EASY PEPPERONI PIZZA ROLLS

I remember sneaking into the kitchen late at night, my little hands reaching for the frozen box – the promise of warm, cheesy goodness was just too tempting! Those first, slightly burnt, but oh-so-satisfying bites of Pepperoni Pizza Rolls sparked a lifelong love affair with this snackable delight. Today, we’re not just making those freezer aisle favorites; we’re elevating them with fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love, so prepare for a batch of homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls that will be gone before you know it!

Let’s Make Some Pepperoni Pizza Rolls!

Okay, friend, let’s get real. Store-bought pizza rolls are fine in a pinch, but nothing beats the taste and satisfaction of homemade. We’re talking warm, gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a perfectly crisp crust – all made by you! And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make. I’m going to walk you through every step, sharing all my tips and tricks along the way. You’ve got this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seriously Delicious: Forget bland, freezer-burned bites. These rolls are bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Customize: Don’t like pepperoni? Swap it out! Want more cheese? Go for it! This recipe is your canvas.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Game night? Party appetizer? Kid-friendly snack? These rolls are always a hit.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze them for whenever a craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

• Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought (the refrigerated kind is great) or make your own. If you are feeling adventurous try this base recipe for my Pizza Tot Casserole crust, it works great for this!
• Pepperoni: Mini pepperonis are ideal, but regular-sized pepperoni works too – just chop them up.
• Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite brand. I prefer a sauce with a little bit of sweetness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is a must! You can also add other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for extra flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: This adds a classic pizza flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For a little extra zing.
• Olive Oil: To brush on the rolls before baking.
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh basil for topping.

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying homemade pizza rolls in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If you’re using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to make it easier to work with. If you’re making your own dough, follow your recipe instructions. Once the dough is ready, lightly flour a clean surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.

Pro Tip: Don’t roll the dough too thin, or the filling will leak out. Aim for a thickness similar to a regular pizza crust.

Step 2: Add the Sauce and Cheese

Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes these rolls so delicious!

Troubleshooting Tip: If your sauce is too watery, it can make the dough soggy. Try draining some of the excess liquid before spreading it on the dough. You can also mix in a little tomato paste to thicken it up.

Step 3: Add the Pepperoni and Seasonings

Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Get creative with your toppings! This is a great time to add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese too.

Step 4: Roll It Up!

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed. This is where you want to make sure you have a nice tight seal. It will save you from the filling oozing out while baking.

Important Note: Make sure the roll is tight! A loose roll will result in unevenly cooked pizza rolls. Use both hands and be firm, but gentle.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange

Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls. Place the rolls, seam-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each roll.

Expert Tip: For perfectly even slices, use a serrated knife and gently saw back and forth. A pizza cutter also works well, but make sure it’s sharp!

Step 6: Brush with Olive Oil and Bake

Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil. This will help them get nice and golden brown in the oven. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Baking Time Variation: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the rolls. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh basil (optional) and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch dressing or garlic butter are also delicious!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the perfect pizza rolls every time:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the rolls difficult to roll and can cause them to burst open during baking.
• Seal the Seam: Make sure to pinch the seam tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Bake on Parchment Paper: This will prevent the rolls from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup a breeze.
• Freeze for Later: To freeze the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake them, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Pizza Rolls: Substitute the pepperoni with your favorite veggies, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
• Hawaiian Pizza Rolls: Add pineapple and ham to the filling.
• Spicy Pizza Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or use a spicy pizza sauce.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella.
• Different Dough: Try using puff pastry for a flakier crust.
• Try different flavor profiles: Try making a batch with alfredo sauce and chicken like you would see in Grilled Cheese Casserole.

Serving Suggestions

These pizza rolls are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or pesto.
• As a Snack: Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy them as an afternoon snack.
• As a Meal: Serve them with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a quick and easy meal. You could even serve them alongside Pizza Enchiladas for a full pizza themed dinner!
• For Parties: They’re always a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

These pizza rolls are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake them, simply bake as directed.

To store leftover pizza rolls, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or air fryer.

Freezing Instructions: As mentioned earlier, these rolls freeze beautifully. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s tackle some common questions about making pizza rolls:

• Can I use different types of pepperoni? Absolutely! Turkey pepperoni, spicy pepperoni, or even vegetarian pepperoni alternatives work great.
• Can I add other fillings? Of course! Get creative with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, or olives. Think of what fillings you might use if you were making a Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread and put a pizza twist on it!
• My pizza rolls are bursting open! What am I doing wrong? This usually happens when the dough is overfilled or not sealed properly. Make sure to use a moderate amount of filling and pinch the seam tightly.
• Can I bake these in an air fryer? Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Can I use a different type of sauce? Yes! Pesto, alfredo sauce, or even a spicy tomato sauce would be delicious.
• My pizza dough is too sticky! What should I do? Add a little more flour to your work surface and to your hands. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough tough.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: 150-200 per roll
• Fat: 8-12g
• Saturated Fat: 4-6g
• Cholesterol: 20-30mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-4g
• Protein: 5-7g

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Pizza Tot Casserole
• Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
• Pizza Enchiladas
• Grilled Cheese Casserole
• Cheesy Dorito Casserole

Final Thoughts

There you have it – your guide to making the most amazing Pepperoni Pizza Rolls ever! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own signature version. Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy the delicious results. Happy rolling!

EASY PEPPERONI PIZZA ROLLS

These homemade pepperoni pizza rolls are a delicious and easy alternative to store-bought versions. They’re customizable, freezer-friendly, and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food. With warm, gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a perfectly crisp crust, they’re sure to be a hit!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 175

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Pizza Dough store-bought or homemade
• 1/2 cup Pizza Sauce
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup Mini Pepperoni slices, or chopped regular pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• Optional: Parmesan cheese for topping
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes for topping
• Optional: Fresh Basil for topping
• All-purpose flour, for dusting

Equipment

• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
2. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
4. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
6. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Add parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired.
7. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log.
8. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
9. Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
10. Place the rolls, seam-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each roll.
11. Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil.
12. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving plate.
14. Sprinkle with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t overfill the rolls, as the filling may leak out during baking. Pinch the seam tightly to prevent the filling from leaking. Bake on parchment paper to prevent sticking. To freeze, place the baked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Try different fillings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, pineapple, or ham. Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter.