Easy Homemade Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe Everyone Will Love

Warm, pillowy dough hugging zesty pepperoni and melted cheesy pepperoni rolls create the ultimate comfort snack that satisfies every craving.

West Virginia’s beloved handheld treat brings pure deliciousness straight from bakery to plate.

Soft bread wrapped around spicy meat and gooey cheese makes these rolls irresistible to both kids and adults.

Each bite promises a burst of savory flavors that dance on your palate.

These rolls pack more punch than standard pizza pockets with their rich, hearty ingredients.

Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, they transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Serve these crowd-pleasing rolls and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Why Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Are So Satisfying

• Incredibly Easy to Craft: Beginner bakers can whip up these cheesy pepperoni rolls with minimal cooking skills, making it a perfect starter recipe for anyone wanting to explore homemade bread-based treats.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners, these rolls deliver maximum flavor with minimal preparation effort and guaranteed satisfaction for both kids and adults.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Customize the rolls by experimenting with different cheese varieties, adding extra seasonings, or incorporating alternative meat options to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Portable Meal Solution: Compact and self-contained, these pepperoni rolls transform into an ideal grab-and-go lunch, picnic snack, or school/work lunchbox item that stays deliciously intact during transport.

All the Ingredients You’ll Need for Pepperoni Rolls

• Pizza Dough: Soft and versatile base ready for delicious filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Light dusting for smooth dough rolling.

• Beef Pepperoni, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Classic flavor-packed combination for a savory roll.
• Olive Oil: Smooth coating to enhance flavor and prevent sliding.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Salt: Warm and aromatic spice blend for extra flavor.
• Butter: Golden and rich topping for a shiny crust.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Prevents dough from sticking.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps with dough thawing.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking during baking.
• Tomato Sauce: Optional dipping sauce for serving.

How to Roll and Bake Pepperoni Goodness

Step 1: Awaken the Dough

Remove frozen pizza dough and place on a clean counter.

Cover loosely with lightly oiled plastic wrap.

Let the dough relax and expand at room temperature for several hours until soft and puffy.

Step 2: Flatten the Canvas

Dust a work surface with flour.

Roll the dough into a perfect square about 11 inches wide.

Ensure the surface is smooth and even.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Base

Gently brush olive oil across the entire dough surface.

This magical touch prevents toppings from sliding and adds delicious depth.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

• Beef pepperoni slices
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Spread each ingredient evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Enhance with Seasonings

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic salt

Step 6: Transform into a Roll

Carefully roll the dough from one edge into a tight log.

Pinch the seams and ends to create a perfect seal.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Place the roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Space multiple rolls to allow room for expansion.

Step 8: Add Golden Finish

Brush melted butter over the entire surface to create a beautiful golden shine.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake rolls for 15-25 minutes until golden brown.

Tap the crust – it should sound hollow when fully cooked.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let rolls cool completely.

Slice into rounds and serve with warm tomato sauce for dipping.

Helpful Tips for Melty, Cheesy Perfection

• Use cooking spray on plastic wrap to prevent sticking and ensure smooth rising at room temperature.
• Brush olive oil on dough before adding toppings to enhance taste and prevent sliding ingredients.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly for maximum cheesy coverage and balanced flavor profile.
• Pinch seams and ends tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, creating a neat and compact pepperoni roll.
• Brush melted butter on top before baking to achieve a shiny, appetizing golden-brown exterior that looks professionally made.

Best Way to Store and Warm Pepperoni Rolls

• Store leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage without compromising taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place rolls on a baking sheet, and warm for 7-10 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.
• Zap rolls for 20-30 seconds, then let rest for a minute to distribute heat evenly and maintain their soft texture.

What to Eat With Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls

• Savor Zesty Marinara Dip: Complement the cheesy pepperoni roll with a warm, homemade marinara sauce that adds tangy brightness and enhances the roll's rich flavors.
• Pair with Crisp Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to cut through the cheese's richness and match the pepperoni's spiciness.
• Refresh with Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Create a light, bubbly drink with lemon, lime, and a splash of sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty roll.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, fresh contrast to the dense, cheesy pepperoni roll.

Flavor Ideas for Pepperoni Roll Lovers

• Gluten-Free Pepperoni Rolls: Replace traditional pizza dough with gluten-free flour blend or cauliflower crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Pepperoni Alternative: Swap beef pepperoni with plant-based pepperoni or roasted vegetable slices like zucchini and bell peppers for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Roll: Use almond flour or coconut wrap instead of pizza dough, and replace mozzarella with full-fat cream cheese for a low-carbohydrate option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute beef pepperoni with salami, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes for a Greek-style flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pepperoni?

Yes! While beef pepperoni works great, you can also use traditional pork pepperoni or turkey pepperoni based on your preference. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the roll.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These pepperoni rolls can be made ahead of time, wrapped tightly, and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. They reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave for a quick meal or snack.

• How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to leave a small border around the edges when adding cheese and pepperoni. Pinch the seams tightly when rolling to create a good seal. This helps keep the cheese inside during baking.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace pepperoni with vegetarian pepperoni alternatives or use roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms as a filling. Just ensure they are not too wet to prevent soggy dough.

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering cheesy pepperoni rolls bring West Virginia’s classic comfort to your kitchen. Bold flavors and simple ingredients combine in a quick snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 frozen pizza dough log (thawed)
• Beef pepperoni slices (as needed)
• 1.5 cups (340 grams) mozzarella cheese, grated
• 0.5 cups (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Brushing and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter, melted

Serving:

• 0.25 cups (60 milliliters) tomato sauce (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Gently remove the frozen pizza dough from packaging and place on a lightly floured surface. Cover loosely with plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Allow the dough to thaw and rise at room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours until it becomes soft and slightly puffy.
3. Using a rolling pin, carefully stretch the dough into a rectangular shape approximately 11×11 inches, ensuring an even thickness throughout.
4. Delicately brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil, creating a thin, even layer that will enhance flavor and prevent ingredient slippage.
5. Arrange beef pepperoni slices across the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges to facilitate secure rolling.
6. Generously distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Sprinkle a layer of Parmesan cheese to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
8. Dust the cheese with Italian seasoning and a subtle sprinkle of garlic salt for an extra flavor dimension.
9. Carefully roll the dough from one edge, creating a tight, compact log. Pinch the seams and ends to create a secure seal that prevents ingredients from escaping during baking.
10. Position the rolled dough seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between rolls if preparing multiple.
11. Melt butter and gently brush the exterior of the roll, which will help create a golden, glossy finish during baking.
12. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the roll for 18-22 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and listening for a hollow sound when tapped.
13. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into rounds. Serve alongside warm tomato sauce for dipping, enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize the dough by using whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough for a healthier alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• For a vegetarian version, swap pepperoni with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Keep the rolls sealed tightly during rolling to prevent cheese and fillings from leaking out during baking.

• Prep Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 45mg