
FAQs
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Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough makes a great substitute if you can’t find puff pastry. The texture will be slightly different—less flaky and more bread-like—but still delicious. Just be aware that it may not rise as dramatically and will have a slightly sweeter flavor profile that works surprisingly well with the savory fillings.
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Why did my cheese leak out during baking?
This usually happens when the rolls aren’t sealed properly or are overfilled. Make sure to leave that half-inch border around the edges of your pastry, seal the long edge firmly when rolling, and don’t be too generous with the cheese. If you’re having persistent leakage issues, try reducing the amount of marinara sauce, which can make the filling too wet.
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Can I make these without marinara sauce?
Definitely! You can skip the sauce entirely for a more bread-like experience, or substitute with a thin layer of pesto, olive tapenade, or even a light brush of garlic butter. Each variation creates a different flavor profile while maintaining that wonderful spiral effect.
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How can I make these rolls ahead for a party?
These are perfect for make-ahead entertaining! Prepare the rolls all the way through the slicing stage, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. About 30 minutes before your guests arrive, remove from the refrigerator, brush with olive oil and add seasonings, then bake as directed. They’ll be fresh and warm just in time for the party!
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Rolls are truly one of those recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. I love having this recipe in my back pocket for everything from last-minute dinner solutions to impressive party appetizers. The joy of watching people bite into these golden spirals of goodness makes the (minimal) effort completely worthwhile. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making these weekly—they have a way of becoming a household staple!
Print
Ultimate Breakfast Bagel Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 11 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Puff Pastry are a savory, cheesy delight perfect for parties, appetizers, or a quick snack. Flaky puff pastry meets zesty marinara, spicy pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella—rolled into bite-sized perfection! It’s a crispy, golden treat that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
Filling
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. If it feels too cold and stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it becomes easier to handle. - Spread the Sauce
Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This will help seal the pastry when rolled. - Layer the Pepperoni
Arrange the pepperoni slices in an even layer across the entire surface of the marinara-covered pastry. - Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pepperoni slices, ensuring the entire surface is covered. - Roll and Seal
Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it and prevent it from opening while baking. - Slice into Rolls
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the log into slices, about 3/4 inch thick. A sharp knife will ensure clean cuts without pressing or squashing the rolls. - Prepare for Baking
Place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Leave some space between the rolls to allow for puffing up during baking. - Add Toppings
Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil. Sprinkle them with red chili flakes and dried oregano for added flavor. - Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. - Garnish and Serve
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a touch of freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Warm It Up: Allow the puff pastry to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling. Cold pastry can crack easily.
- Seal Tight: Pinch the seam tightly to prevent the cheese from oozing while baking.
- Sharp Cuts: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice through the log without squishing the rolls.
- Space Them Out: Leave enough space between rolls on the baking sheet to let them puff and expand properly.
- Golden Finish: Brushing olive oil on the tops ensures you achieve a beautifully golden-brown color.
- Cool Before Eating: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before eating to avoid burning your tongue.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
