Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe

Homemade Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe – Snack Magic!

Weeknight dinners demand quick, crowd-pleasing solutions like these delectable pepperoni pizza rolls that combine classic comfort food flavors.

Melted cheese and spicy pepperoni nestle inside golden-brown pastry, creating an irresistible handheld snack.

Each bite bursts with zesty marinara and savory meat that dance across your taste buds.

Simple ingredients transform ordinary evenings into delightful culinary experiences.

These rolls pack serious flavor without complicated preparation.

The crispy exterior gives way to a molten center that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

You’ll want to make extra because these addictive little bites disappear faster than you can plate them.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Ingredient Rundown

For Base Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: The foundation of the pizza rolls, providing a soft and chewy texture that wraps the delicious fillings.
  • Flour: A light dusting helps prevent sticking and ensures smooth rolling of the dough.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Pizza Sauce: Adds a tangy, rich base that brings moisture and classic pizza taste to the rolls.
  • Pepperoni: Brings a spicy, meaty punch and classic pizza flavor to each bite.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, stretchy texture that makes pizza rolls so enjoyable.
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Elevates the overall flavor profile with aromatic herbs and savory notes.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Olive Oil: Gives a golden, crispy exterior and adds a subtle richness to the pizza rolls.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during baking.

Tools That Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls a Breeze

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for spreading out the dough and baking the pizza rolls evenly.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing the dough log into neat, bite-sized pieces.
  • Rolling Pin: Helpful for stretching and rolling out the pizza dough smoothly.
  • Measuring Tools: Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Prevents the pizza rolls from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Roll and Bake Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting it primed and ready for some seriously delicious pizza.

  • Spread Out the Dough

Grab your pizza dough and roll it out on a flour-dusted surface. Stretch it nice and wide, aiming for a rectangular shape that’ll make your mouth water.

  • Craft Your Flavor Base

Splash some pizza sauce across the dough, leaving a tiny border around the edges. Scatter pepperoni slices like confetti, then blanket everything with a generous snowfall of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle some zesty Italian herbs for an extra flavor punch.

  • Create the Rolling Masterpiece

Start from one edge and gently roll the dough into a tight log. Squeeze the seams closed so none of those tasty fillings escape during baking.

  • Slice and Arrange

Grab a sharp knife and cut the log into bite-sized rounds. Nestle these little flavor bombs into a greased baking dish, giving them just enough space to breathe.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let the pizza rolls transform for 15-20 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color and bubbling cheese that screams “eat me!”

  • Dive In and Devour

Pull out your crispy, cheesy creation and let them cool briefly. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and get ready for a taste explosion!

Flavor Fillings for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

  • Prepare the pizza rolls up to the slicing stage, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals.
  • Swap traditional pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower crust or pre-made gluten-free dough to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
  • Replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to create a delicious meat-free version that's packed with nutrients and taste.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like adding sharp cheddar or pepper jack for extra kick. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce before rolling for those who love a fiery touch.
  • Cut pizza rolls into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier handling. Let children help assemble toppings to make cooking a fun family activity that encourages kitchen creativity.

Serve Pepperoni Pizza Rolls as a Fun Appetizer

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these pizza rolls on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of marinara sauce, creating an irresistible appetizer spread that will wow guests at game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Companion: Pair the pizza rolls with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, savory flavors and add a refreshing touch to your meal.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve with an array of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara to give guests fun flavor options and enhance the overall eating experience.
  • Kid-Friendly Meal Hack: Transform these pizza rolls into a complete family dinner by adding a side of roasted vegetables or simple pasta, making mealtime both nutritious and exciting for children.

Best Way to Keep Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Warm

  • Seal leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Cool them completely before storing to maintain crispy texture and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Arrange uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. These make-ahead snacks stay fresh for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Revive cold pizza rolls in the air fryer or oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but might soften the crispy exterior. Avoid multiple reheatings to prevent texture loss.
  • Batch cook pizza rolls during weekend kitchen time. Divide into portion-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or after-school snacks. Perfect for busy families wanting delicious, homemade meals without daily cooking stress.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly. Just ensure it’s rolled out thinly and evenly for the best results.

  • Is it possible to make these pizza rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • What type of pepperoni works best for these pizza rolls?

Thin-sliced pepperoni is ideal as it distributes more evenly and cooks more consistently throughout the rolls. Regular or turkey pepperoni both work well.

  • Can I freeze these pizza rolls?

Absolutely! After slicing, you can freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

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Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe

Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Pepperoni pizza rolls combine classic Italian flavors with convenient snack-sized portions. Crispy pastry wraps around spicy pepperoni and melted cheese, creating a perfect handheld treat for casual gatherings and quick meals you can enjoy anytime.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tube (13.8 oz / 391 g) refrigerated or homemade pizza dough
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 0.5 cup pizza sauce
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • Additional pizza sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C), establishing an optimal baking environment for crispy, savory rolls.
  2. Dough Transformation: Stretch pizza dough across a baking surface, creating a thin, uniform canvas for layering ingredients.
  3. Sauce Foundation: Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving a narrow perimeter to prevent overflow during baking.
  4. Protein Layer: Arrange pepperoni slices in a strategic grid, covering the sauced surface with overlapping spicy medallions.
  5. Cheese Coverage: Blanket the pepperoni with mozzarella, ensuring complete ingredient integration and melty potential.
  6. Flavor Enhancement: Dust the surface with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to elevate the taste profile.
  7. Rolling Technique: Tightly compress the dough from one edge to another, encapsulating pepperoni and cheese in a compact log.
  8. Seam Securing: Pinch the dough’s edges to seal the internal ingredients, preventing escape during baking.
  9. Portioning: Slice the rolled dough into precise 1-inch segments, creating uniform bite-sized pizza rolls.
  10. Baking Arrangement: Place rolls in a greased dish with minimal spacing, brushing tops with olive oil for a golden sheen.
  11. Final Baking: Cook for 15-20 minutes until rolls achieve a burnished exterior with bubbling, molten cheese.
  12. Serving Preparation: Rest rolls briefly after removing from oven, then present with complementary pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

Prevent Soggy Rolls: Pat pepperoni slices with paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring a crisp texture and preventing moisture from making the dough soggy.

Control Cheese Leakage: Use shredded mozzarella sparingly and avoid overfilling to minimize cheese escaping during baking, maintaining neat, compact rolls.

Maximize Flavor Depth: Experiment with mixed cheeses like provolone or adding red pepper flakes for a personalized spice kick that elevates the basic recipe.

Dietary Adaptation: Substitute regular dough with gluten-free alternatives and use turkey pepperoni for a lighter version that accommodates various nutritional needs.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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