If you’re looking for the easiest, most crowd-pleasing party snack that disappears faster than you can make them, let me introduce you to my pepperoni pizza rolls! These little bites of heaven pack all the flavors of your favorite pepperoni pizza into a perfectly poppable package. I first made these for my niece’s birthday party last summer, and let me tell you – the kids went wild! But the real surprise? The adults kept sneaking them too. Now they’re my go-to whenever I need a quick appetizer that guarantees empty plates and happy faces. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your fridge right now.
Table of contents:
Why You’ll Love These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Listen, I know you’re going to adore these pepperoni pizza rolls as much as I do – and here’s why! First off, they take maybe 10 minutes of actual hands-on time (hello, lazy chef win). They’re the ultimate party food because:
- They disappear fast – like, “did I really make 20?” fast
- You can customize them with whatever pizza toppings make your heart sing
- Kids go absolutely nuts for them (my picky nephew eats three helpings!)
- That golden, crispy exterior gives way to melty cheese inside – pure magic
Seriously, these rolls are my not-so-secret weapon for everything from game nights to “oops I forgot to plan dinner” emergencies. For more easy appetizer ideas, check out our recipes section!
Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these irresistible pepperoni pizza rolls. I always joke that my grocery list for these is shorter than my to-do list!
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz) – the kind that pops open gives me such joy every time
- 20 slices pepperoni – I use regular, but mini pepperonis work great too
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (pack it in!) – pre-shredded is fine, but if you grate your own it melts even better
- ½ cup pizza sauce – I’m partial to the basil-flavored kind
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for that perfect golden crust
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – my secret flavor booster
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic
See? I told you it was simple! Now let’s turn these basic ingredients into something magical. You can find more delicious recipes like our homemade pizza pockets on our site.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Okay friends, let me walk you through my foolproof method for making these pepperoni pizza rolls – I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet! The key is to work quickly and not overthink it. Ready? Here we go!
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Toppings
First things first – crank that oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake. Now, unroll your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface (trust me, this prevents sticking disasters). Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently stretch it into about a 12×8 inch rectangle – don’t worry if it’s not perfect, mine never is! Spread the pizza sauce evenly with the back of a spoon, leaving just a tiny border around the edges. This keeps the sauce from oozing out later. Scatter that glorious mozzarella cheese all over, then artfully arrange your pepperoni slices. I like to slightly overlap them for maximum pepperoni in every bite!
Step 2: Roll and Slice
Here’s where the magic happens! Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pro tip: roll slowly and tuck as you go to prevent air pockets. When you’ve got a beautiful pizza dough cigar, pinch the seam to seal it. Now grab a sharp knife (a dull one will squish everything) and slice into about 1-inch thick rolls. You should get around 20 perfect little spirals. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet – they’ll puff up as they bake so give them some personal space!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Now for my favorite part – brush each roll lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with that delicious Italian seasoning and garlic powder combo. Pop them in the oven and resist the urge to open the door! After about 15 minutes, start peeking – you want them golden brown with cheese bubbling happily. Mine usually take 18 minutes exactly, but ovens vary. When they’re gloriously puffed and crisp, remove them immediately – that oven smell will have everyone hovering in the kitchen!
Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
After making hundreds (maybe thousands?) of these pepperoni pizza rolls, I’ve picked up some tricks for absolute perfection every time. First, if your dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes – it makes rolling so much easier! Always use parchment paper on your baking sheet unless you enjoy scrubbing cheese off pans (no thank you!). And here’s my golden rule – when you think you’ve added enough cheese, add a little more! The extra melts into glorious cheesiness that makes these irresistible.
One more thing – don’t crowd them on the baking sheet! Giving each roll space means they’ll get crispy all around instead of steaming together. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Variations for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
The best part about these pepperoni pizza rolls? You can make them completely your own! For veggie lovers, try adding thinly sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the pepperoni. My friend Gina swears by adding a handful of fresh spinach leaves (they wilt perfectly in the oven). Not a pepperoni fan? Swap in cooked sausage, diced ham, or even bacon bits!
Feeling adventurous? Use alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce for a creamy twist. And for my gluten-free friends – these work beautifully with gluten-free pizza dough too. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Storing Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Here’s the best part – serving these pepperoni pizza rolls while they’re still warm from the oven, when the cheese is at its gooiest! I always have extra pizza sauce warmed up for dipping – it makes them even more irresistible. If by some miracle you have leftovers (it’s rare in my house), let them cool completely before tucking them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for 2 days – just pop them in the toaster oven to re-crisp. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll be your secret snack stash for months!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating – based on 2 rolls (because let’s be real, who stops at one?): about 180 calories, 9g fat, and 8g protein. They’ve got 18g carbs with 1g fiber and 2g sugar. Keep in mind these values are estimates – your actual nutrition may vary depending on your specific ingredients. That extra handful of cheese I always add? Yeah, that’s not accounted for here!
FAQs About Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Can I make these pepperoni pizza rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them up to a day in advance – just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. The dough might puff slightly, but they’ll still turn out great. For longer prep, freeze the unbaked rolls on a tray before transferring to bags. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned?
Of course! My grandma’s homemade dough works beautifully here – just roll it slightly thinner than store-bought. The key is using a dough that’s not too sticky. If yours is very elastic, let it rest for 10 minutes after rolling to prevent shrinking.
Why are my pizza rolls soggy?
Three likely culprits: too much sauce (stick to ½ cup), overcrowding the pan (space them out!), or not baking long enough (wait for that golden-brown color). Also, blotting your pepperoni with paper towels helps remove excess grease.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the pepperoni and load up with veggies instead. Mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers work great. For cheesier rolls, mix in some ricotta with the mozzarella – it’s heavenly!
What’s the best dipping sauce?
While pizza sauce is classic, my family loves these with ranch, marinara, or even a garlic butter dip! For something different, try pesto or spicy arrabbiata sauce.
Share Your Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Did your crew go crazy for these pepperoni pizza rolls like mine always does? I’d love to hear about it! Snap a pic of your creation and tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins. And if you tried any fun variations, drop a comment below so we can all get inspired! You can also find more inspiration on Pinterest.
Print“20 Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Rolls That Always Disappear Fast”
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy-to-make pepperoni pizza rolls that are perfect for snacks or parties. They combine the flavors of pepperoni pizza in bite-sized rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side.
- Cut into 1-inch slices and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American