If you’re craving a snack or appetizer that feels like a warm hug, you have to try this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe. Imagine soft, golden dough smothered in tangy pizza sauce, oozing melted mozzarella, with slices of spicy pepperoni tucked inside each bite-sized roll-up. It’s the perfect combination of gooey cheese, savory meat, and that irresistible crisp on the outside. These roll-ups bake up quickly and make an ideal shareable treat for casual gatherings or a cozy night in with your favorite show. Once you taste them, this recipe will become your go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all simple pantry staples, yet together they create a magical blend of flavors and textures. Each element plays a key role in building the perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups — from the soft, pliable dough forming the base to the sharp, melty cheeses and spicy pepperoni adding the flavor punch.
- Pizza dough: Provides the soft, chewy foundation and holds everything together beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stringy perfection that makes every bite a delight.
- Pepperoni: Adds that classic spicy, slightly crispy kick you expect from pepperoni pizza.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty contrast and a golden finish.
- Pizza sauce: Infuses the roll-ups with tangy tomato goodness and a hint of Italian herbs.
- Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic flavors of oregano, basil, and thyme to elevate the pizza taste.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the tops for a golden, crispy crust with a subtle richness.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous note when serving.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven nice and hot ensures your roll-ups will cook evenly with a beautifully crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, gently roll your pizza dough into a large rectangle. This shape makes it super easy to spread the sauce and cheese evenly and to roll up tightly, giving you those perfect spiral slices.
Step 3: Spread the Pizza Sauce
Evenly spread your pizza sauce across the rolled-out dough, but be sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent any sauce leaks. This layer provides the foundational tang and moisture that ties every bite together.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then lay slices of pepperoni evenly on top. The mozzarella melts wonderfully and pairs with the pepperoni’s spice to create a tantalizing taste explosion.
Step 5: Roll It Up Tight
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. A snug roll keeps all the delicious layers beautifully packed together so you get a perfect bite every time.
Step 6: Slice and Arrange
Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch pieces. Place each piece cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet to help them cook uniformly and avoid sticking.
Step 7: Brush with Olive Oil and Bake
Brush each roll-up lightly with olive oil to give the crust a golden color and that amazing, slightly crisp texture. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the dough is cooked through, and the tops sparkle with melted cheese and a hint of browning.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your hot roll-ups right after baking. This not only looks inviting but adds a touch of herbaceous brightness to balance the richness of cheese and pepperoni.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups are fantastic on their own, but if you want to round out your meal, pair them with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. The freshness and acidity complement the savory roll-ups beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the roll-ups on a wooden board, surrounded by small bowls of extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy garlic dip. You can even stack them like little pizza towers to entice guests to grab one (or two!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor and texture well, making for an easy next-day snack or lunch.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, slice and arrange the roll-ups on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This makes it super simple to bake fresh roll-ups anytime you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
For best results when reheating leftovers or frozen pizza roll-ups, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep that delicious golden crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and helps cut down prep time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
If you want a slightly different flavor, provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can work beautifully, adding a new cheesy dimension to your roll-ups.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for delicious vegetarian roll-ups.
How do I prevent the dough from becoming soggy?
Make sure not to overload the dough with too much sauce or moisture-heavy toppings, and bake the roll-ups until they turn golden brown to keep them crisp and firm.
Can I add extra herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle in extra Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe are simply irresistible, combining the best parts of pizza into one fun, handheld bite. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to this delightful, cheesy comfort food—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll-ups, approximately 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups featuring a crispy golden crust filled with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a rich blend of cheeses and herbs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat.
Ingredients
Pizza Roll-Ups
- 1 batch pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 12–15 slices pepperoni
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the roll-ups to a perfect golden crisp.
- Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle shape, about 10×12 inches, to allow for easy spreading and rolling.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow while baking.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then layer the pepperoni slices on top, followed by a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Roll Dough: Starting from one side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape ensuring all ingredients are enclosed well.
- Slice Roll-Ups: Slice the rolled log into 1-inch thick pieces, placing each slice cut-side up onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush each roll-up with olive oil to help with browning and crisping during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the roll-ups are golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or homemade dough for a fresh touch.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
- Serve with extra pizza sauce or a garlic dipping sauce on the side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
