Pepperoni Cheese Pizza Rolls

This hearty pepperoni pizza rolls recipe transforms classic pizza flavors into an irresistible, bite-sized snack that's perfect for game day gatherings or casual family meals. I perfected these rolls after countless requests from my teenage sons and their friends who wanted something more exciting than frozen options.

I originally created these during a weekend snowstorm when we couldn't order delivery. They were such a hit that they've become our Friday night tradition, with everyone gathering around to add their favorite fillings.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough ball: provides the perfect chewy base and can be store-bought for convenience or homemade if you have extra time
• Marinara sauce: adds that classic tangy pizza flavor use a high-quality jar or homemade for best results
• Black pepper, oregano and garlic powder: create the authentic Italian seasoning blend that makes these taste like pizzeria-quality rolls
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded fresh mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties which often contain anti-caking agents
• Pepperoni slices: chopped into smaller pieces distribute the savory flavor throughout each bite look for nitrate-free options
• Parmesan cheese: adds a sharp salty finish that complements the creaminess of the mozzarella always grate your own for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a square approximately half-inch thick. This thickness ensures the rolls will be substantial but not doughy after baking. Make sure your dough is at room temperature for easier rolling.

Layer the Ingredients:

Spread marinara sauce evenly across the surface but leave about an inch border along the bottom edge. This border helps seal the roll when you finish rolling. The sauce should be spread thinly enough that it won't leak out but thick enough to taste in every bite.

Add Seasonings and Cheese:

Sprinkle your seasonings evenly across the sauce layer. Follow with most of your mozzarella save about a third cup for topping later. The cheese should cover the entire surface in a uniform layer so every bite has melty goodness.

Add Meat and Final Cheese:

Distribute the chopped pepperoni pieces evenly across the cheese layer. The small pieces ensure flavor in every bite. Finish with a layer of parmesan which adds a wonderful savory note to complement the other ingredients.

Roll and Slice:

Starting from the top edge carefully roll the dough toward the clean border at the bottom. Keep the roll tight but not so tight that ingredients squeeze out. Once rolled pinch the seam to seal then place seam-side down before cutting.

Prepare for Baking:

Using a sharp knife cut the log into slices about one to one and a half inches thick. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between each roll to allow for expansion. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella on top of each roll.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and melted cheese on top. The centers should be hot and the dough fully cooked through with no doughy texture remaining.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let cool for just a minute before serving with extra warm marinara on the side for dipping. The contrast between the crisp exterior and soft cheesy interior is absolutely divine.

Save This

The garlic powder is secretly my favorite ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother always said that proper Italian cooking needs the right amount of garlic and these rolls prove her right. During family movie nights I always make a double batch because they disappear faster than anything else on the table.

Make-Ahead Magic

These pizza rolls are perfect for busy weeknights when prepared in advance. You can roll and slice them then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy bake directly from frozen adding about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. I often prepare several batches on Sunday afternoon to have quick dinners ready throughout the week.

Endless Variations

The beauty of homemade pizza rolls lies in their versatility. Try a vegetarian version with bell peppers mushrooms and olives. For meat lovers add cooked Italian sausage along with the pepperoni. Buffalo chicken rolls with diced chicken blue cheese and hot sauce make an excellent game day option. My daughter prefers a white pizza version with ricotta spinach and chicken which has become her birthday dinner request every year.

Serving Suggestions

While these rolls are perfect on their own they also shine as part of a larger spread. Pair them with a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For entertaining arrange them on a large platter with different dipping sauces like ranch garlic butter or pesto alongside the traditional marinara. They make excellent school lunch options when cooled and packed with a small container of sauce.

Common Queries

→ How do I prevent the rolls from opening while baking?

To help keep rolls closed, avoid overfilling and roll the dough tightly but gently so the filling doesn’t squeeze out.

→ Can I freeze pizza rolls before baking?

Yes! Assemble the rolls and freeze them on a tray. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these rolls?

Serve with extra marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for delicious dipping options.

→ Which cheese substitutes work best if I don’t have mozzarella?

Provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar can substitute for mozzarella while still melting nicely in the rolls.

→ How do I achieve a crispy golden finish?

Brush tops with melted butter or olive oil before baking. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or garlic powder for added flavor.