There’s something irresistibly fun about these little bites that bring all the best parts of a pizza together in one convenient, handheld treat. If you love the classic flavors of gooey cheese and zesty pepperoni wrapped up in soft, golden dough, then this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe is going to become your new go-to snack or appetizer. It’s quick to whip up, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy comfort food at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe just right starts with some simple, familiar ingredients that each play an important role. From the tender pizza dough creating the perfect soft base to the spicy pepperoni and melty mozzarella adding that signature flavor and texture, every ingredient is essential.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This forms the soft, chewy outer wrap that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy cheese that makes every bite irresistible.
- Sliced pepperoni: Adds a punch of bold, savory flavor and a little spice to balance the cheese.
- Garlic powder: A subtle layer of warmth and depth that enhances every other ingredient.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings a classic pizza taste alive.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, crispy finish and a touch of nuttiness.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Brushed on the dough to keep it tender and help it brown gorgeously.
- Marinara or pizza sauce: Served as a dip to add a tangy, saucy contrast to the rich roll ups.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your roll ups bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you a perfect golden crust every time.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your refrigerated pizza dough into a roughly 12-by-8-inch rectangle. This creates the perfect canvas for layering your delicious ingredients.
Step 3: Brush and Season
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil or melted butter to keep it moist and add a buttery flavor when baked. Then, evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, followed by the pepperoni slices, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Each layer builds that mouthwatering pizza flavor you love.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch pieces, which will form your roll ups. Arrange them cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Sprinkle the tops of the roll ups generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching closely until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling with goodness.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving, so the cheese sets slightly and no one burns their fingers. Serve them warm with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these roll ups, sprinkle them with freshly chopped basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of extra flavor that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are great on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness beautifully. Garlic breadsticks or a bowl of hearty soup also complement this dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the roll ups on a colorful platter surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch, spicy marinara, or even a garlic aioli. You can also thread the roll ups onto skewers for a fun and easy-to-handle finger food display that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any roll ups left after the party, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain tasty and convenient for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked roll ups by assembling them, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely roll-up texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Fresh pizza dough works wonderfully for this recipe and may give a slightly different texture, often lighter and airier. Just make sure to roll it out to the same size for consistent results.
What can I substitute for pepperoni if someone doesn’t like it?
You can swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, diced ham, or even chopped veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. The roll ups will still be bursting with flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe bites because they’re fun to eat and packed with familiar pizza flavors. Just watch out for the baking time and let them cool to avoid burns.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough or crust as a base. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to roll and hold the fillings without cracking.
How do I keep the roll ups from getting soggy?
Brushing the dough with olive oil or melted butter and baking on parchment paper helps prevent sogginess. Also, avoid overloading the dough with too much sauce or filling, so the roll ups cook evenly and stay crispy on the outside.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether for a casual family dinner, a party snack, or a tasty lunchbox treat, these roll ups bring a warm, comforting slice of pizza joy in every bite. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy pizza flavors with a twist!
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll ups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or a quick snack. Made with refrigerated pizza dough rolled around mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasonings, then baked to golden perfection and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle, creating a flat surface ideal for layering toppings.
- Brush with Oil or Butter: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil or melted butter to add flavor and help create a crispy crust.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, followed by the sliced pepperoni, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to build layers of flavor.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the longer side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log, ensuring the toppings are sealed inside for perfect bite-sized rolls.
- Slice the Roll: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pieces and place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Add Parmesan and Bake: Sprinkle the tops of each roll with grated Parmesan cheese to create a golden, savory crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the roll ups to cool slightly before serving. Pair with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or vegetables to create a meatless version.
- To make ahead, assemble the roll ups and refrigerate unbaked for up to 8 hours before baking.
