Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a fun and tasty twist on the classic pizza, offering all the flavors you love in a portable, bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties, game day snacks, or a quick family dinner, these pizza rolls are simple to make and sure to be a hit with everyone. Here’s how to make your own pepperoni pizza rolls at home!
Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
To make these irresistible pizza rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pizza Dough (Store-bought or homemade)
- Pepperoni (or any other meat topping you prefer)
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Pizza Sauce (for dipping)
- Olive Oil (optional for brushing the rolls)
- Italian Seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring that it’s ready to bake the pizza rolls to golden perfection.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using pre-made dough, just unroll it and stretch it out to fit your baking sheet. Aim for about 12×8 inches.
3. Layer with Toppings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, layer the pepperoni slices evenly across the dough, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also sprinkle some Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor.
4. Roll Up the Dough
Starting from one edge, gently roll the dough up into a log, keeping the toppings inside. Once rolled, pinch the seams to seal the dough and prevent the filling from spilling out.
5. Slice the Pizza Roll
Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch thick. Arrange the slices in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, spacing them evenly.
6. Bake the Pizza Rolls
Brush the top of the pizza rolls with a little olive oil if desired, for a golden finish. Place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with a side of pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
- Add Variety: Feel free to swap out pepperoni for other pizza toppings like cooked sausage, bacon, or even mushrooms.
- Cheese: If you want extra cheesy pizza rolls, add some Parmesan or cheddar along with the mozzarella.
- Make Them Mini: For smaller rolls, use mini pepperoni slices or cut the dough into smaller squares for bite-sized snacks.
- Make Ahead: You can make the pizza rolls in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these pizza rolls?
Yes, you can freeze pepperoni pizza rolls! To do so, prepare the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, simply add an extra few minutes to the cooking time from frozen.
What else can I add to the rolls?
You can add a variety of ingredients such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, olives, or even cooked chicken for a more hearty snack.
Are pepperoni pizza rolls spicy?
Pepperoni can be spicy, but if you prefer a milder flavor, use regular pepperoni or choose a mild sausage instead.
Final Thoughts
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a crowd-pleasing snack or meal that can be enjoyed by all ages. They’re easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a busy weeknight dinner, or a simple snack, these pizza rolls are sure to be a hit every time. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to roll up some deliciousness!
Serving and Storage Tips for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Serving Tips:
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your freshly baked pepperoni pizza rolls with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for added flavor.
- Perfect for Parties: These pizza rolls make a great appetizer for parties, gatherings, or game days. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy, mess-free snacking.
- Pair with a Salad: For a more balanced meal, serve these pizza rolls alongside a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad. This adds a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy rolls.
- As a Meal: Add a side of vegetables or a fruit salad to turn these pizza rolls into a well-rounded lunch or dinner.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
Leftover pepperoni pizza rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before storing to prevent moisture from building up. - Freezing:
For longer storage, freeze your pizza rolls. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen rolls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until heated through and crispy. - Reheating:
To reheat pizza rolls, place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option, but the texture may not be as crispy.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your pepperoni pizza rolls stay delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying them right away or saving them for later!
1. Can I use a different type of dough for these pizza rolls?
Yes! While pizza dough is the most common choice, you can also use crescent roll dough or even puff pastry for a flakier texture. Both options will create delicious, buttery pizza rolls with a slightly different twist.
2. Can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make vegetarian pizza rolls, simply replace the pepperoni with your favorite veggies, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives. You can also add some spinach or artichokes for extra flavor.
3. How can I make the pizza rolls extra cheesy?
To make your pizza rolls extra cheesy, try adding a combination of mozzarella and other cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or provolone. You can also stuff the rolls with a layer of cheese along with the pepperoni for a gooey, cheesy center.
4. How do I know when my pizza rolls are fully cooked?
Your pizza rolls are ready when they are golden brown on top and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure, you can use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean when inserted into the center, with no raw dough left.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza! Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or quick dinner, they’re made with soft dough rolled around gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Serve them with extra sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (approximately 10×14 inches).
3. Add the Toppings:
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
4. Roll and Slice:
- Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
5. Bake the Pizza Rolls:
- Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture over the top of the rolls.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customization: Add other toppings like chopped bell peppers, cooked sausage, or olives for variety.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls and refrigerate before baking. Add 5-7 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.