Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are a fun and tasty twist on classic pizza, packed with gooey melted cheese and savory pepperoni wrapped in soft, golden dough. These roll-ups are perfect…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are a fun and tasty twist on classic pizza, packed with gooey melted cheese and savory pepperoni wrapped in soft, golden dough. These roll-ups are perfect when you’re craving all the flavors of pizza but want something easy to grab and eat with your hands. The combination of stretchy cheese and zesty pepperoni makes every bite a little celebration.
I love making these roll-ups when I need a quick snack or a casual meal that satisfies everyone. They’re super simple to prepare, and I always find myself sneaking a couple while they’re still warm and fresh out of the oven. If you like, you can add a little extra spice or a sprinkle of Italian herbs for a boost of flavor—I always keep some on hand to toss in.
These roll-ups are perfect for sharing at game nights, packed lunches, or just a cozy night in. I like to serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping because dipping makes them even more fun to eat. Plus, they’re a great way to get kids excited about dinner without any fuss, and they always disappear fast whenever I make them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dough: Crescent roll dough is super easy to work with and gives a soft, flaky texture. You can substitute with pizza dough or even biscuit dough if you want a heartier roll-up.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza stretch. If you need a swap, provolone or Monterey Jack work well too.
Pepperoni: Traditional pepperoni adds a nice spicy kick. For a milder taste, try sliced turkey pepperoni or omit for a vegetarian option.
Marinara Sauce: Use a good-quality pizza or marinara sauce for flavor. If you don’t have it, even plain tomato sauce with a pinch of garlic and oregano works just fine.
How Can I Roll the Dough Without It Falling Apart or Leaking?
Rolling is key to keeping all the cheesy, pepperoni goodness inside. Here’s how I do it:
- Press together any perforations in crescent dough to form one solid sheet.
- Spread sauce evenly but don’t overload—leave a small border so sauce doesn’t spill out when baking.
- Roll tight but gently: start at the long edge and roll slowly to avoid tearing.
- Place roll pieces cut-side down on the baking sheet to hold their shape while baking.
- Optional: brushing the tops with melted butter adds flavor and helps seal the edges a bit.
With these tips, your roll-ups will bake perfectly without mess, giving you those irresistible cheesy pulls every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to bake your roll-ups evenly and keep their shape.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup simple and stops roll-ups from sticking.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to slice the rolled dough into neat pieces easily.
- Basting brush – perfect for brushing melted butter on top for extra flavor and color.
- Mixing bowl (optional) – if you want to mix your own sauce or cheese blends.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or ham for a different protein twist.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for a fresh veggie crunch and color.
- Mix extra cheeses like cheddar or parmesan with mozzarella for richer taste.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning inside for a spicy or herby kick.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 20 minutes of preparation time plus 12-15 minutes baking time. So, in under 40 minutes, you’ll have warm, cheesy pepperoni roll-ups ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Space and Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the roll-ups don’t stick. Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. If the dough has any perforations, press them firmly together to create one solid sheet for rolling.
2. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni:
Spread about 1 cup of marinara or pizza sauce evenly across your dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaks. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce. Then, lay the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese to cover the surface.
3. Roll and Slice the Dough:
Carefully roll the dough up starting from the long edge, making a tight log to keep all the yummy filling inside. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces.
4. Bake and Serve:
Place each roll-up cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet so they keep their shape while baking. If you want, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle Italian seasoning or dried oregano for extra flavor. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. Let them cool a few minutes, then serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Roll-Ups?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using. This helps it roll out easily without tearing.
How Can I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy, or microwave them for a softer texture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Roll-Ups?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or ham to customize the flavor to your liking.
What’s the Best Sauce to Use?
Any good-quality marinara or pizza sauce works great. You can also mix your own with tomato sauce, garlic, and Italian herbs if you prefer a fresher taste.