Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces frozen bread dough, thawed; 16 slices pepperoni; 4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 4ths; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 large egg, well beaten; Splash of water

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.

The image shows a white plate with ornate patterns, holding five golden brown rolls with a smooth, shiny crust. Each roll has a soft, slightly puffy texture with rounded edges and a sealed end visible. Around the rolls, thin bright red slices of pepperoni add contrast, with some slices slightly curled. A clear bowl filled with more pepperoni slices is in the background on the left, and a mason jar filled with iced tea with lemon slices sits behind the plate on the right. A bright green sprig of fresh parsley is placed on the left side of the plate, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

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.

Flat lay of a round ball of fresh bread dough, sixteen thin slices of bright red pepperoni arranged neatly, four quartered pieces of creamy white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dried green Italian seasoning, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, and a small white ceramic bowl containing a splash of clear water placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

The image shows several golden-brown pepperoni rolls arranged on a white plate with a detailed pattern. One pepperoni roll is open, revealing layers inside: a soft, light brown bread exterior, a thin layer of melted white cheese, and bright red pepperoni slices. The rolls have a smooth, shiny surface with a soft texture. The background features some green leafy vegetables on a white marbled surface, and scattered pepperoni slices are visible both on the plate and in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

cheesy pepperoni rolls - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?

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.

What if I want to make these gluten-free?

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.

Can I add other fillings besides pepperoni?

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.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

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.