PEPPERONI PIZZA ROLLS AMAZING

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Author: Alice Yowell
Published:
Close-up of golden brown Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, a delicious and easy appetizer.
Craving that classic pizza flavor but want something a little more fun and portable? Imagine biting into a warm, golden, and perfectly crisp roll, bursting with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tangy tomato sauce. These homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are the answer to your snack prayers, and I promise you, they’re way easier to make than you think!

The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create pizza roll perfection!

For the Dough:

  • 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup pizza sauce (your favorite brand!)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds a nice touch!)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings (for after baking):

  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Let’s Talk Dough: Tips and Tricks

A close-up shot showcases golden-brown, baked Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, ready to be enjoyed. Making your own dough might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s incredibly rewarding, and I’m here to guide you! Don’t be afraid, we’ve got this!

Yeast Activation 101

This is the most crucial step. If your yeast doesn’t activate, your dough won’t rise. Make sure your water is warm, not hot, and that your yeast isn’t expired. A good sign of activation is a frothy mixture after about 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t froth, it’s best to start again with fresh yeast.

Kneading Know-How

Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the dough its structure. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 6-8 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, aim for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Don’t over-knead, or it can become tough.

The Perfect Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours. A warm oven (turned off!) is a great place for this.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Pizza Roll Assembly

Now for the fun part! Let’s bring those Pepperoni Pizza Rolls to life.
  1. Prepare the Dough

    1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
    2. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt.
    3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
    4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook in a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes.
    5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  2. Assemble the Pizza Rolls

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet.
    2. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
    3. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
    4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
    5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, and garlic powder over the sauce.
    6. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
    7. Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
    8. Place the rolls, cut-side up, onto the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake to Golden Perfection

    1. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    2. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter, if desired. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, if using.
    3. Let cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm!

Troubleshooting and Customization Ideas

Even the best recipes can sometimes throw you a curveball. Here’s how to handle some common issues, plus ideas for making these rolls truly *yours*.

Dough Dilemmas

  • Dough is too sticky: Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to handle.
  • Dough isn’t rising: Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm enough. You can also try placing the dough in a slightly warmer spot.
  • Dough is rising too fast: If your kitchen is very warm, the dough might rise too quickly. Punch it down and let it rise again in a cooler place.

Filling Fun

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.
  • Veggie boost: Sneak in some finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
  • Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Meat lovers’ delight: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham to the pepperoni for an extra meaty treat.
I think you’ll really like this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli as well.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Plate

These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas for taking them to the next level:
  • Dipping sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or pesto.
  • Party platter: Arrange the rolls on a platter with other appetizers like vegetable sticks, cheese cubes, and olives.
  • Pizza night upgrade: Serve alongside a homemade pizza for the ultimate pizza feast.
  • For another great snack idea, try Cheesy Garbage Bread

Make-Ahead Magic and Storage Savvy

Planning ahead? These rolls are perfect for making in advance!

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.

Storage Tips

Leftover baked rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through. If you want to make a big batch and freeze them, bake as directed, let cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

Other Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

Once you’ve mastered these Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, you might want to try your hand at some other equally delicious recipes. You can change up your dipping game with these Baked French Dip Biscuits. For something with a kick, try these Jalapeño Popper Rolls. If you’re looking for something different, these Philly Cheesesteak Bowls are sure to be a hit! Or, check out these Garlic Parm Cheeseburger Bombs.

Enjoy Your Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls!

I hope you love these Pepperoni Pizza Rolls as much as I do! They’re the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a fun and easy dinner. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and toppings to make them your own. Happy baking!

What temperature should the water be for activating the yeast?

The water should be warm, between 105-115°F. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast.

How can I store leftover pepperoni pizza rolls?

Leftover baked rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months by wrapping them individually and storing them in a freezer bag.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to handle.

Besides marinara, what are some other dipping sauce suggestions for the pepperoni pizza rolls?

Besides marinara sauce, you can serve the pepperoni pizza rolls with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or pesto.

Close-up of golden brown Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, a delicious and easy appetizer.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Avatar photoAmelia Chen-Morrison
These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a fun and portable twist on classic pizza. They’re filled with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tangy tomato sauce, all wrapped in a golden, crisp roll. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a casual meal.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Stand mixer (optional)
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
  • serrated knife
  • Rolling Pin

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water 105-115°F
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Melted butter optional, for brushing
  • Additional garlic powder optional, for topping
  • Additional Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
  • Fresh parsley, chopped optional, for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt.
  • Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook in a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet.
  • Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, and garlic powder over the sauce.
  • Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
  • Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
  • Place the rolls, cut-side up, onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and brush with melted butter, if desired. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, if using.
  • Let cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
Storage Tips: Leftover baked rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through. If you want to make a big batch and freeze them, bake as directed, let cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick. Sneak in some finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham to the pepperoni for an extra meaty treat.
Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or pesto.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alice Yowell

Hey! I’m Alice, the heart behind BestHomeMadeRecipes. . Along with my cousin Amelia, Cooking has always been my passion, and there’s nothing I love more than creating bold, flavorful recipes that make every meal memorable.

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