Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are like little pockets of all your favorite pizza flavors rolled up in a perfect bite-sized treat. You get that crispy outside dough wrapped around melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and a hint of tomato sauce. They’re super fun to eat and the perfect snack or party food.
I love making these because they’re easy to share and great for when you want something tasty without the mess of a whole pizza. I usually keep some in the freezer for those days when I need a quick, satisfying bite. The best part is how the cheese stretches when you bite in—it never gets old!
These rolls are awesome served with a little side of marinara for dipping, which makes them even more delicious. Whether you’re at a game night, a casual hangout, or just craving something quick, pepperoni pizza rolls always hit the spot. I’ve found that they bring smiles all around, no matter the crowd.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough is super convenient and saves time. If you prefer, you can swap it with crescent roll dough or make your own dough from scratch for fresher flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully inside the rolls. You can mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar to change up the flavor and add extra gooeyness.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni gives that signature spicy and savory bite. If you want a milder option, try turkey pepperoni or even sliced salami.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade marinara. For something quick, marinara or even spaghetti sauce works well. Just avoid sauces that are too watery to keep the dough from getting soggy.
How Do You Roll and Cut the Dough Without Making a Mess?
Rolling pizza dough with filling evenly inside can be tricky but here’s how to make it easy:
- Roll the dough into a neat, even rectangle to keep fillings from leaking.
- Spread sauce and toppings leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the roll.
- Roll gently but firmly, tight enough to hold shape without squeezing out filling.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the log into even pieces to keep filling inside each roll.
- Place rolls cut side down on baking sheet to help seal edges while baking.
These tips help keep everything inside and make sure your pepperoni pizza rolls bake evenly and look great!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat – I like it because it keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Rolling pin – helps flatten the dough evenly, so the filling spreads smoothly.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – makes clean, even cuts to prevent squished rolls.
- Pastry brush – I use it to evenly brush the rolls with olive oil for a nice golden finish.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for easy ingredient prep and accurate seasoning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add sliced olives or cooked sausage to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Mix in cooked spinach or bell peppers before rolling for a veggie boost.
- Use different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for a richer taste.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning on top for more spice and aroma.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at around 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 9 inches. This gives you enough space to add all the tasty fillings.
3. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges so it won’t spill out. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Then, lay the pepperoni slices nicely over the cheese.
4. Roll and Cut:
Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, making sure to keep the filling inside. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. This will make perfect bite-sized rolls.
5. Arrange and Season the Rolls:
Place the cut rolls on the baking sheet with the cut side down, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This gives them a lovely flavor and golden finish.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake the pizza rolls for 15-18 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Don’t forget to serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen pizza dough completely in the fridge overnight before rolling it out. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before you start to make it easier to work with.
Can I Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and roll the pizza dough, then cover and refrigerate the rolls for a few hours before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Customize the Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked sausage, veggies, or different cheeses to suit your taste. Just avoid adding too much sauce or watery ingredients to prevent soggy dough.