Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, crescent roll dough creates a flakier texture and is just as delicious for these roll ups.

What cheese works best for stuffing?

Shredded mozzarella is perfect—melts beautifully and pairs well with pepperoni flavor.

How do I keep the roll ups from unrolling during baking?

Seal the edges tightly before placing on the baking sheet, and place seam-side down.

Can I add other toppings inside the roll ups?

Feel free to add sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety in each bite.

What dipping sauces pair well with these roll ups?

Warm pizza sauce is classic, but ranch or garlic butter makes a tasty alternative.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups with Melted Mozzarella

A plate of cheesy pepperoni pizza roll ups, served with a side of marinara sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Cheesy pepperoni pizza roll ups are the answer for any quick pizza craving or when you want a fun twist for pizza night. These are so easy to make that even kids can help roll them up.

I actually started making these in college with my roommates for game night. They are foolproof and always disappear faster than I can make more.

Ingredients

Refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough about 8 ounces: Look for dough that feels soft and springs back when pressed slightly. Avoid dough with dryness at the edges.
Shredded mozzarella cheese about 1 cup: Freshly shredded melts best and gives perfect stretchy results. Use whole milk mozzarella if you like richness.
Sliced pepperoni about 1 cup: Choose pepperoni that looks moist and bright red. If you love spicy heat grab a spicy variety.
Pizza sauce for dipping about half a cup: Pick a sauce with a good tang and no added sugar. Try making your own for extra flavor.
Italian seasoning or garlic powder optional: Adds savory aroma. Sprinkling just a bit over the filling or on top gives a nice pizzeria vibe.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:: Set your oven to the temperature on your dough package. Most pizza doughs and crescent rolls bake best at around 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Let it preheat fully for even results.
Prepare the Dough:: If using pizza dough, dust a clean counter with a bit of flour and roll into an even rectangle around a quarter inch thick. For crescent dough, unroll and gently separate into triangles, which makes for easy rolling later.
Assemble the Roll Ups:: With pizza dough, sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the surface, staying just shy of the edges. Lay your pepperoni slices all over the cheese. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder if you like. For crescent dough, add a pinch of cheese and a few slices of pepperoni at the wide end of each triangle.
Roll Them Up:: For pizza dough, start at one edge and roll tightly to form a compact log. Gently seal the seam by pinching. For crescent dough, roll from the wide end to the point, pressing lightly to keep cheese and pepperoni tucked in.
Cut and Bake:: With pizza dough, slice your roll into one inch pieces and arrange them cut side up on a parchment lined baking tray. For crescent dough just set the filled triangles seam side down. Bake as directed, usually twelve to fifteen minutes until rolls are golden and cheese is bubbly.
Serve:: Let the roll ups cool for just a couple minutes so the cheese sets a bit. Serve warm with your favorite pizza sauce for dipping.

A plate of pepperoni rolls with a side of marinara sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The mozzarella steals the show here. I just love how it melts into that perfect stringy goodness. The first time I made these for my family my little cousin declared them better than pizzeria rolls and grabbed three in a row.

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for about three days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven to bring back the crispy edges. If you want to freeze, let rolls cool completely then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag or sealed container. Warm in the oven straight from frozen for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a new flavor. Use turkey pepperoni or veggie slices for lighter versions. If you cannot find pizza dough, crescent roll dough makes them extra soft and pillowy. For added veggies, try chopped bell peppers or olives tucked in with the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these on a platter for game day snacks. Bring a batch to potlucks or school events. Serve alongside a salad for a quick dinner. Dip them in ranch, pesto, or spicy marinara for extra variety.

Cultural Tidbits

Pizza roll ups have become a modern twist on Italian American pizza culture. They capture all the fun of pizza night but in a travel ready form. Perfect for parties, kids’ activities, or any time you want to bring a little comfort food joy to the table.

A plate of pepperoni pizza rolls with a bowl of sauce on the side. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Make a double batch—these roll ups go fast. Everyone will be grabbing them hot from the pan so have extra sauce ready for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?: Yes, crescent roll dough creates a flakier texture and is just as delicious for these roll ups.
→ What cheese works best for stuffing?: Shredded mozzarella is perfect—melts beautifully and pairs well with pepperoni flavor.
→ How do I keep the roll ups from unrolling during baking?: Seal the edges tightly before placing on the baking sheet, and place seam-side down.
→ Can I add other toppings inside the roll ups?: Feel free to add sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety in each bite.
→ What dipping sauces pair well with these roll ups?: Warm pizza sauce is classic, but ranch or garlic butter makes a tasty alternative.