If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing snack that combines melty cheese with zesty pepperoni wrapped in soft, buttery dough, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I always come back to when I want something comforting yet easy—and trust me, everyone goes crazy for it. These rolls bake up golden and gooey, perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or just an indulgent treat for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, which makes it super convenient.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family devours these every time; perfect for parties or after-school snacks.
- Quick to Make: From prep to table in under an hour—awesome for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Great on their own or paired with dips, salads, or soup for a fuller meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe lies in how the few ingredients play off each other—from the garlic butter glaze to the melty mozzarella and spicy pepperoni. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather to get started:
- Pizza Dough: Using canned pizza dough here saves so much time without compromising taste or texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and combined with seasonings, it adds a rich, flavorful sheen to the rolls.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend infuses the dough with classic Italian flavors that go so well with pepperoni.
- Garlic Powder: Adds that comforting, savory kick that garlic lovers crave.
- Pepperoni Slices: The star of the show, choose your favorite kind—mild or spicy depending on your taste.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that gooey, melty center everyone adores.
- Large Egg: Used as an egg wash to give the rolls a beautiful golden crust.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a touch of sharpness and extra flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Perfect for dipping, adding that tangy tomato finish.
Variations
I love how customizable this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe is. Whether you want to kick up the spice or make it fit your family’s dietary needs, there’s a version for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
- Swap the Pepperoni: I’ve tried using sliced salami or even cooked sausage crumbles for a different meaty flavor.
- Cheese Mix: Mixing mozzarella with provolone or cheddar gives a richer, nuttier cheese taste that’s delicious.
- Herb Boost: Fresh basil or oregano sprinkled inside or on top adds a fresh, vibrant touch I really enjoy.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives instead of pepperoni for a veggie-packed version.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dough
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, unroll your canned pizza dough onto a piece of parchment paper and gently stretch it into about a 10 by 15-inch rectangle. Taking your time here helps ensure an even roll and consistent bake later on.
Step 2: Make Your Garlic Butter and Layer
Mix your melted butter with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder—this combo makes the dough super flavorful after baking. Brush half of this buttery mix evenly over your dough surface. Save the rest for later, which is a neat trick I discovered to keep the rolls moist and shiny once they’re baking.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni and Cheese
Now, layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the dough, overlapping slightly so every bite is pepperoni-packed. Then shower the shredded mozzarella on top. This mix of spicy meat and creamy cheese is what makes these rolls absolutely addictive.
Step 4: Roll and Egg Wash
Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough up like a jelly roll, pinching the seam to seal it well and prevent filling from oozing out. Transfer the roll with the parchment paper onto a baking sheet. Whisk the egg and brush it all over the log—this makes the crust crisp and beautifully golden.
Step 5: Bake and Butter Again
Bake the log for about 15-20 minutes. Then, warm your remaining garlic butter and brush this over the roll. Pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the crust is golden and everything inside is nice and hot. This step keeps the rolls from drying out and amps up the flavor.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serving
When the rolls come out, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top and let them cool for about 10 minutes—this resting time is key for slicing cleanly and keeping all that melty goodness inside. Slice into 1-inch rounds, serve warm, and don’t forget that marinara sauce for dipping!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Butter Brush: Brushing the garlic butter twice really gives these rolls their trademark flavor and keeps the crust from drying out.
- Use Quality Pizza Dough: Fresh or refrigerated dough works best for a tender crumb and easy rolling—trust me, it makes a big difference.
- Seal the Roll Well: Pinching the seam tightly prevents cheese and pepperoni from leaking during baking, which kept my kitchen mess-free.
- Let Them Rest: Cooling for at least 10 minutes before slicing helps preserve the melty texture and makes for cleaner slices.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve these, I like to sprinkle a bit of extra grated parmesan or some chopped fresh basil on top — it adds a lovely fresh aroma and pretty pop of color. A little cracked black pepper is also my go-to final flourish.
Side Dishes
I find that a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly here, balancing all that cheese and pepperoni. On chillier days, a bowl of tomato soup makes for the ultimate cozy combo with these rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged the sliced rolls in a circular pattern on a platter with a bowl of marinara sauce in the center—it looks festive and makes grabbing easy for guests. You can even sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle some pesto for an extra touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer helps keep the crust crispy, rather than soggy like it can get in the microwave.
Freezing
These freeze beautifully—just wrap the whole unbaked roll tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake as directed for fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Reheating
I like to reheat individual slices at 350°F in the oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps that lovely crispness and melty cheese you want—microwaving tends to make them a little rubbery, so I avoid that if I can.
FAQs
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Can I make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking or freeze the unbaked roll for longer storage. Just make sure to cover tightly to preserve freshness.
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What can I use instead of pepperoni?
If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, you can swap in cooked Italian sausage, salami, or even veggies like mushrooms and olives for a vegetarian take.
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How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
Brushing on the garlic butter before and after baking helps keep the crust crisp. Also, letting the rolls rest before slicing allows excess moisture to settle.
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Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the pizza dough with a store-bought or homemade gluten-free variety, but baking times might vary slightly. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on them as they bake.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s such a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy those classic pizza flavors in a hand-held form. Whether you’re sharing them with family or friends, or sneaking a few slices just for yourself, they never disappoint. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious and fun it is!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 slices
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pepperoni Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring soft pizza dough rolled with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Baked until golden brown and brushed with a seasoned butter glaze, they are perfect served warm with a side of 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
Topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Serving
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pepperoni rolls.
- Roll out the dough: On a piece of parchment paper, roll the pizza dough into a roughly 10×15 inch rectangle for even layering and rolling.
- Prepare butter mixture: Combine the Italian seasoning and garlic powder with half of the melted butter in a small bowl. Brush this mixture evenly over the rolled out dough, reserving the other half for later.
- Add filling: Layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the dough, allowing slight overlap as needed. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the pepperoni.
- Roll the dough: Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to keep it sealed. Transfer the rolled log along with the parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
- Apply egg wash: Whisk the large egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over the top and sides of the dough log. This will create a golden, glossy crust.
- Bake the rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the dough starts to set and lightly brown.
- Brush with remaining butter: Reheat the reserved seasoned butter if needed, then brush it over the rolls. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and heated through.
- Add parmesan and rest: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top. Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes to set before slicing.
- Slice and serve: Cut the roll into 1 inch thick slices and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to seal the dough seam side down to prevent the rolls from unrolling while baking.
- To keep the butter melted for brushing, warm it briefly before applying during the second brush.
- These rolls can be served as an appetizer, snack, or party food.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats or add vegetables like chopped bell peppers for variation.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave but are best eaten fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1 inch thick)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg