If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and totally addictive snack or meal, you’ve got to try my Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe. These rolls are like pizza meets a soft, buttery roll—perfect for game day, family dinners, or just whenever you want that melty, savory comfort food. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You can whip these up with just a can of pizza dough and a few simple ingredients—no complicated dough making required.
- Perfectly Cheesy: The shredded mozzarella melts beautifully inside, giving you that gooey, luscious texture you crave.
- Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for these, and they’re great for lunchboxes or casual get-togethers.
- Flavor Packed: The mixture of garlic, Italian seasoning, and butter brushed on top gives these rolls an irresistible aroma and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a starring role in this Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe, combining to give you that classic, homemade flavor. When possible, choose fresh mozzarella or a good-quality shredded blend and the best pepperoni slices you can find—trust me, it makes a difference.
- Pizza dough: Using canned pizza dough saves a ton of time and still gives you that soft, pillowy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melting this and mixing with your seasonings gives the rolls their golden, flavorful crust.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a perfect blend of herbs like oregano and basil to amp up the flavor.
- Garlic powder: Gives the butter mixture a warm, savory punch—fresh garlic works, too, if you prefer.
- Pepperoni slices: Pick your favorite brand; bigger slices work great for easier layering.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts perfectly inside; whole-milk versions add extra creaminess.
- Large egg: For brushing the dough, which helps it brown up nicely in the oven.
- Grated parmesan cheese: The finishing touch adds a salty, nutty flavor and a lovely contrast in texture.
- Marinara sauce: Essential for dipping—warm it up before serving for the best experience.
Variations
I love how versatile this Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is. You can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs without losing any of that comforting charm.
- Cheese Swap: I sometimes mix mozzarella with sharp provolone for a deeper, more complex cheese flavor—so good!
- Meatless Version: Leave out the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach with mozzarella for a vegetarian twist that doesn’t miss the meat.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or use spicy pepperoni to give these rolls some heat—my kids weren’t big fans, but my husband and I sure enjoyed it!
- Gluten-Free Dough: I’ve tried a gluten-free pizza dough version that works well, though the texture is a bit different—still delicious for those avoiding gluten.
How to Make Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Roll Out the Dough and Prep the Butter Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Roll your pizza dough out on parchment paper until it’s roughly a 10×15 inch rectangle. This sizing makes it easier to roll up neatly. Next, mix your melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder—this will be brushed onto the dough in two stages for that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Layer Pepperoni and Cheese
Brush half of your butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough—that’s key to infusing flavor and moisture. Then, layer your pepperoni slices over the surface, overlapping a bit so every bite gets pepperoni goodness. Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella atop the pepperoni, distributing it evenly to avoid any dry spots.
Step 3: Roll it Up and Egg Wash
Starting at the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, pressing down gently to keep everything sealed. Flip it over so the seam is on the bottom—this helps prevent unrolling while baking. Whisk your egg, then brush it all over the roll’s surface, which gives the crust a beautiful shine and promotes browning.
Step 4: Bake, Brush Again, and Finish Baking
Place the log on a baking sheet (you can keep it on the parchment) and bake for 15-20 minutes. Then, brush the remaining butter mixture over the top—sometimes gently warming it first helps with easy brushing—and pop it back in for another 5-10 minutes. You want a golden-brown crust with melted cheese peeking out.
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve with Marinara
Once out of the oven, sprinkle on the parmesan cheese while the roll is still hot, then let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting step makes slicing cleaner and prevents the cheese from oozing everywhere. Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping—this is absolutely non-negotiable in my book!
Pro Tips for Making Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
- Warm Your Butter: I discovered this trick when I noticed cold butter clumped while brushing—just reheat your butter mix gently before the second brush for even coverage.
- Keep the Roll Tight: Rolling the dough tightly ensures that none of the cheese or pepperoni leaks out while baking—practice makes perfect here.
- Let it Rest Before Slicing: This little wait helps the cheese set and stops the filling from spilling when you slice.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze, plus it helps transfer the roll easily from counter to oven.
How to Serve Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan or some finely chopped fresh basil right before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich cheese and pepperoni beautifully.
Side Dishes
These pepperoni rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to cut through the richness. I also love serving them alongside a simple Caesar salad for a full meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve sliced these into bite-sized pinwheels and arranged them with dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, and spicy mustard make for great options. Wrapping individual slices with a fresh basil leaf secured with a toothpick adds a classy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover pepperoni rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. That way, they stay soft and tasty without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these freeze like a dream. After baking, let them cool completely, slice, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and keeps them fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Microwaving is faster but can make the dough a bit soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe without pepperoni?
Absolutely! You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats like salami or ham, or go vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted veggies. The key is to keep the filling flavorful and not too watery to avoid soggy rolls.
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What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Mozzarella is traditionally the best choice because it melts smoothly and has that mild, creamy flavor that complements pepperoni well. You can mix in provolone or cheddar for extra flavor, but keep the mozzarella as the base for melting quality.
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How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy inside?
Make sure to roll your dough tightly and don’t overload it with too much cheese or wet ingredients. Also, brushing some of the butter mixture before baking helps create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp, while the resting time after baking helps set everything.
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Can I prepare these ahead and bake later?
You sure can! Assemble the rolled log, brush with egg wash, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to get even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort foods because it’s simple, fast, and endlessly satisfying. I love sharing it with friends and family—the smell alone sparks excitement before anyone even takes a bite! If you’re craving something easy that feels homemade and indulgent, this recipe’s got your back. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!
Print
Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 slices
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These homemade Pepperoni Rolls are a delightful savory treat featuring soft, buttery pizza dough rolled with spicy pepperoni and gooey mozzarella cheese. Brushed with seasoned butter and baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect for snack time or game day, served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough and Seasoning
- 13.8 ounce can pizza dough
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Filling
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Finishing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Prepare Dough: Roll the pizza dough out on a piece of parchment paper into a roughly 10×15 inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Mix Butter and Seasonings: Combine Italian seasoning and garlic powder with the melted butter. Brush half of this flavorful mixture evenly over the dough, reserving the rest for later use.
- Add Filling: Layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the dough, overlapping slightly if needed. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the pepperoni.
- Roll Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log shape with the seam on the underside. Transfer the dough log with the parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg in a small bowl until smooth, then brush it over the top and sides of the dough log to promote browning during baking.
- Bake First Phase: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the dough begins to set and the tops start to brown.
- Apply Remaining Butter: Warm the reserved butter mixture if needed and brush it over the top of the roll to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Bake Final Phase: Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the rolls turn golden brown and are thoroughly heated through.
- Finish and Rest: Remove the baked roll from the oven, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top, and let it cool for 10 minutes to set before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the seam is placed down during baking to prevent unrolling.
- Reheating the leftover butter mixture makes it easier to brush on later stages.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor compared to pre-grated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/15 of recipe)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
