Irresistible Pepperoni Cheese Rolls

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Bite into these cheesy pepperoni rolls made from tender dough, loaded with melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and tangy marinara. You'll taste a hint of garlic and oregano, and some olive oil brushed over for that beautiful bake. They're awesome for snacks, lunch, or sharing with friends. Mix things up and use different meats, toss in your favorite veggies, or sprinkle on some Parmesan to change the vibe. Grab them warm for the best experience. The edges get crispy and the inside stays cheesy—great for any meal or gathering.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Authored By Elisa
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 10:55:50 GMT
A plate of pepperoni and cheese. Bookmark
A plate of pepperoni and cheese. | recipesbyelisa.com

Nothing beats gooey pepperoni and cheese stuffed pizza rolls when you want something cozy and fun. The dough bakes fluffy and golden with every bite bursting with saucy, cheesy flavor. At my place, they’re gone before anyone even sits down—nobody can walk away from that crispy, cheesy bite!

I whipped these up for movie night ages ago and friends basically inhaled them. Had to make a second one right away

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Olive oil—Brings crunch and a pretty golden color. Extra virgin tastes best, but any kind will work!
  • Dried oregano—Brings out that classic pie smell. If it still smells herby and fresh, you picked a good one
  • Garlic powder—Loads of flavor and smells amazing. Go for fresh, strong stuff if you can
  • Sliced pepperoni—Total flavor bomb! Grab thick slices for kick, but any will do
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese—Stretches into ooey perfection. Grab a block and shred yourself for the dreamiest melt
  • Marinara sauce—Hits you with tang and makes things saucy. Just pick one that tastes bright and simple
  • Pizza dough—Go fresh or get a tube from the store, just let it warm up first so rolling doesn’t get frustrating

Simple Step-by-Step

Cool and Serve
Give the rolls about five minutes to chill out so your mouth isn’t on fire and the cheese sets just enough—dig in while they’re still toasty
Top and Bake
Splash a bit of olive oil over each, bake at 375°F for about fifteen to twenty minutes, and pull them when bubbling and golden around the edges
Arrange for Baking
Grab a sheet pan, lay down parchment or grease it up, and set the rolls cut side down with some space between them
Slice the Rolls
Cut your dough log into thick pieces (about an inch wide)—they’ll look like cute pizza pinwheels
Form the Roll
Start at the short end and roll it up tightly so all the tasty stuff stays inside
Season the Layers
Don’t skimp on garlic powder and oregano—just sprinkle it all over for a big pizzeria vibe
Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Scatter mozzarella so you get cheese in every bite, then drop pepperoni slices right on top for loads of flavor
Add the Sauce
Spoon marinara evenly over the dough, but leave a little space at the edge so you can seal it up without leaks
Roll the Dough
Press out the dough gently into a rectangle (aim for ten by fourteen inches) on a floured surface—if you go easy, it won’t rip
Prepare the Oven
Crank the oven to 375°F before you do anything else so it’s ready when you are
A plate loaded with melty cheese and spicy pepperoni bites. Bookmark
A plate loaded with melty cheese and spicy pepperoni bites. | recipesbyelisa.com

My all-time favorite has always been the melty mozzarella. Last time, my niece sprinkled on the cheese—now it’s her job every pizza night, and she won’t let anyone else help!

How to Store

Toss leftovers into a sealed container and stash in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up in the oven or air fryer to keep things crispy—skip the microwave if you can because it’ll turn them limp. You can freeze the dough slices before baking and then cook straight from frozen—just tack on a few more minutes in the oven

Swap It Up

Go veggie by trading pepperoni for mushrooms or bell peppers, or mix in cooked sausage or Canadian bacon instead. Low-fat mozzarella works for a lighter snack, or sprinkle on some Parmesan for more punch. Making your own dough? Go for it—just let it rise all the way before you roll things out!

Cheesy pepperoni pinwheels on a plate. Bookmark
Cheesy pepperoni pinwheels on a plate. | recipesbyelisa.com

How to Serve

These are awesome dunked in extra marinara or ranch. Stack them with a crispy salad on the side for a full-on meal. They’re a hit at parties or for watching the game. My crew likes to pack them for picnics since they taste just as good hours later

Story Behind the Dish

Pizza rolls come from Italian stromboli mixed with American snack vibes. They got famous at hangouts and sports nights since everyone could grab one. That combo of tomato, melty cheese, and salty meat is about as inviting as it gets—making these is a tradition at my house, and it always brings the gang together

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Is store-bought dough okay for these rolls?

For sure! Premade dough is totally fine. Just let it warm up to room temp so it's easy to roll out.

→ What dips go well with these?

You can't go wrong with ranch, garlic butter, or some extra marinara for dipping these rolls.

→ Will these taste good if I make them ahead and heat them up later?

Certainly. Bake them, let them cool off, tuck them in something airtight, and pop them back in the oven to reheat so they stay crisp.

→ Can I swap the pepperoni and do a veggie spin?

Definitely! Switch out the pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach—whatever veggies you like.

→ How can I make sure the rolls don't pop open during baking?

Just roll them up snug and lay the seam side down on your pan. That'll help them stick together while they bake.

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls

Soft, hot rolls packed with cheese, marinara, and pepperoni. They're crisp outside and full of melty, tasty goodness inside.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Authored By: Elisa

Type of Recipe: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Servings Count: 8 Number of Servings (8 pizza rolls)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Dough and Sauce

Ingredient 01 120 ml marinara sauce
Ingredient 02 390 g pizza dough, room temp

→ Filling and Seasoning

Ingredient 03 2 g dried oregano
Ingredient 04 2 g garlic powder
Ingredient 05 70 g pepperoni, thinly sliced
Ingredient 06 175 g mozzarella, shredded

→ For Baking

Ingredient 07 15 ml olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Wait for your dough to reach room temp before you start. Makes rolling way easier.

Step 02

Put a light dusting of flour on your clean counter, so the dough doesn’t stick.

Step 03

Take the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin into a big rectangle, about 25 by 35 centimeters.

Step 04

Ladle the sauce onto the dough and push it out with the back of a spoon, but keep a 1 cm edge all around.

Step 05

Scatter mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then scatter the pepperoni over the cheese as well.

Step 06

Add your garlic powder and a pinch of oregano to the top so every bite gets flavor.

Step 07

Starting from the short end, roll the dough up tight. Slice it into 2.5 cm pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 08

Pop the slices face up on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a bit of oil to stop sticking.

Step 09

Brush or drizzle some olive oil on top of each roll for a pretty finish.

Step 10

Slide 'em in the hot oven at 190°C for 15 to 20 minutes. You want bubbly cheese and golden tops.

Step 11

Pull out and let them cool about 5 minutes—nobody likes burnt mouths from melty cheese!

Extra Tips and Tricks

  1. Room temp dough rolls out smoother, so don't rush it.
  2. Want crunchier rolls? Brush the dough with olive oil before you put on anything else.
  3. Sprinkle some Parmesan or a dash of chili flakes for a kick.
  4. Skip the pepperoni and use other deli meats or cooked veggies to go veggie-friendly.
  5. Letting these rest after baking stops that hot cheese from hurting your mouth.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush (optional)

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient lists for allergens and seek advice if you're unsure.
  • Has wheat (gluten)
  • Has milk (dairy)

Nutritional Information (per portion)

The provided details are purely informational and should not replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 250
  • Fat Amount: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~