There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and that soft, slightly crispy dough all rolled up into one bite-sized treat. Each roll has just the right amount of spice, thanks to the pepperoni, balanced by the richness of the cheese that pulls apart in layers with every bite. The crispy, golden crust adds the perfect crunch, creating a delightful contrast to the tender interior. These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are like a mini pizza party in your mouth, making them the perfect snack for game night, a party appetizer, or just a comforting weeknight treat. The best part? You can customize them to your liking by adding a little extra cheese, sprinkling on some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or even dipping them in marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor. It’s the ultimate mix of convenience and flavor, and honestly, once you make them once, you’ll be hooked.
Key Ingredients in Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Each ingredient in these Pepperoni Pizza Rolls plays a vital role in creating that perfect bite-sized flavor explosion. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that come together to make this snack so irresistible:
– Pizza dough
The base of the rolls, pizza dough gives them that soft, chewy texture with a crispy, golden crust when baked. It provides the structure for all the cheesy, pepperoni goodness inside.
– Marinara sauce
A rich and savory addition, marinara sauce adds depth and moisture to the rolls. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and slightly sweet, and you can use extra for dipping if you want even more flavor.
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is known for its meltability, and it’s the cheese that binds everything together in these rolls. It creates those irresistible cheesy layers that stretch with every bite, adding richness and creaminess.
– Sliced pepperoni
This classic pizza topping brings a spicy, savory punch. The pepperoni slices crisp up slightly as they bake, adding a wonderful texture and that signature pepperoni flavor.
– Garlic powder
Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, aromatic garlicky note that complements the cheese and pepperoni. It’s the secret ingredient that gives these rolls an extra layer of savory goodness.
– Dried oregano
Oregano is the herb that instantly reminds you of pizza. Its earthy, slightly bitter flavor brings freshness to the rolls and pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce and cheese.
– Olive oil
A light drizzle of olive oil helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown finish on the outside of the rolls. It also adds a bit of richness to the dough and enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the pizza rolls, giving them that crispy, golden finish.
2. Lightly flour a clean surface to roll out the pizza dough. This will prevent the dough from sticking and help you roll it out evenly.
3. Open the package of pizza dough and unroll it onto the floured surface. Take care to gently unroll it so it doesn’t tear. You’ll want a smooth, flat surface to work with.
4. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about 10 inches by 14 inches. Roll it out evenly to ensure all the rolls are the same size and bake uniformly.
5. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help keep the sauce contained inside the rolls, preventing any mess while baking.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating those ooey-gooey layers inside each roll.
7. Place the sliced pepperoni evenly across the cheese. Don’t overload the rolls, but make sure the pepperoni is spread out to give each bite a flavorful kick.
8. Sprinkle the garlic powder and dried oregano over the pepperoni and cheese layer. These seasonings add a savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
9. Carefully roll the dough up from one of the shorter edges to create a tight log. Roll it as evenly as possible to ensure each roll cooks the same.
10. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch wide pieces using a sharp knife. A serrated knife works well here to avoid squashing the dough.
11. Arrange the pizza rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure there’s some space between the rolls so they can bake evenly and crisp up.
12. Drizzle the olive oil over the tops of the pizza rolls. This step helps the dough get that golden-brown, crispy finish while also adding richness to the flavor.
13. Bake the pizza rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
14. Remove the pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This step ensures the cheese inside isn’t too hot to handle and makes them easier to enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
– Marinara sauce dip: You can never go wrong with a classic! Serve your pizza rolls with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. It adds an extra layer of tangy, savory flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy each bite!
– Garlic butter drizzle: Take these rolls to the next level by drizzling them with garlic butter after they come out of the oven. The buttery, garlicky goodness will soak into the crust and give every bite a little extra indulgence. It’s a simple yet irresistible addition!
– Fresh basil garnish: For a pop of color and a burst of freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top of your pizza rolls right before serving. The herbal, slightly peppery flavor will balance the richness of the cheese and pepperoni, and it makes the rolls look even more appetizing.
How to Store Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or want to make a big batch ahead of time), here’s how to store your Pepperoni Pizza Rolls so they stay fresh and flavorful:
– Room temperature: If you’re planning to eat them within the day, simply place your pizza rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep them from drying out.
– Refrigeration: For longer storage, pop them in the fridge. Store the pizza rolls in a container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They should stay good for about 4-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven or a toaster oven for that crispy edge.
– Freezing: If you want to save some for a rainy day, you can freeze your pizza rolls. After baking and letting them cool, arrange the rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, just bake them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw—at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
With these storage tips, you’ll never have to worry about soggy leftovers again! Enjoy your pizza rolls fresh, reheated, or even frozen for a quick snack later.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your new favorite snack, the Pepperoni Pizza Rolls! Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or simply indulging in a little comfort food, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and a crispy crust is just *impossible* to resist!
Feel free to tweak the recipe, add your favorite ingredients, or dive into those delicious dips. There’s really no wrong way to enjoy these tasty treats.
I’d love to hear how your pizza rolls turn out—let me know in the comments if you try them, or if you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback. And if you need any help in making them, I’m always happy to lend a hand!
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Description
Warm, soft dough stuffed with savory pepperoni and gooey melted cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a crispy, cheesy explosion of flavor that’ll have you reaching for more. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Lightly flour a clean surface to roll out the pizza dough.
-
Open the package of pizza dough and unroll it onto the floured surface.
-
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about 10 inches by 14 inches.
-
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
-
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
-
Place the sliced pepperoni evenly across the cheese.
-
Sprinkle the garlic powder and dried oregano over the pepperoni and cheese layer.
-
Carefully roll the dough up from one of the shorter edges to create a tight log.
-
Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch wide pieces using a sharp knife.
-
Arrange the pizza rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
-
Drizzle the olive oil over the tops of the pizza rolls.
-
Bake the pizza rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
-
Remove the pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Note
- Make sure the pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the dough with olive oil before adding the sauce and toppings.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Parmesan cheese to the pizza rolls.
- You can substitute the pepperoni with other deli meats or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth with hot cheese.
