Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe

These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are the answer to every pizza lover’s snack cravings! Fluffy homemade pizza dough, melty mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni all rolled up into bite-sized swirls—every bite is bursting with cheesy, saucy delight and a hint of herby goodness. Whether you serve them for game day, a family get-together, or just a fun weeknight treat, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pizza night.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Pepperoni Pizza Rolls? The ingredients are surprisingly simple—each one adds its own magic, from providing that pizzeria aroma to creating ooey-gooey cheese pulls. Here’s how every element uplevels your rolls!

• Homemade pizza dough: The fluffy, pillowy foundation for each swirl. Bonus: homemade adds major flavor, but store-bought dough works in a pinch!
• Olive oil: Brushed on for a golden, flavorful crust—and it helps keep the filling from getting soggy.
• Pizza sauce: Tangy and rich, this is the bold tomato kick that ties everything together. Homemade or your favorite jarred option works great.
• Italian seasoning or ground basil: A sprinkle delivers that signature herby “pizza shop” vibe.
• Garlic powder: A little goes a long way in giving your rolls that craveable garlicky warmth.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For maximum meltiness and creamy, stretchy cheese pulls in every bite.
• Pepperoni slices: The star of the show—choose classic or spicy, and stack them generously!
• Yellow cornmeal (optional): Rolled on the bottom for added crunch and a hint of corny sweetness—so good!
• Extra mozzarella & fresh basil (optional): Sprinkle over the tops for extra gooeyness and a pop of fresh flavor after baking.

Variations

These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are basically a blank canvas for your pizza dreams. Let your imagination (or pantry!) lead the way—customizing is easy, whether you’re swapping ingredients for a dietary need or just changing up the flavors.

• Veggie Lover’s: Swap some or all of the pepperoni for chopped peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or even spinach for extra color and crunch.
• Cheesy Supreme: Add crumbled feta, cheddar, or provolone for an ultra-indulgent cheese lover’s version.
• Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat pizza dough instead of white for a wholesome, hearty spin (and a great way to add fiber).
• Spicy Kick: Want extra zing? Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes in the filling or try hot soppressata instead of pepperoni.
• Kid-Friendly: Reduce garlic and herbs, or use mini pepperoni—kids love the fun size and slightly milder flavor.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough & Shape

Start by preparing your homemade pizza dough through the initial rise. Once it’s pillowy and full of air, punch it down to deflate, then evenly divide it in half. Working one piece at a time on a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a big rectangle about 10×12 inches—the key to beautiful layers!

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

Now for the fun part. Lightly brush the top of each rectangle with olive oil to keep the interior tender, then use your fingertips to make small dents (this helps prevent big air bubbles!). Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce, sprinkle with Italian herbs and garlic powder, followed by a blanket of mozzarella and a generous layer of pepperoni slices just waiting to be rolled up.

Step 3: Roll, Chill, and Slice

Roll each rectangle up tightly, like a jelly roll, sealing the edge so nothing escapes during baking. Place the logs seam-side down on a baking sheet, and pop them (uncovered) in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This quick chill time is a game changer—it helps the Pepperoni Pizza Rolls hold their shape while you slice!

Step 4: Slice & Prep to Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets. Remove your logs from the fridge, then carefully slice each log into 12 rolls (about 1-inch thick). If you’re feeling fancy, dip the cut bottoms in cornmeal for extra crunch, then arrange them on your baking sheets. A little extra mozzarella on top never hurt anyone!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Pepperoni Pizza Rolls for 15–20 minutes until the edges are deep golden and the cheese starts to bubble. They’ll fill your kitchen with that unmistakable pizza party aroma—resist the urge to dive in right away! Let them cool just a few minutes, then shower with fresh basil if you’d like, and serve with warm marinara for dunking.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Garnishes

Scatter a handful of fresh basil ribbons or sprinkle some extra Italian seasoning right before serving for a pop of green and a little flavor boost. A light dusting of grated Parmesan is also fantastic for finishing your Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with a sharp, cheesy flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your rolls with small bowls of warm marinara or ranch for dipping—totally irresistible. For a more filling meal, serve with a crisp Caesar salad, some roasted broccoli, or a big platter of raw veggies and dip to balance out all that cheesiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these pizza rolls in a spiral on a big platter for a gorgeous party centerpiece. Slide them into individual parchment cones for easy grab-and-go snacks, or serve in muffin liners for a kid’s lunchbox surprise! You can even pop a cocktail stick into each Pepperoni Pizza Roll and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at your next bash.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a few Pepperoni Pizza Rolls left after the party? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to avoid any sogginess inside.

Freezing

Baked pizza rolls freeze beautifully! Pop them in a freezer-safe bag (use parchment between layers to keep them neat) and freeze for up to 3 months. They’re a lifesaver for quick snacks or lunchboxes down the road.

Reheating

To bring leftover Pepperoni Pizza Rolls back to gooey life, bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until hot throughout. You can also zap them in the microwave for a few seconds, but baking helps them stay crisp on the outside and soft inside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Pepperoni Pizza Rolls as I am to share them with you—they never last long in my kitchen! Roll, bake, and enjoy every cheesy, savory swirl with family and friends. If you try them, I’d love to hear how yours turn out!

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