Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll: 25-Minute Gooey Favorite with Bold Flavor

Few snacks hit the comfort-food sweet spot quite like a Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll. Crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and packed with classic pizza flavors, this recipe delivers everything you love about pizza in a fun, handheld form. It’s the kind of food that disappears fast—whether served as a party appetizer, an after-school snack, or a quick weeknight dinner paired with a salad.

Pizza rolls are all about balance. The dough bakes up golden and soft with just enough crispness, while the filling combines stretchy mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce that oozes slightly with every bite. They’re simple to assemble, easy to customize, and endlessly craveable.

This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll recipe uses familiar ingredients and straightforward steps, making it approachable for beginners while still delivering that bakery-style payoff. Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd favorite.

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Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll plays a clear role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

Dough

Pizza Dough
Store-bought pizza dough keeps this recipe quick and easy, but homemade dough works just as well. The dough should be soft, stretchy, and easy to roll without tearing.

Sauce

Pizza Sauce or Marinara
A thick, well-seasoned pizza sauce is ideal. Avoid overly watery sauces, which can make the rolls soggy.

Cheese

Mozzarella Cheese
Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts smoothly and creates that signature stretchy cheese pull. Whole-milk mozzarella adds extra richness.

Parmesan Cheese
Optional, but adds a salty, savory note that boosts overall flavor.

Filling

Pepperoni
Classic sliced pepperoni brings bold, savory flavor and slight crispness when baked. Mini pepperoni or chopped slices both work well.

Seasoning and Finish

Olive Oil or Melted Butter
Brushed on top for golden color and flavor.

Italian Seasoning or Garlic Powder
Enhances the pizza flavor and adds aroma.

Optional Garnishes
Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for serving.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out 1 pound of pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. The dough should be even in thickness so it bakes uniformly.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Filling

Spread 1/2 cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along one long edge to help seal the roll.

Sprinkle evenly with:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Arrange 20–25 slices of pepperoni evenly over the cheese.

Step 3: Roll It Up

Starting from the long edge with toppings, roll the dough tightly into a log, similar to a jelly roll. Keep the roll snug but not overly tight to prevent splitting.

Pinch the seam closed and place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Slice the Rolls

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 10–12 equal rolls. Arrange them cut-side up on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 5: Season the Top

Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Helpful Tips

Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid excess liquid.
Roll the dough evenly to keep the rolls uniform in size.
Let the rolls rest briefly after baking so the cheese sets slightly.

Variations

Extra Cheesy Pizza Rolls
Add a layer of provolone or mozzarella slices before rolling for extra gooey centers.

Supreme Pizza Rolls
Add cooked sausage, sliced olives, or bell peppers. Be sure to keep fillings light to prevent sogginess.

Spicy Pepperoni Rolls
Use spicy pepperoni and add red pepper flakes to the filling.

Air Fryer Version
Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, checking frequently for even browning.

Substitutions

Use crescent roll dough for a softer, buttery texture.
Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or vegetables.
Use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll is perfect for nearly any occasion.

Serve them with:

• Warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping

• Ranch or garlic butter sauce

• A simple green salad to balance the richness

They work especially well for:

• Game day snacks

• Kids’ parties

• Movie nights

• Casual dinners

These rolls travel well and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for gatherings.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

Pizza rolls are a comfort food, but they can be adjusted easily.

To lighten them:

• Use part-skim mozzarella

• Add vegetables to the filling

• Serve with a fresh salad

For dietary needs:

• Use gluten-free pizza dough if available

• Choose turkey pepperoni for a lower-fat option

Portion control is easy since each roll is individually sized.

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FAQs

Can I make pizza rolls ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 5–7 minutes.

Why did my rolls leak cheese?

Overfilling or using high-moisture cheese can cause leaks. Keep fillings balanced and seal the seam well.

Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Microwaving works but softens the dough.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Warm marinara is classic, but ranch or garlic butter are also popular.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely. Any pizza dough recipe that yields about 1 pound will work.

How do I keep the bottoms from burning?

Use parchment paper and bake on the center rack. Avoid dark baking sheets if possible.

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