There’s something about warm, soft bread pockets oozing with gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni that just hits the spot every time. This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is a game changer — simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing or sneaking a quick snack.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly didn’t expect to fall this hard for these pepperoni rolls when I first tried making them. The combo of melty mozzarella, pepperoni’s little spicy kick, and that tender, fluffy bread — it’s like a pizza party wrapped up in a roll, perfect for any time.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, ideal when you want a homemade snack without the fuss.
- Flexible Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples and frozen bread dough make this an accessible recipe anyone can try.
- Kid-Friendly: My kids love sneaking extra pepperoni inside — a great way to sneak veggies or other fillings too!
- Perfect Party Snack: These rolls are crowd-pleasers that vanish fast at gatherings and game nights.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe has a role that’s simple but essential: soft bread dough forms the perfect pillow, while pepperoni and mozzarella bring that classic, irresistible pizza flavor. Choosing quality mozzarella and a good pepperoni will totally elevate your rolls.
- Frozen bread dough: Convenient and reliable for soft, fluffy rolls without starting from scratch.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds that satisfying, slightly spicy punch every pepperoni fan craves.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving you that stretchy, gooey texture inside.
- Italian seasoning: Just a pinch kicks up the flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Egg wash: Brushed over the dough for that golden, glossy finish and a bit of extra crispness.
Make It Your Way
What I love about this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you fancy extra cheese, a dab of marinara inside, or different seasonings, it’s a versatile base that invites your creativity.
- Variation: I often swap half the pepperoni for sautéed spinach or finely diced bell pepper for a veggie boost — you’d be surprised how well it works!
- Spice it up: Try adding crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking if you like things with a bit of heat.
- Make it bite-sized: Cut the dough into smaller pieces to make mini rolls perfect for party platters or lunchboxes.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Portion the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. I find this keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Take your thawed bread dough and divide it into eight equal parts — using a kitchen scale helps for even portions, but your eyes work just fine here!
Step 2: Flatten and Fill
Use your hands to gently flatten each dough piece into roughly a 4x4 inch square. Don’t worry about it being perfect; a rustic shape actually makes the rolls feel homey. Place two slices of pepperoni in the center, then top with two pieces of mozzarella. I sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning on top — it really brings the flavors alive.
Step 3: Roll and Seal
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, then roll it tightly, pinching the seams closed to keep everything inside when it bakes. Placing each roll seam-side down on the tray helps prevent them from unraveling while cooking.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk the egg with a splash of water, then brush it lightly over the exposed dough. This little step gives your rolls that irresistible golden color and shiny finish. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re puffed and golden — keep an eye on them as ovens vary!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let your pepperoni rolls cool for about 5 minutes on the baking tray before digging in — the cheese will be molten hot otherwise. Serve warm on their own or with a side of marinara for dipping.
Top Tip
Over the many times I've made this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe, a few tricks have made all the difference. Trust me, these aren't just tips — they're game changers for perfect rolls every time.
- Seal Well: Take your time pinching seams shut so cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.
- Even Dough Pieces: Use a scale or measure so all rolls bake evenly and have consistent size.
- Don’t Overfill: Adding too much cheese or pepperoni can make rolling tricky and cause spills.
- Watch Your Oven: Since every oven’s different, start checking a minute or two before the shortest bake time.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I like sprinkling a little extra Italian seasoning or some freshly grated Parmesan on top right after baking. Sometimes a few torn fresh basil leaves add a fresh pop that’s just wonderful. If you want a little zing, a drizzle of chili oil or garlic butter makes them shine even more.
Side Dishes
These pepperoni rolls are great alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of marinara for dipping. I also love serving them with roasted veggies or a chilled pasta salad for a more filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged mini pepperoni rolls on a platter surrounded by little cups of assorted dips — ranch, pizza sauce, and spicy mustard work beautifully. You can also slice larger rolls in half to create little sliders for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating them gently in the oven brings back that fresh-baked texture better than the microwave.
Freezing
These roll up wonderfully for freezer meal prep. I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer bag. When I want a snack, I thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F to reheat.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This restores the crispness on the outside while melting the cheese back inside perfectly. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a hurry — it can make the bread chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Homemade bread dough works wonderfully and lets you control ingredients more closely. Just be sure to use a dough that’s not too sticky to handle, and follow the recipe steps for shaping and baking.
You can try a gluten-free bread dough mix that’s designed for baking rolls. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough can be more delicate and might need extra care when rolling and sealing.
Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. You can add cooked sausage, veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or even switch mozzarella for cheddar or a blend. Just adjust quantities so rolls can be sealed properly.
Make sure to seal the dough seams tightly by pinching and pressing firmly. Avoid overfilling with cheese and pepperoni, and place the rolls seam side down on the baking sheet which helps keep everything inside.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe enough for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. It brings that cozy, homemade comfort food vibe with none of the fuss, plus endless opportunities to make it your own. Grab some frozen dough, get creative with your fillings, and enjoy the smiles that follow every bite.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade Pepperoni Rolls featuring soft bread dough filled with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. These warm, golden rolls are perfect as a snack or appetizer and bake quickly in the oven.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 16 ounces frozen bread dough, thawed
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 4ths
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- Splash of water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Prepare Dough: Place the thawed bread dough on a clean work surface and cut it into 8 equal parts. Flatten each piece to about a 4x4-inch diameter using your hands.
- Add Filling: Place 2 slices of pepperoni in the center of each flattened dough piece, then add 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning according to your taste.
- Form Rolls: Fold the two outer edges of the dough over the filling, then tightly roll and pinch the seams together to seal securely.
- Arrange Rolls: Place each roll seam side down on the prepared sheet tray, spacing them so they do not touch.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with a splash of water. Brush the exposed bread dough lightly with this egg wash for a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until the rolls are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them alone or with pizza or marinara sauce.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add more mozzarella slices inside the rolls.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with dried oregano or basil if preferred.
- Serve with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
- Make sure to pinch seams well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- These rolls freeze well; bake from frozen or reheat in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 427 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg
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