The Best Homemade Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe Ever

Warm, gooey cheesy pepperoni rolls have become my secret weekend comfort food addiction.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that makes mouths water instantly.

Memories of childhood bakeries flood back with each bite of these savory treats.

Regional pizza shop traditions inspired this simple yet delectable recipe that anyone can master at home.

Soft dough wrapped around spicy pepperoni and oozing cheese promises pure satisfaction.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Let’s unlock the magic of these delightful rolls together and transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls That Disappear Fast

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, and family gatherings where everyone craves delicious handheld bites.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Straightforward recipe with simple steps that even novice cooks can master without complicated techniques or professional skills.
• Kid-Approved Meal: Combines kid-friendly ingredients like pepperoni and cheese in a fun, portable format that children will love and adults can enjoy too.
• Time-Efficient Preparation: Takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning when time is limited.

What’s Wrapped in Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls

Main Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: Soft, stretchy base that holds the filling, best when fresh or homemade.
• Pasta Sauce: Rich tomato sauce for adding moisture and flavor, choose a smooth marinara.

• Pepperoni, Cheese: Classic pizza combo that provides savory and melty goodness, pepperoni should be thinly sliced, choose a mild mozzarella cheese.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden brown exterior and adds a subtle richness.
• Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic Italian seasoning blend that enhances overall flavor, use dried oregano for more concentrated taste.
• Extra Cheese: Additional topping for extra cheesy finish, same cheese as inside rolls.

Directions for Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a toasty 425°F.

Grab a 9×11″ baking pan and give it a quick spray with baking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Saucy Base

Spread a layer of pasta sauce across the bottom of the pan to add extra flavor.

Step 3: Roll and Divide the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a nice rectangle.

Slice the dough into 12 equal squares – precision is key!

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundations

• A dollop of pasta sauce in the center
• Two pepperoni slices
• A sprinkle of cheese

Step 5: Transform Dough into Pockets

Gather the corners of each dough square and pinch them together tightly.

You’re creating little flavor-packed parcels!

Step 6: Arrange in the Baking Pan

Place the stuffed rolls in the pan with the pinched side facing down.

Tuck halved pepperoni slices between the rolls for extra excitement.

Step 7: Add Final Flavor Touches

Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil.

• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Remaining cheese

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these hot pockets warm with extra pasta sauce for dipping.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Pepperoni Roll Folding Tips

• Pinch edges firmly to prevent sauce and cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring each roll stays intact and delicious.
• Mix mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for extra flavor depth and a more complex cheese profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or swap regular pepperoni for spicy versions to adjust heat according to personal preference.
• Assemble rolls in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning and entertaining.
• Experiment with marinara, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing to complement the pepperoni rolls' rich, cheesy flavor.

Reheat Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Without Losing the Melt

• Store leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and tasty.
• Warm rolls at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness and bring back their original delicious texture.
• Quickly reheat rolls for 30-45 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and maintain softness.
• Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months for convenient future meals.

Savory Sips With Pepperoni Rolls

• Savor Zesty Italian Beverages: Pair these cheesy pepperoni rolls with a crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, savory flavors and refreshes the palate.
• Create a Flavor-Packed Side Salad: Whip up a quick Italian chopped salad with pepperoncini, salami bits, and a tangy vinaigrette to complement the rolls' cheesy, spicy profile.
• Match with Classic Marinara: Serve extra warmed pasta sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the rolls' pepperoni and cheese combination with bright, herbal tomato notes.
• Explore Cool Beer Pairings: Select a hoppy craft IPA or a light lager that balances the rolls' richness and provides a crisp, palate-cleansing contrast to the melted cheese and spicy pepperoni.

Pepperoni Roll Cheese Additions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust, using certified gluten-free ingredients to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Spin: Swap pepperoni with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, maintaining the cheesy and saucy core of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Option: Use thin sliced zucchini or large cheese wraps instead of traditional dough, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the classic flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce inside the rolls for those who enjoy extra heat and want a more intense flavor experience.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great and can make the pepperoni rolls even more delicious. Just ensure the dough is rolled out thin and can be easily shaped.

• What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is the top choice for this recipe, but you can also use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for extra flavor. Shredded cheese melts perfectly and creates that gooey texture.

• How do I prevent the rolls from opening during baking?

Pinch the dough corners tightly and make sure they are completely sealed. Place the rolls seam-side down in the baking pan to help maintain their shape during baking.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the pan with plastic wrap and bake within 24 hours for the best results.

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory West Virginia cheesy pepperoni rolls blend hearty Appalachian comfort with simple, irresistible ingredients. Warm bread hugging spicy pepperoni and melted cheese creates a perfect handheld snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 3032 pepperoni slices
• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) RAGU Homestyle Traditional Pasta Sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious baking surface by coating a 9×11″ pan with cooking spray, then spread a thin layer of pasta sauce across the bottom.
2. Transform pizza dough into a wide, flat rectangle on a flour-dusted workspace, meticulously dividing it into 12 uniform squares.
3. Craft individual roll foundations by dolloping pasta sauce at the center of each dough segment.
4. Layer two pepperoni slices atop the sauce, creating a savory base for each roll.
5. Generously crown the pepperoni with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
6. Gather each dough square’s corners, carefully pressing and sealing them to form compact, enclosed parcels.
7. Arrange the rolls in the prepared pan with sealed sides facing downward, creating a snug arrangement.
8. Slice remaining pepperoni into halves and nestle them strategically between the rolls for enhanced flavor distribution.
9. Enhance the rolls’ exterior by delicately brushing with olive oil, then generously dust with oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
10. Shower the rolls with a final layer of cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Position the pan in a preheated 425°F oven, baking until the rolls transform into a golden, appetizing hue (approximately 18-20 minutes).
12. Serve immediately alongside additional pasta sauce for an indulgent dipping experience.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: You can assemble these rolls earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake, making meal planning a breeze.
• Dough Flexibility: Use homemade or store-bought pizza dough; gluten-free options work perfectly for those with dietary restrictions.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella, provolone, or a blend to customize flavor profiles and textures.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a meat-free alternative that’s equally delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg