Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a delightful snack that combines gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and a golden, flaky crust, then you are going to adore this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe. This dish is a sure-fire crowd pleaser, whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch, hosting a party, or packing a fun treat for the kids. The beauty of these roll ups lies in their simplicity and the perfectly balanced flavors wrapped into one irresistible bite. Get ready to make your kitchen smell like a pizzeria and enjoy every cheesy, pepperoni-packed moment!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the soft, buttery dough to the savory seasoning, every component is a building block for this mouthwatering treat.
- 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough: Provides a soft, flaky base that holds all the fillings together.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Adds tangy moisture and classic pizza flavor as the foundational layer.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that signature gooey, cheesy texture.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Brings a spicy, savory punch to balance the creamy cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Sprinkles in herbal notes that elevate the pizza-like taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle kick of flavor that complements the toppings perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Ensures the crust bakes up golden and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty finish on top, boosting flavor complexity.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a fresh pop of green and a mild herbal brightness to the finished rolls.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready to give your roll ups that perfect golden crust. While waiting for the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a neat rectangle about 10 by 14 inches—this shape makes rolling up a breeze and keeps things even.
Step 2: Spread Pizza Sauce and Add Toppings
Now, spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, but leave a little border around the edges so the sauce doesn’t ooze out. Follow by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, creating that cheesy foundation. Then, distribute the pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese to ensure every roll features those spicy, savory bites that make this recipe a winner.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from the longer side of the dough, roll it up tightly into a log shape. Sealing the seam carefully keeps all those delicious ingredients tucked inside while baking. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 10 to 12 evenly sized pieces, perfect for finger food. Place each slice cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them just enough so they can puff and bake flawlessly.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Finishing Touches Before Baking
Brush the tops of your roll ups with melted butter to encourage a beautiful golden brown finish. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese right on top for an extra layer of flavor. These little sprinklings transform the roll ups from tasty to utterly crave-worthy. Now pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re bubbly, golden, and inviting.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
While these roll ups are delightful on their own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds just the right touch of color and freshness. It brightens the plate and offers a subtle contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter. You can also offer extra grated Parmesan or a little cracked black pepper for those who like a more intense flavor booster.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple and complementary by serving these roll ups with extra pizza sauce for dipping. A crisp green salad or crunchy carrot sticks can balance out the cheesy richness with refreshing crispness. For a heartier meal, consider pairing them with a bowl of tomato soup to double down on those beloved Italian flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange these roll ups on a wooden serving board with bowls of various sauces like ranch, marinara, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. This turns your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe into a festive appetizer spread that invites guests to customize their bites. Wrapping each roll up in a little napkin or serving them stacked high on a tiered stand will also make for a charming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The roll ups hold their flavor well, and a quick reheat will bring back their delicious warmth and texture.
Freezing
These roll ups freeze beautifully! Arrange the unbaked roll ups on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the roll ups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method revives the crispy outside and melty cheese inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and can add an extra personal touch if you’re feeling adventurous. Just roll it out to the same size and follow the recipe steps as usual.
What can I substitute for pepperoni if someone doesn’t like it?
You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, diced ham, cooked vegetables, or even a blend of olives and mushrooms. This recipe is very flexible, so customize it to fit your favorite pizza toppings.
Are these roll ups kid-friendly?
Yes, they are a fantastic kid-friendly snack or lunch option. The flavors are familiar and fun, and the size is just right for little hands to hold and enjoy.
Can I make these roll ups vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with veggies or vegan pepperoni alternatives. Use dairy-free cheese and butter substitutes to make it fully vegan, and you’ll still get that delicious cheesy pull.
How long do these roll ups stay fresh after baking?
They stay best when eaten within three days if refrigerated. Beyond that, you might notice a change in texture and flavor, but reheating or freezing can help maintain their tastiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting, melty goodness of this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe to brighten any day. Whether it’s a casual family snack or a show-stopping party appetizer, these roll ups deliver all the flavors you love about pizza in a fun, handheld form. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming your new go-to for quick, crowd-pleasing yumminess!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 roll ups 1x
Description
Deliciously cheesy and savory Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups made with refrigerated dough, loaded with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and classic Italian seasonings. These easy-to-make roll ups are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or lunchbox treat, offering the irresistible flavors of pizza in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
Dough and Sauce
- 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
Fillings and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle to create an even base for your roll ups.
- Spread pizza sauce: Evenly spread the 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the roll.
- Add cheese and pepperoni: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, distributing it evenly, then layer the sliced pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- Roll the dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam well to seal the roll and prevent it from unraveling while baking.
- Slice and arrange: Cut the rolled dough into 10 to 12 even pieces. Place them cut-side up spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add toppings before baking: Brush the tops of roll ups with melted butter, then sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each roll.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the roll ups are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy your cheesy pepperoni pizza roll ups!
Notes
- You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, vegetables, or your favorite pizza toppings to customize your roll ups.
- These roll ups work perfectly as an appetizer, snack for parties, or a fun lunchbox treat for kids.
- Make sure to seal the dough seam tightly to avoid the filling spilling out during baking.
- Use parchment paper or grease the baking sheet well to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
