Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe

The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe That Everyone Loves

Crispy, golden pizza rolls bursting with zesty pepperoni tempt every hungry soul.

These bite-sized delights pack an incredible pepperoni pizza rolls recipe punch that sparks instant cravings.

Melted cheese and spicy pepperoni nestled in perfectly crisp dough create a snack that vanishes faster than you can say “delicious.” Each roll promises a mouthwatering explosion of classic pizza flavors without the hassle of traditional pizza preparation.

Weeknight dinners and game day gatherings just found their new star attraction.

Weekend cooking becomes an adventure with these irresistible little parcels of joy.

Serve them hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary excitement.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls: Tasty Bites

  • Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up delicious pizza rolls in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous snack cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Customize with different toppings, make ahead of time, and enjoy as an appetizer, lunch, or game day treat that everyone will love.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking: Engage children in the kitchen by letting them help roll dough, sprinkle cheese, and create their own tasty pizza rolls with minimal mess.
  • Portable Party Favorite: Compact, handheld bites that are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and casual get-togethers where finger foods shine.

Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Dough Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main base that provides structure for the pizza rolls.
  • Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Pizza Sauce: Adds a classic tomato base with rich, tangy flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Provide additional depth and aromatic herbs to the pizza rolls.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds moisture.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a creamy, melty texture that is classic to pizza.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Provides a spicy and savory meat topping.
  • Cornmeal: Creates a crispy bottom and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note.

Pizza Roll Baking Instructions

Step 1: Create Pizza Dough

Prepare homemade or store-bought pizza dough.

Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles.

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a rectangular shape approximately 10-12 inches long.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

Lightly brush olive oil across the dough surfaces.

Use fingertips to create small indentations to prevent bubbling.

Spread pizza sauce evenly over each dough rectangle.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder for added depth of flavor.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Toppings

Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese across the sauce-covered dough.

Arrange pepperoni slices in an even layer over the cheese.

Carefully roll the dough rectangles into tight, compact logs.

Place the rolls on a baking sheet with the seam facing downward.

Refrigerate uncovered for at least 20 minutes to help maintain shape.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

Line two large baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Shape and Coat Rolls

Remove logs from refrigerator.

Slice each log into 12 one-inch pieces.

Pour cornmeal onto a plate.

Dip the bottom of each roll into cornmeal, then place 12 rolls on each baking sheet with cornmeal side down.

Optional: Sprinkle additional cheese on top for extra richness.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Allow rolls to cool for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Enjoy these hot, crispy pizza rolls as a delightful snack or appetizer.

Tips for Cheesy, Hot Pizza Rolls

  • Refrigerate the rolled dough logs for at least 20 minutes to help them hold their shape and create a firmer texture when baking.
  • Use your fingers to create small dents in the dough surface before adding sauce to stop unwanted air bubbles during baking.
  • Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top of the rolls before baking for a more indulgent, cheesy finish.
  • Roll the dough rectangles tightly to ensure compact, neat pizza rolls that cook evenly and hold their shape.
  • Dip roll bottoms in cornmeal for an extra crispy and textured base that adds a delightful crunch to your pizza rolls.

Pizza Roll Spin-Offs and Twists

  • Veggie Pizza Rolls: Replace pepperoni with finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option packed with colorful, nutritious vegetables.
  • Gluten-Free Pizza Rolls: Swap traditional flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pizza sauce to create a celiac-friendly version that's just as tasty.
  • Spicy Chicken Pizza Rolls: Substitute pepperoni with shredded cooked chicken and add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a protein-rich, zesty alternative.
  • Mediterranean Pizza Rolls: Use feta cheese, chopped olives, and sun-dried tomatoes instead of mozzarella and pepperoni for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Pizza Roll Serving Suggestions

  • Pizza Party Platter: Arrange rolls on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of marinara sauce, creating a fun, interactive appetizer spread.
  • Game Night Snack: Serve warm rolls alongside cold beverages for the perfect casual gathering treat that friends will devour quickly.
  • Family Dinner Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to transform these rolls into a complete meal that satisfies everyone's hunger.
  • Lunch Box Surprise: Pack cooled rolls in lunch containers with a small sauce container for a delightful midday meal that breaks the boring sandwich routine.

Keeping Pizza Rolls Fresh

  • Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
  • Carefully place cooled pizza rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
  • Warm refrigerated rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. For frozen rolls, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Always let pizza rolls cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their crisp exterior.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, you can substitute homemade dough with pre-made pizza dough from the grocery store. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before rolling out.

  • How do I prevent the rolls from unraveling while baking?

Roll the dough tightly and seal the seam by pinching it closed. Chilling the logs in the refrigerator also helps them maintain their shape during baking.

  • Is it necessary to use cornmeal?

Cornmeal adds a nice crispy texture and prevents sticking, but you can skip it if you don’t have any. Just ensure your baking sheet is well-greased or lined with parchment paper.

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Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy, golden pepperoni pizza rolls bring Italian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen. Melted cheese and spicy pepperoni nestled in buttery, flaky dough create a perfect handheld snack that satisfies your craving for classic flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Base:

  • 1 recipe homemade pizza dough
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) olive oil

Filling:

  • 6065 pepperoni slices
  • 1 cup (240 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) yellow cornmeal
  • Extra mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Transform pizza dough on a floured surface into two expansive rectangles, gently pressing out any trapped air pockets and ensuring an even thickness of approximately 10-12 inches.
  2. Delicately brush each rectangle with olive oil, creating subtle indentations across the surface to prevent unwanted rising during baking.
  3. Spread pizza sauce evenly across dough rectangles, seasoning with Italian herbs and garlic powder to enhance underlying flavor profiles.
  4. Distribute mozzarella cheese uniformly over sauce, followed by strategically placed pepperoni slices to ensure consistent coverage.
  5. Carefully roll each rectangle into compact, tight logs, maintaining uniform tension to create symmetrical rolls.
  6. Transfer rolled logs to a baking sheet, positioning seam side downward, and refrigerate uncovered for a minimum of 20 minutes to stabilize structure.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
  8. Extract chilled logs and slice into 1-inch segments, creating uniform pizza roll portions.
  9. Coat roll bottoms with cornmeal for added texture, arranging 12 rolls per baking sheet with cornmeal facing downward.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle additional cheese across roll tops for enhanced visual appeal and flavor.
  11. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges develop a golden-brown hue, indicating perfect doneness.
  12. Allow rolls to cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve alongside extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Always dust your work surface with flour to stop the dough from clinging and tearing during rolling.
  • Refrigerating the rolled logs helps firm up the dough, ensuring cleaner and more precise pizza roll slices.
  • Swap pepperoni for vegetarian options like bell peppers, mushrooms, or use alternative meats like salami or ham to suit different dietary preferences.
  • Pat pepperoni slices with paper towels to remove excess oil, preventing soggy pizza rolls and maintaining a crisp texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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