Ultimate Guide to Pepperoni Pizza Rolls: Tips, Variations, and Step-by-Step Recipe
Cheesy, savory bites in a simple recipe perfect for entertaining and cozy nights.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls: The Definitive Guide
If you want to wow your friends and family with the ultimate finger food, pepperoni pizza rolls are the perfect choice. These cheesy, pepperoni-packed morsels are ideal for parties, game nights, or even a cozy movie night at home. With just a few store-bought shortcuts and an easy-to-follow process, even beginner cooks can serve up bakery-quality pizza rolls in under an hour.
What Makes Pizza Rolls So Popular?
Pepperoni pizza rolls combine everything people love about pizza—gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and flavorful marinara—wrapped up in a portable, dippable package. They’re quick to prep, completely customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd without the mess of traditional pizzas.
- Effortless prep: Use store-bought pizza dough and marinara for a fast-start.
- Shareable: Pull-apart design makes them ideal for gatherings.
- Customizable: Swap toppings, cheeses, or sauces to suit your taste.
- Delicious hot and fresh: Serve straight from the oven for maximum enjoyment.
The Magic of Store-Bought Shortcuts
While homemade pizza dough is always an option, the beauty of this recipe is that you don’t have to fuss with yeast or wait for dough to rise unless you feel like it. A quality ball of refrigerated store-bought pizza dough works perfectly, so you can focus on assembling and baking the rolls without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Rolls
- Do I need homemade pizza dough?
No! You can skip the hassle and opt for store-bought dough. It saves time and still delivers a chewy, satisfying base. However, if you enjoy making your own, feel free to use your favorite pizza dough recipe for a personalized touch. - What’s the secret to perfect rolling?
Think of the process like making cinnamon rolls. Lay four string cheese sticks in a line along the long edge of the dough. Then, roll tightly from that edge, sealing the cheese inside for melty, cheesy centers. - Should I grease my pan?
Yes. Generously spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil to ensure your rolls lift out easily and crisp up on the edges. - Can I use other toppings?
Absolutely! Classic pepperoni is a perennial favorite, but you can add diced peppers, black olives, cooked sausage, or mushrooms. For best results, add extra toppings right before baking so the rolls stay neat and compact. - Can I make pizza rolls ahead?
Pizza rolls are best served hot and fresh from the oven. The texture and flavor are at their peak right after baking. Luckily, the use of prepared dough and sauce means you can assemble and bake just before serving for convenience.
Ingredients for Classic Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
- 1 ball refrigerated pizza dough (about 14 oz), at room temperature
- All-purpose flour, for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 ounces sliced pepperoni, divided
- 4 sticks mozzarella string cheese
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a hot bake and bubbling cheese.
- Prepare the dough: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the pizza dough to a large, thin rectangle (about 11 x 18 inches). This ensures an even bake and makes rolling easier.
- Add the fillings: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan, dried oregano, and kosher salt. Layer on the mozzarella cheese slices and half the pepperoni.
- Arrange and roll: Unwrap your string cheese and lay each stick end-to-end along a long edge of the dough. Roll the dough up tightly from the cheese edge, forming a long stuffed cylinder. Pinch the seam closed and flip seam-side down.
- Slice and arrange: Use a serrated knife to slice the roll into 1-inch thick rounds. Place each roll, cut-side up, in a greased 12-inch round baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Tuck remaining pepperoni pieces into the folds for extra punch.
- Rise: Let the rolls sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and the filling is bubbly and melty. Serve immediately with more marinara on the side for dipping.
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate, per roll)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110–130 |
| Fat | 5–6g |
| Carbohydrates | 13–15g |
| Protein | 5–6g |
(Exact values will depend on the type of dough, cheese, and toppings used.)
Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill: Too much sauce or toppings can lead to soggy rolls or filling leaking out during baking.
- Seal seams well: Pinching the dough after rolling is crucial to keep cheese and sauce contained.
- Use a sharp, serrated knife for cleaner slices and to avoid compressing the rolls.
- Bake in a round dish or cast-iron skillet for even heat and beautiful, golden edges.
- Let rise before baking: Don’t skip the 20-minute proof for fluffier, more pillowy rolls.
Creative Variations
- Vegetarian option: Omit the pepperoni and add diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, and sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy twist: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or spread a layer of spicy arrabbiata sauce in place of classic marinara.
- Extra cheesy: Swap some mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a richer flavor, or double up on string cheese for ultra-gooey centers.
- Pesto or garlic butter: Smear a thin layer of pesto or melted garlic butter over the rolled-out dough before adding the toppings.
What others are reading
Serving and Storing Suggestions
- Serve hot, ideally straight from the baking dish with a bowl of extra marinara for dipping.
- For parties, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) for up to 30 minutes, but avoid reheating too long or they may dry out.
- Short-term storage: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for best texture.
Fun Ideas for Presentation
- Arrange rolls in a spiral pattern in the baking dish for a beautiful, pull-apart effect.
- Sprinkle baked rolls with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh basil just before serving.
- Pair with an assortment of dipping sauces: marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy pizza sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze assembled pizza rolls?
Yes, assemble and slice the unbaked rolls, then arrange on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze up to two months. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the bake time as needed.
Do pizza rolls work with gluten-free dough?
Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough—the process is the same, though the texture may vary slightly and you may need extra care when rolling and slicing.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but can make the bread rubbery.
Can I use crescent roll or biscuit dough?
Crescent roll or biscuit dough produces a softer, fluffier roll—a great alternative if you like a lighter bite. Adjust filling amounts as needed to avoid overflow.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe Card
- Yield: 16–20 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-inch round baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Roll pizza dough on a floured surface to an 11″ x 18″ rectangle.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce, sprinkle 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 tsp oregano, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Evenly arrange 10 mozzarella slices and half the pepperoni.
- Place 4 string cheeses, end-to-end, along one long side. Roll up tightly, pinching the seam.
- Slice into 1-inch rolls, place cut-side up in pan. Tuck in remaining pepperoni.
- Let rise 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until crust is golden. Serve hot with extra marinara.
Final Thoughts
Pepperoni pizza rolls are the sort of cozy, comforting treat that everyone loves—easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for a party. With endless ways to mix up the fillings, sauces, and cheeses based on what you love, there’s no reason not to make them again and again. Enjoy with your favorite people and plenty of extra marinara for dipping!
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