Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are the ultimate comfort food you never knew you were missing. Golden, flaky dough hugs layers of melty mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, all kissed with a brush of garlic butter and served with plenty of warm marinara for dunking. Whether youโre after an easy weeknight dinner or a fun party snack, these roll-ups bring together all the crave-worthy flavors of classic pizza with a playful twist thatโs guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups is as easy as it gets. Each ingredient works its tasty magic, adding chew, gooeyness, boldness, or that irresistible pizza shop aroma we all love.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This no-fuss base bakes up fluffy and golden, so you can focus on flavor (no kneading required!).
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of that stretchy, melty biteโdonโt skimp on quality here for the gooiest results.
- Sliced pepperoni: Provides that classic, savory zip and crispy edges; turkey pepperoni can work for a lighter twist.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and that irresistible savory note, bringing pizza shop vibes right to your kitchen.
- Italian seasoning: A quick sprinkle gives herbaceous oomph and beautiful speckled color on each roll.
- Unsalted butter: Melts to glossy perfection and brushes over the tops for fragrance and golden color.
- Marinara sauce (for serving): The ideal dip, tangy and slightly sweet; feel free to use homemade or your favorite store-bought brand.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prep Your Work Surface
Lightly flour your countertop or a large cutting board. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes rolling a breeze. Take the refrigerated pizza dough out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutesโitโll be much easier to work with once itโs relaxed.
Step 2: Roll and Layer
Use a rolling pin to gently stretch your dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. Now, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella right up to the edges, then layer on the pepperoni slices, leaving a bare inch on one long side so itโll seal when rolling up.
Step 3: Roll, Slice, and Arrange
Starting at the cheese-and-pepperoni-covered edge, roll up the dough tightly like a jelly roll. When you reach the end, pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 1-inch rounds and gently place each roll-up, swirl side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to space them about an inch apart.
Step 4: Season and Brush
Melt the unsalted butter, then stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this aromatic mixture all over the tops and sides of your roll-ups, making sure every bit is coated for maximum flavor and golden color as they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into a preheated 400ยฐF oven. Let the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups bake for 15-18 minutes, or until theyโre puffed and golden brown, and cheese is bubbling. The kitchen will smell incredible! For that last touch, pull them out and cool for a couple of minutes before transferring to a platter.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving adds a burst of color and garden-fresh aroma. For extra sparkle, shower on a touch of grated Parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat. Donโt forget a warm bowl of marinara for dunkingโhalf the fun is the dip!
Side Dishes
Round out your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups with crisp, cool sides like a tangy Caesar salad or classic chopped Italian salad. Garlic knots, roasted veggies, or simple antipasto skewers make a meal thatโs deliciously communal and totally satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile your roll-ups high on a wooden board with small bowls of ranch, pesto, or spicy honey for dipping. Skewer a few on bamboo sticks for grab-and-go appetizers, or nestle them in parchment cones for movie night munchies. However you serve them, these spirals are a visual (and tasty!) hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the fridge. Theyโll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them an ideal snack to grab and reheat throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, let the roll-ups cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to pre-freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe zip bag or container. Theyโll be ready for pizza cravings for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
When hunger strikes, reheat your roll-ups in a 350ยฐF oven or toaster oven for 8-10 minutes to restore their cheesy, crispy gloryโmicrowaving works too, but they may lose a bit of that scrumptious crunch. Always serve with fresh, hot marinara on the side!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups?
Absolutely! Homemade dough brings a personal touch and even more flavor. Just make sure itโs rolled nice and thin so you get plenty of cheerful spirals and melty cheese in every bite.
What other cheeses work besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is classic for meltiness, but feel free to experimentโtry provolone, Monterey Jack, or a sprinkle of sharp Parmesan for extra oomph. Mixing two cheeses makes for an even dreamier pull.
How do I keep the cheese from oozing out during baking?
Leave a border when layering cheese, and pinch the dough seam tightly after rolling. Chilling the cut roll-ups for 10 minutes in the fridge before baking also helps everything hold together beautifully.
Can I make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the pepperoni or swap in sliced mushrooms, roasted peppers, or spinach. Load up your favorite veggie toppings for a colorful twist everyone will love.
How can I make them ahead for a party?
Prepare and roll up the dough with cheese and pepperoni, then slice and refrigerate the unbaked spirals on your baking sheet up to a day ahead. Pop them in the oven just before guests arriveโeasy hosting at its best!
Final Thoughts
Thereโs something irresistible about pulling apart a platter of Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Upsโeach one with its own perfect swirl of melty, cheesy, pepperoni-filled goodness. Whether youโre sharing them with friends or sneaking a few for yourself, these roll-ups are simply too good to resist. Give them a try and get ready to make everyone at your table smile!
PrintCheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer filled with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and seasoned sauce all wrapped in golden, pillowy dough. Ready in less than 30 minutes, they’re perfect for game days, parties, or quick family dinners.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24–32 slices pepperoni (regular or turkey)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dough: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent roll or pizza dough and gently flatten it into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Add the Filling: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, avoiding the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly and layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, keeping the filling inside. Pinch the seam and ends to seal. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces.
- Bake the Roll-Ups: Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. Brush the tops with the melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan if using. Bake for 14โ16 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the roll-ups cool slightly before serving. Offer extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute other deli meats or cheeses for variety.
- Make ahead and reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to refresh before serving.
- For extra crispiness, brush the tops with butter halfway through baking.
- Kids love helping with assemblyโlet them add their favorite toppings!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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