If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with flavor and totally satisfying, then you’re going to want to try my Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe. These cheesy, pepperoni-packed rolls are seriously irresistible, especially fresh out of the oven, and I’ve got all the tips you need to make them perfect every single time. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a comfort food craving, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and easy-to-find items for no-fuss prep.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic butter, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni is a winning combo every time.
- Fun & Versatile: Perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or parties—you can even switch up the filling to suit your taste.
- Baking Made Easy: Step-by-step directions make the process approachable for even beginner bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe comes from the way simple ingredients come together — melted butter with herbs keeps the dough moist and flavorful, while plenty of pepperoni and melty mozzarella create that classic pizza roll-up taste.
- Pizza dough: I always go for a pre-made can for convenience, but fresh dough works great if you want to make it from scratch.
- Unsalted butter: Melting it with Italian seasoning and garlic powder adds amazing flavor and keeps the dough soft and golden.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the flavor profile without overpowering the pepperoni.
- Garlic powder: Trust me, garlic plus butter makes everything better—don’t skip this!
- Pepperoni slices: Thick or thin—you do you! I like a good overlapping layer for that perfect bite every time.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and makes each roll cheesy and satisfying.
- Large egg: Needed for that gorgeous golden finish on top—you’ll brush it right on.
- Grated parmesan cheese: A sprinkle after baking adds a lovely salty kick and extra depth.
- Marinara sauce: Don’t skip serving it warm on the side; dipping makes the experience even better.
Variations
I love how adaptable the Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is! You can easily customize it depending on what you have on hand or what your family loves. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find that little tweaks make it even more fun.
- Veggie Boost: I sometimes add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the pepperoni for some extra texture and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Swap out regular pepperoni for spicy pepperoni or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes with the butter for a subtle heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone to mix up the melty cheesiness—I particularly love extra mozzarella for gooeyness.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve tested this with gluten-free pizza dough, and it works beautifully—just watch your baking time as GF dough can brown faster.
How to Make Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Roll Out and Butter the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this is important for perfect baking temperature! Roll out your pizza dough on parchment paper to a roughly 10 x 15-inch rectangle. Don’t stress about exact sizing; just go with the flow. Mix Italian seasoning and garlic powder into melted butter, then brush about half of this fragrant mixture evenly over the dough. Saving the other half for later means double the buttery goodness!
Step 2: Layer the Pepperoni and Cheese
Now comes the fun part—layer those pepperoni slices over the buttered dough. I like a nice even layer, overlapping just a bit so each bite has pepperoni. Follow with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. This combo is the heart of the Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe and creates that signature cheesy-meaty filling everyone raves about.
Step 3: Roll, Brush, and Bake
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log with the seam side down—this keeps it from coming apart during baking. Transfer the parchment with the roll onto a baking sheet. Whisk your egg and brush it over the top and sides of the dough log for a beautiful golden crunch. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it starts to look golden.
Once the initial baking is done, reheat the leftover butter mixture (it might have cooled and solidified) and brush it over the roll. Pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes. You want it golden brown and heated throughout with melted, bubbly cheese inside.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serve
Pull your pepperoni roll out, sprinkle grated parmesan on top while it’s hot, and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting step is key because it allows everything to set a bit so your slices stay intact and don’t ooze everywhere. Slice into 1-inch thick rounds and serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, dipping takes this snack to a whole new level!
Pro Tips for Making Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
- Room Temperature Dough: Let the dough sit out for a bit before rolling—it rolls easier and browns up more evenly.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile on cheese and pepperoni, but too much can make rolling tricky or cause leaks.
- Brush Butter Twice: The second brush after partial baking really amps up flavor and gives a soft, crisp crust.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: I learned this the hard way—cutting too hot makes a mess, so a 10-minute rest preserves neat slices.
How to Serve Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, I keep it simple and fresh. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or chopped fresh basil brightens up the warm rolls. Sometimes I drizzle a little olive oil or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of zing—especially if I’m serving them for a casual gathering.
Side Dishes
I often pair these pepperoni rolls with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to add balance to the meal. For parties, a big bowl of marinara sauce with garlic breadsticks and a plate of fresh fruit adds a nice variety on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like slicing the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels and arranging them on a platter with fun dips like ranch or spicy aioli. Wrapping individual slices in parchment tied with twine makes adorable grab-and-go party favors. Something about that little extra effort really impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pepperoni rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3-4 days, and having these ready-to-go snacks on hand is a lifesaver on busy days!
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze the rolled log before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, brush with egg wash, and bake as usual. It’s such a great way to prep for parties or meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the slices into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to bring back that oven-fresh crispness. You can also warm them in the microwave for convenience, but the crust won’t be as nicely crisped.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works perfectly and adds a fresh touch. Just make sure it’s rolled out evenly to the suggested size. Using homemade dough might require slight adjustments in baking time based on thickness.
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What’s the best way to prevent soggy bottoms?
Using parchment paper as the base and baking on a sheet pan helps a lot. Also, brushing butter on both sides before baking adds moisture without sogginess. Avoid overloading with cheese or sauce to keep the dough from getting too wet.
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Can I make these pepperoni rolls vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the pepperoni and fill with your favorite veggies and extra cheese, or try a vegetarian pepperoni alternative. Adding mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers makes these rolls just as tasty.
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How do I know when the rolls are fully cooked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel firm when lightly pressed. The cheese inside will be melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure, an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven won’t hurt, but keep an eye so they don’t burn.
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What dips go well with pepperoni rolls?
I’m a huge fan of classic warm marinara sauce, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even a creamy basil pesto dip all work beautifully and complement the pepperoni’s spices.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe brings everyone together—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively game day spread. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could turn into something so incredibly delicious. Trust me, once you roll up your first batch, you’ll keep coming back for more. Give it a go and impress everyone with these comforting, cheesy rolls that taste like a party in every bite.
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: American
Description
These Pepperoni Rolls are a delicious, savory snack perfect for game day or any casual gathering. Soft pizza dough is rolled with flavorful pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese, brushed with a garlic and Italian herb butter, then baked to a golden brown. Served warm with marinara sauce for dipping, they offer a perfect combination of cheesy, spicy, and buttery flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough and Butter Mixture
- 13.8 ounce can pizza dough
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Fillings
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping and Serving
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper into a roughly 10×15 inch rectangle to create an even base for the filling.
- Make Seasoned Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Brush Dough with Butter: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat half of the seasoned butter mixture over the rolled-out dough. Reserve the remaining butter mixture for later use.
- Add Pepperoni and Cheese: Lay the pepperoni slices in an even layer over the dough, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the pepperoni.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape with the seam side facing down. Carefully transfer the log, along with the parchment paper, onto a baking sheet.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the entire surface of the dough log, including the sides, to promote browning and a glossy finish.
- Bake Initial Time: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until it begins to set and lightly brown.
- Apply Remaining Butter and Continue Baking: Remove the baking sheet, brush the remaining seasoned butter mixture over the top of the log (reheat the butter if necessary for easier brushing), then return it to the oven. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pepperoni roll from the oven and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Allow it to cool on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to make rolling and transferring the dough easier and mess-free.
- If you like, swap out mozzarella for a blend of Italian cheeses or add some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve these warm for the best melty cheese experience paired with marinara sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- This recipe yields about 15 slices, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a hearty snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 299
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 421.6 mg
- Fat: 28.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.9 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 7.7 g
- Cholesterol: 85.8 mg
