Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these pepperoni pizza rolls—they’re like all the best parts of pizza rolled into perfect little bites! I first made them for my nephew’s birthday party last summer, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than the presents got unwrapped. Kids were grabbing them by the handful, and I caught more than one adult sneaking extras when they thought no one was looking.
What I love most is how these take everything we adore about pepperoni pizza—the gooey cheese, the zesty sauce, that crispy-edged pepperoni—and turn it into something you can pop in your mouth with one hand. No plates, no forks, no mess. Just pure pizza joy in every bite. They’re my go-to for game nights, sleepovers, or those “I forgot to plan dinner” emergencies when I need something quick and guaranteed to please. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them all the time!
Why You’ll Love These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these little rolls are life-changing. They solve so many problems! Need a last-minute party snack? Boom. Kids bouncing off the walls hungry? Done. Late-night craving hits? Covered. Here’s what makes them so special:
- Lightning fast – From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat
- Foolproof – Even my disaster-prone cousin can’t mess these up
- Customizable – Toss in whatever toppings you’re craving
- Portable – Perfect for picnics, road trips, or sneaking into movie theaters (not that I’d know anything about that…)
Perfect for Any Occasion
I’ve served these everywhere from fancy cocktail parties (arranged on a silver platter, very chic) to tailgates (dumped into a paper bag, very practical). They disappear at book club meetings just as fast as they do during football Sundays. The secret? That magical combo of crispy dough, melty cheese, and pepperoni that makes everyone’s eyes light up.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
My pickiest eater (who won’t touch anything green) inhales these like they’re going out of style. The best part? You can make half with just cheese for the little ones and go wild with jalapeños and sausage on the other half for adults. It’s the only “compromise meal” where everyone actually wins.
Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of these rolls is you probably have most of this stuff in your kitchen already. I’ll walk you through each one because even simple ingredients can make or break your pizza rolls. (Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I tried using stale pepperoni once – disaster!)
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough – The shortcut queen’s best friend! Look for the classic kind, not thin crust. Pro tip: Let it sit at room temp for 5 minutes so it’s easier to roll out.
- 20 slices pepperoni – Go for the good stuff here. Those little cupping pepperonis that get crispy edges? Chef’s kiss!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but if you have time, shred it fresh – it melts so much better.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce – Use your favorite jarred kind or my lazy hack: mix 1/4 cup tomato paste with 1/4 cup water and a pinch of garlic powder.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to make them golden and gorgeous.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – That little sprinkle takes these from good to “OMG what’s in these?”
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder – The secret weapon that makes everything taste like your favorite pizza place.
See? Nothing weird or complicated. Just delicious ingredients waiting to become your new favorite snack!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Alright, let’s get rolling! (Pun totally intended.) I’ve made these enough times to know all the little tricks that take them from good to “can I have the recipe?” amazing. Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect pizza rolls in no time!
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Toppings
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, grab your pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You want a nice rectangle about 12×8 inches – don’t stress about perfection though, mine always end up a little wonky and they still taste incredible. Spread your pizza sauce evenly, leaving about a half-inch border all around (this prevents saucy explosions later). Sprinkle that glorious mozzarella, then arrange the pepperoni in slightly overlapping rows. Pro tip: tuck a few extra pieces in your mouth for “quality control.”
Step 2: Roll and Slice
Here comes the fun part! Starting from the long side, roll that dough up tightly like you’re making a cinnamon roll. Don’t be afraid to really tuck it in as you go – you want no air pockets. When you reach the end, pinch the seam to seal it. Now grab a sharp knife (or clean kitchen scissors) and cut into 1-inch slices. I usually get about 20 perfect little spirals. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart – they’ll puff up in the oven!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops with olive oil – this gives them that gorgeous golden color – then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling through the layers. That smell? Pure happiness. Let them cool just enough that you don’t burn your mouth (but let’s be real, I never wait long enough). Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and watch them disappear!
Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
After making these way too many times (not that anyone’s complaining), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks. First, parchment paper is your best friend – no stuck-on cheese nightmares! Also, if your dough fights you when rolling, let it rest for 5 more minutes. Cold dough springs back like a rubber band.
Want extra crispy pepperoni? Give the slices a quick microwave zap first – they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven. And here’s my secret for perfect slices: dental floss! Just slide it under the roll and cross the ends to cut cleanly without squishing your masterpiece.
Last tip: make a double batch. Trust me, you’ll wish you had!
Variations and Customizations
Okay, my favorite part – making these pizza rolls your own! The basic recipe is foolproof, but the real magic happens when you start playing with add-ins. Here are some of my favorite twists:
- Meat Lovers Dream – Add crumbled cooked sausage and diced bacon with the pepperoni
- Veggie Delight – Toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives (my kids actually eat spinach in these!)
- Three Cheese Magic – Mix mozzarella with provolone and a sprinkle of parmesan
- Spicy Kick – Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes before rolling
- Breakfast Version – Swap pizza sauce for scrambled eggs and add breakfast sausage
See? The possibilities are endless. My rule? Whatever you’d put on pizza, you can roll up in dough. Go wild and make it yours!
Serving and Storage Tips
These pepperoni pizza rolls taste best fresh from the oven when the cheese is gloriously molten – but let’s be real, leftovers never last long in my house! If by some miracle you have some to store, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Want that just-baked crispiness again? Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes – microwaving makes them soggy (learned that the hard way!).
Now, let’s talk dips! While extra pizza sauce is classic, I love mixing it up with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy marinara. My secret weapon? A quick blend of mayo and pesto that makes everyone ask for the recipe. Serve these bad boys on a big platter with toothpicks – they’ll be gone before you can say “more please!”
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on nutrition for these pepperoni pizza rolls – based on the ingredients I use, each serving (about 2 rolls) comes in around 180 calories with 8g of protein. But heads up – these numbers can change depending on your specific brands and any custom add-ins. The mozzarella and pepperoni pack a protein punch, while the pizza dough gives that satisfying carb-y goodness we all crave. Perfect balance if you ask me!
FAQs About Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Alright, let’s tackle those burning pizza roll questions I get all the time! First up: “Can I freeze these?” Absolutely! These freeze like a dream – just bake them first, let them cool completely, then pop in a freezer bag. When craving hits, reheat frozen rolls at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. They’ll taste just as good as fresh!
“Can I use homemade dough?” You bet! My grandma’s pizza dough recipe works beautifully here if you’ve got the time. Just roll it slightly thinner than store-bought since it rises more. Bonus: homemade dough lets you control the salt level if that’s a concern.
“My cheese keeps leaking out – help!” Oh honey, I’ve been there! Two tricks: 1) Don’t overstuff – leave that half-inch border I mentioned, and 2) Pinch the seam extra tight before slicing. If some cheese still escapes? Consider it the cook’s treat – those crispy bits are my favorite!
“Can I make these ahead?” For sure! Assemble the rolls (unbaked) up to a day in advance, cover tightly in the fridge, then bake when ready. The dough might take a few extra minutes since it’s cold. Perfect for stress-free party prep!
Share Your Creations!
Nothing makes me happier than seeing your pepperoni pizza roll masterpieces! Snap a pic of your creations (especially those creative customizations) and tag me on Instagram – I love featuring reader recipes! And if these become your new go-to snack like they are mine, leave a rating so others can discover the magic too. Happy rolling, friends!
Print
30-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Rolls That Disappear Instantly
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy-to-make pepperoni pizza rolls that are perfect for snacks or parties. They combine the flavors of pepperoni pizza in bite-sized rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side.
- Cut into 1-inch slices and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
