If you love the comforting flavors of pizza but want a fun, hand-held twist, this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine soft, golden dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni, all baked to bubbly perfection. These irresistible rolls are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a casual dinner that pleases both kids and adults alike. Making them from scratch may sound fancy, but with this recipe, you’ll discover how delightfully simple and rewarding it is to create your own pizza rolls at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these pepperoni pizza rolls lies in the harmony of a few simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the soft, stretchy pizza dough to the rich, melty cheese, every component is essential for that perfect bite.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation of your rolls, whether store-bought or homemade, provides that soft, chewy texture everybody craves.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that classic, stretchy cheesiness.
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni: Brings a bold, savory flavor and just the right amount of spice.
- ½ cup pizza sauce: Essential for tang and moisture, and remember to save some for dipping!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush the tops, helping create a golden, appetizing crust.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle punch of garlic flavor enhancing the aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant blend of herbs that perfectly complements the pizza taste.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, savory kick and beautiful browning.
- Flour for dusting: Prevents sticking and makes rolling out the dough a breeze.
How to Make Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 12 by 8-inch rectangle. This thickness will ensure your rolls bake through evenly without being doughy or dry.
Step 2: Layer the Flavors
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage during baking. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by the slices of pepperoni. This layering is crucial because it distributes all the delicious flavors with every bite.
Step 3: Roll It Up Tight
Starting with one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. The tight roll keeps all the ingredients snug inside as they bake. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to seal the roll and avoid it opening in the oven.
Step 4: Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 12 equal pieces. Place each slice cut-side up on a greased baking dish or a lined baking sheet. This presentation helps them maintain their shape and creates that perfect golden top.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese generously over them. This seasoning mix boosts the flavor and helps create a beautifully appetizing crust. Bake your pepperoni pizza rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and bubbly.
How to Serve Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are delicious on their own, a sprinkling of fresh basil or a dusting of extra Parmesan can elevate their appearance and taste. Offering a small bowl of warmed pizza sauce or a creamy ranch dip will make your guests swoon with delight.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp green salad or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of tomato soup can complement the warm, cheesy rolls beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering or arrange them neatly on a party platter adorned with fresh herbs. You can even skewer a few rolls with toothpicks, turning them into perfect bite-sized appetizers for any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your pizza rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully both before and after baking. To freeze raw, arrange the sliced rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked rolls, cool completely and freeze in a sealed container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp on the outside, usually about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crust texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pizza dough works well, though the texture may be a bit different. Just handle the dough gently when rolling and baking to avoid cracking.
What other fillings can I use besides pepperoni?
You can get really creative! Try cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for varied flavors.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use vegan pizza dough, vegan cheese substitutes, and skip the pepperoni or replace it with plant-based pepperoni alternatives. Adjust seasonings as needed to keep it flavorful.
Is it okay to bake the rolls on a pizza stone?
Definitely. A pizza stone can help get an extra crispy bottom on your rolls. Just be sure to preheat the stone thoroughly before baking.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to prepare in advance for parties or busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, transforming simple pizza flavors into delightful bites that everyone will love. Whether you’re making a quick snack or feeding a crowd, these rolls deliver that perfect cheesy, saucy, and savory experience every time. I can’t wait for you to try them and share this little slice of happiness with your friends and family!
Print
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls recipe delivers a delicious, kid-friendly appetizer that’s easy to prepare with store-bought or homemade pizza dough. Rolled with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce, these golden-brown rolls are perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun meal. Enjoy them warm with extra sauce for dipping, or freeze for later convenience.
Ingredients
Pizza Rolls Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pizza rolls to a perfect golden brown.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle, which will serve as the base for your pizza rolls.
- Add the Sauce and Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and layer sliced pepperoni evenly on top.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam closed to seal the roll and prevent fillings from leaking during baking.
- Slice the Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife. Place each slice cut-side up in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet to prepare for baking.
- Season and Bake: Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over them. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove the rolls from the oven and serve them warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade pepperoni pizza rolls!
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding cooked sausage, vegetables, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
- These pizza rolls freeze well either before or after baking; simply reheat them in the oven until warmed through.
- For a crunchier crust, brush with an additional layer of olive oil before baking.
- Use gluten-free dough if you need a gluten-free option.
