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Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Featured in Homemade pizza creations.

These homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls transform classic pizza dough into irresistible party bites. The recipe starts with fresh pizza dough rolled out and topped with pizza sauce, Italian seasonings, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. The dough is carefully rolled into logs, chilled to maintain shape, then sliced into individual rolls. A optional cornmeal coating adds delightful crunch to the bottom while baking. The result is perfectly portable pizza bites with a golden-brown exterior and gooey, flavorful center. Perfect for parties, game day snacks, or any time you're craving pizza in a fun, bite-sized form.
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Updated on Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:46:57 GMT
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Pepperoni Pizza Rolls | myhomemaderecipe.com

Imagine the best parts of pizza - gooey cheese, crispy edges, and savory pepperoni - all rolled up into perfect, poppable bites. These pepperoni pizza rolls have become my go-to party appetizer, combining the familiar flavors of pizza with the fun presentation of cinnamon rolls. After perfecting this recipe through countless game day gatherings, I can promise these disappear faster than you can say 'pizza time.'

Last Sunday, I served these at a family gathering, and my nephew declared them 'better than regular pizza' - high praise from a picky 10-year-old! The secret lies in chilling the rolled dough before slicing.

Essential Ingredients

  • Pizza Dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, room temperature dough works best. I prefer homemade for that perfect chewy texture
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh, shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates those irresistible cheese pulls
  • Pepperoni: Small slices work better than large ones for easy rolling
  • Olive Oil: A light brush prevents the dreaded soggy bottom and adds flavor
Cheesy pepperoni pizza rolls, a bite-sized snack perfect for parties. pin it
Cheesy pepperoni pizza rolls, a bite-sized snack perfect for parties. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Detailed Instructions

Dough Preparation:
Roll dough into a large rectangle on floured surface. Create small dimples with your fingertips. Brush entire surface with olive oil. Let rest 5 minutes if dough springs back.
Filling Assembly:
Layer ingredients evenly, leaving a small border. Start with a thin layer of cheese. Arrange pepperoni in overlapping rows. Add any additional toppings you're using. Top with another layer of cheese. Press gently to help ingredients stick together.
Rolling and Chilling:
Start from the long edge of rectangle. Roll tightly like a jelly roll. Keep tension consistent as you roll. Place seam-side down. Wrap in plastic and chill 25 minutes. This crucial step makes slicing clean and easy.

My journey to perfect pizza rolls started with a failed potluck attempt where under-chilled rolls turned into a cheesy mess. Now, after many test batches, I've learned all the tricks for foolproof results.

The Art of Assembly

Think of building layers like creating a lasagna - each component should be evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite. I've found that starting and ending with cheese helps everything hold together.

Topping Variations

While pepperoni is classic, these rolls welcome creativity. My kids love a Hawaiian version with ham and pineapple, while my husband prefers spicy Italian sausage and bell peppers.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can prepare these up to 24 hours ahead - just keep the unsliced roll wrapped in the refrigerator. Slice and bake when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Warm marinara is classic for dipping, but try offering a variety of sauces. Ranch dressing and garlic butter are surprisingly delicious alternatives.

Every time I make these pizza rolls, I think about how something so simple can bring such joy to a gathering. Whether you're hosting game day or just want to make dinner more fun, these rolls turn ordinary pizza ingredients into something special that brings people together around the table.

Final Thoughts

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and fun presentation. The crispy edges, melty cheese, and savory pepperoni make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a little preparation and the right technique, you’ll have an appetizer that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Delicious pizza rolls stuffed with pepperoni and melted cheese. pin it
Delicious pizza rolls stuffed with pepperoni and melted cheese. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking, or freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months.
→ Can I use different toppings?
Absolutely! You can customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings, just avoid wet ingredients that could make the rolls soggy.
→ Why do I need to chill the rolls before slicing?
Chilling for at least 20 minutes helps prevent the rolls from falling apart when slicing.
→ Can I bake these in a different pan?
Yes, you can use muffin pans or 9x13-inch baking pans with the same baking time.
→ Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, the recipe can easily be halved to make 12 rolls instead of 24.

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Roll

Soft and savory homemade pizza rolls filled with pepperoni, mozzarella and pizza sauce, with a crispy cornmeal-dusted bottom for extra crunch.

Prep Time
105 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
125 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Pizza Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 rolls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 recipe homemade pizza dough
02 2 teaspoons olive oil

→ Filling

03 2/3 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
04 Italian seasoning or ground basil, to taste
05 Garlic powder, to taste
06 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 60-65 pepperoni slices

→ Optional Toppings

08 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
09 Extra mozzarella cheese
10 Fresh basil

Instructions

Step 01

After preparing pizza dough, punch down to release air bubbles. Divide in half and roll each piece into a 10x12 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Step 02

Brush each rectangle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and create dents with fingers to prevent bubbling. Spread 1/3 cup pizza sauce on each, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Top with 1/2 cup mozzarella and pepperoni slices.

Step 03

Carefully roll each rectangle into a tight log, place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 20 minutes to prevent falling apart when slicing.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice each log into 12 1-inch pieces. Optional: dip bottoms in cornmeal. Place on lined baking sheets, add extra cheese if desired. Bake 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead: prepare through rolling stage and refrigerate up to 1 day
  2. Freezes well for up to 3 months
  3. Can be baked in muffin pans or 9x13-inch baking pans
  4. Recipe can be halved to make 12 rolls

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer (for dough)
  • Rolling pin
  • Pastry brush
  • Baking sheets
  • Silicone baking mats or parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pizza dough)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~