Get ready to fall in love with Pepperoni Pizza Rolls! These bite-sized, cheesy, golden dough spirals are a snack-lover’s dream come true—featuring zesty sauce, gooey mozzarella, and plenty of savory pepperoni in every twisty bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Party Snack: Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are irresistible finger food for game night, parties, or after-school treats—no plates or forks required!
- Perfectly Customizable: Change up the cheese, pepperoni, or spices to make them your own—this recipe adapts to every taste and craving.
- Crispy, Cheesy Goodness: The combination of homemade dough, bubbling cheese, and crispy cornmeal bottoms gives you that comforting pizzeria vibe at home.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these rolls in advance and bake when you’re ready, so a fresh batch is always within reach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pepperoni Pizza Rolls lies in their short, superstar ingredient list; each player brings essential flavor and texture. From the soft pizza dough to the ooey-gooey mozzarella, these building blocks create savory magic in every roll.
- Homemade Pizza Dough: This is your canvas! Fresh dough adds pillowy texture and a deliciously yeasty aroma, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: Just a brush on top prevents soggy rolls and seasons the dough beautifully.
- Pizza Sauce: Zesty flavor ties all the layers together—you can go classic marinara or whip up your own favorite blend.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: These aromatics instantly boost the pizzeria smell and add classic pizza notes to every slice.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible stretch and creamy flavor—don’t be shy, pile it on!
- Pepperoni Slices: The star of the show; use mini or regular, layering for max flavor in every bite.
- Yellow Cornmeal (optional): A quick dip gives the rolls an extra crispy, golden bottom (just like your favorite local pie).
- Extra Mozzarella & Fresh Basil (optional): For finishing flair and even more meltiness and aroma.
Variations
One of the greatest things about Pepperoni Pizza Rolls is how easy they are to make your own. Don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite fillings or use what you have—pizza night is all about creativity and fun!
- Veggie Supreme: Add sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the pepperoni for extra color and flavor.
- Cheese Explosion: Sprinkle in a blend of provolone, cheddar, or parmesan for next-level cheesiness.
- Spicy Upgrade: Drizzle a little hot sauce or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
- Meat Lovers: Mix in chopped cooked bacon or crumbled sausage with the pepperoni for a heartier, meat-packed roll.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to make these rolls friendly for everyone at the table.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Roll Out the Dough
Once your pizza dough has finished rising, punch it down to release any trapped air bubbles. Divide the dough in half, and on a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a large rectangle—about 10×12 inches. A little patience here gives you that signature spiraled shape in every roll!
Step 2: Sauce, Spice & Cheese
Brush the tops of both dough rectangles lightly with olive oil to keep things from getting soggy. Use your fingertips to gently press some dents into the dough—this clever trick prevents bubbling. Then spread a layer of pizza sauce over each rectangle, followed by a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and garlic powder for bold, classic pizza flavor. Don’t forget the mozzarella—an even layer sets you up for that magical cheese pull!
Step 3: Layer and Roll
Time for the main event: pepperoni! Lay the slices generously across the cheese. Working from the long side, carefully roll each rectangle into a tight log. Place the logs seam side down on a prepared baking sheet, and pop them in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Chilling helps your Pepperoni Pizza Rolls hold their shape when sliced—don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Slice, Dip in Cornmeal & Assemble
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets. Remove the chilled logs and slice each into about 12 one-inch rounds. Pour some cornmeal onto a plate, and dip the bottom of each roll for extra crunch (trust me—the texture upgrade is so worth it!). Arrange the rolls cornmeal-side down on your baking sheets, with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top if desired.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the sides are beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling. Let them cool for 5 minutes—if you can wait that long—and garnish with fresh basil, extra cheese, and serve with pizza sauce for dunking. Your Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are ready to disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
- Chill for Clean Slicing: After rolling your logs, chilling in the fridge firms up the dough and fillings, making it so much easier to slice perfectly without squishing the spiral.
- Cornmeal Crunch Factor: Dipping the bottoms of your rolls in cornmeal before baking delivers that irresistible crispy base—just like artisan pizzerias!
- Roll Tightly, But Gently: Rolling your dough snugly traps all the cheesy, saucy goodness inside, but don’t pull too hard—gentle pressure works best for perfect spirals.
- Extra Cheese, Extra Joy: A little extra mozzarella on top turns the whole batch into a bubbling, golden showstopper—no one will complain!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter finely chopped fresh basil or a shower of grated parmesan over the warm Pepperoni Pizza Rolls. A drizzle of garlic butter or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds an extra layer of flavor and makes each bite even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza rolls with a crisp Caesar salad, some roasted veggies, or even a bowl of tomato basil soup for dunking. For a full party spread, serve alongside other finger-friendly favorites like mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, or fresh veggie sticks with ranch dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Pepperoni Pizza Rolls in a big circle on a platter with a ramekin of warm pizza sauce in the center, or skewer them on sticks for a playful, party-ready presentation. Placing each roll in a mini cupcake liner adds an adorable touch for buffets and makes for easy, mess-free serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better, and a quick zap is all that’s needed to bring back that just-baked magic!
Freezing
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 2 months—just pull out and reheat whenever a craving strikes!
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven texture, reheat your pizza rolls in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes. For speed, the microwave works too—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep them soft and luscious.
FAQs
-
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls?
Absolutely! While homemade pizza dough gives the rolls an extra pillow-soft texture and fresh-baked flavor, store-bought dough is a great shortcut and still yields delicious results. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before rolling to make it easier to handle.
-
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy inside?
Brushing the dough with olive oil before adding sauce creates a protective layer, and pressing small dents into the dough prevents air bubbles from trapping too much moisture. Also, don’t overload the rolls with sauce—just enough for flavor does the trick!
-
What’s the best way to slice pizza roll logs cleanly?
Chilling the filled logs for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator helps firm up the dough and cheese, making slicing super clean and easy. Use a sharp, serrated knife, and wipe the blade between cuts for the neatest spirals.
-
Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls in advance?
You sure can! Prepare the rolls up through slicing and place them (covered) in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before baking. This makes party prep a breeze—just bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll fall head over heels for these homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls just like my family and friends have. Whip up a batch, share them warm, and watch the smiles around your table—there’s truly nothing better than pizza night at home!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a fun twist on traditional pizza, perfect for parties or a tasty snack. Homemade pizza dough is filled with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, then rolled up, sliced, and baked until golden and bubbly. Serve with extra sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 recipe homemade pizza dough*
Filling:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2/3 cup pizza sauce
- Italian seasoning or ground basil, to taste
- garlic powder, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60-65 pepperoni slices
- optional: 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- optional: extra mozzarella cheese and fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare Pizza Dough: Make the pizza dough according to recipe instructions.
- Roll Out Dough: Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 10×12 inch rectangle.
- Fill Dough: Brush dough with olive oil, then add sauce, seasonings, cheese, and pepperoni.
- Roll Dough: Roll up the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Slice and Bake: Cut rolls into slices, dip in cornmeal, and bake until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve with fresh basil and extra sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Chilling the rolls before baking helps them keep their shape.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
