There’s something irresistible about the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza—gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni slices, and rich marinara sauce. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness in a lighter, low-carb form? That’s where Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups with Low-Carb Tortillas come in. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for parties, or even a grab-and-go lunch, these roll-ups deliver all the cheesy, meaty satisfaction of pizza without the heavy carb load of traditional dough. Inspired by the nostalgic joy of pizza night but tailored for modern, health-conscious eating, this recipe combines convenience and flavor in one easy dish.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Roll-Ups
These cheesy pepperoni roll-ups have quickly become a household favorite because they’re:
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for anyone looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing taste.
- Quick & Easy: Takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both love the fun, handheld style of these roll-ups.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or different cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious low-carb pizza roll-ups, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your kitchen.
For the Roll-Ups:
- 4 low-carb tortillas (8-inch size works best)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24-32 slices of pepperoni (about 6-8 slices per tortilla)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (choose a low-sugar or keto-friendly brand)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed red pepper flakes for spice
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Sliced black olives or bell peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Assemble the Roll-Ups
- Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the tortilla, leaving about ½ inch from the edges to prevent leakage.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Layer pepperoni slices across the tortilla, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and a touch of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
3. Roll and Secure
Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all tortillas.
4. Bake Until Golden and Gooey
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are lightly crispy.
5. Slice and Serve
Allow the roll-ups to cool for 1-2 minutes, then slice each roll into 3-4 pieces. Serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Roll-Ups
- Choose the Right Tortilla: Not all low-carb tortillas are created equal. Look for ones that are soft and pliable to avoid cracking when rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much cheese or sauce can cause the roll-ups to burst open while baking.
- Crispier Texture: For a crispier exterior, lightly pan-sear the rolled tortillas in a skillet before baking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the roll-ups in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake just before serving.
Nutrition Information
These pizza roll-ups are designed to fit into a low-carb lifestyle while still satisfying your cravings.
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~210
- Net Carbs: ~5g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
(Nutrition may vary depending on specific brands of tortillas, cheese, and marinara sauce used.)
Variations to Try
One of the best parts about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some delicious variations:
- Supreme Style: Add diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives for a loaded pizza roll-up.
- BBQ Chicken: Swap marinara for sugar-free BBQ sauce and use shredded chicken and cheddar cheese instead of pepperoni and mozzarella.
- Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add spinach, roasted zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy pepperoni or add jalapeño slices for extra heat.
How to Store and Reheat
These roll-ups store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap baked roll-ups individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through for that freshly baked texture.
Serving Suggestions
While these pizza roll-ups are fantastic on their own, you can elevate the meal with a few sides:
- A crisp Caesar salad for a light, refreshing balance
- Roasted zucchini fries for a fully low-carb feast
- Garlic butter dipping sauce for extra indulgence
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a summer-friendly meal
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional pizza rolls are often loaded with refined carbs and fried for crispiness, making them heavy and less suitable for low-carb diets. By swapping the pizza dough for low-carb tortillas, you reduce carbs significantly while keeping the essential flavors intact. The tortillas crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a satisfying texture without needing deep frying. The melted cheese binds everything together, and baking ensures the pepperoni’s edges get slightly crispy, enhancing the flavor even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of tortillas?
Yes! Whole wheat, gluten-free, or high-fiber wraps work well if you’re not strictly low-carb.
2. Can these be made in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for 7-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. What’s the best cheese for these roll-ups?
Mozzarella is classic for pizza flavor, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta for variety.
4. How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling?
Place them seam-side down while baking or secure with a toothpick if needed.
PrintCheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups with Low-Carb Tortillas
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy the classic flavors of pepperoni pizza in a lighter, low-carb version. These cheesy pizza roll-ups are perfect for quick dinners, appetizers, or meal prep, delivering gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and crispy tortillas in every bite.
Ingredients
-
4 low-carb tortillas (8-inch size)
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
24–32 slices of pepperoni (6–8 slices per tortilla)
-
½ cup marinara sauce (low-sugar or keto-friendly)
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
-
Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
-
Lay tortillas flat and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, leaving ½ inch from edges.
-
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly, then layer pepperoni slices.
-
Add Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
-
Roll tortillas tightly into logs and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and tortillas are golden.
-
Let cool for 1-2 minutes, slice each roll into 3-4 pieces, and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
-
Use soft, pliable tortillas to avoid cracking when rolling.
-
Avoid overfilling to keep roll-ups intact during baking.
-
For crispier results, pan-sear before baking or cook in an air fryer.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes