Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe – Easy and Delicious Snack for Game Day and Parties

Introduction

Pizza is one of those universally loved foods that everyone enjoys. But what if you could take all the delicious flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza and turn them into a fun, bite-sized snack? Enter Pepperoni Pizza Rolls—a perfect way to enjoy pizza in a portable, easy-to-eat form. These cheesy, savory rolls are packed with pepperoni and gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in soft pizza dough, then baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, having a movie night, or just craving a quick snack, these pizza rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I first discovered the joy of pepperoni pizza rolls when I was looking for a way to combine my love for pizza with my desire for something snackable and easy to share. I wanted something that had all the savory flavors of a traditional pizza but in a fun, bite-sized form that was perfect for dipping. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different fillings, sauces, and seasonings, and this recipe is the result of all those delicious trials.

Not only are these pepperoni pizza rolls easy to make, but they’re also incredibly customizable. You can add your favorite pizza toppings, use different cheeses, and adjust the sauce to your liking. The best part? They’re ready in just under 30 minutes, making them the perfect quick appetizer or snack for any occasion.

So, let’s dive into how to make these irresistible pepperoni pizza rolls!

Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Rolls (Serves 8)

To make these delicious pepperoni pizza rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, preferably whole milk for extra creaminess)
• 1 ½ cups pepperoni slices (cut into quarters if they’re large)
• ½ cup pizza sauce (or tomato sauce, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional for extra flavor)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions: How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Prepping the Pizza Dough

Start by rolling out the pizza dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it easier to roll out. Aim for a rectangle shape, about 12 inches long by 8 inches wide, so you have enough space to fill and roll the dough.

Once the dough is rolled out, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce (or tomato sauce) evenly across the surface. Be careful not to apply too much sauce, as it could make the dough soggy. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the sauce for added flavor.

Step 2: Filling the Rolls

Now it’s time to layer the fillings. Start by spreading shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough, leaving about an inch border on all sides. Then, evenly distribute the pepperoni slices over the cheese. For extra flavor, you can add a few teaspoons of minced garlic over the top of the pepperoni. You can also add other toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers, but make sure not to overload the rolls with too many ingredients to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Rolling and Cutting

Carefully begin to roll the dough, starting from one of the long edges, and roll it tightly into a cylinder. Be sure to seal the edges as you go so the filling doesn’t spill out during baking. Once you have a long roll, use a sharp knife to cut it into 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 8 to 10 rolls, depending on how thick you slice them.

Step 4: Baking the Pizza Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a parchment paper-lined baking sheet on a flat surface and arrange the pizza rolls cut-side up. Leave a little space between each roll so they can bake evenly. Brush the tops of the rolls with a small amount of olive oil to help them brown and crisp up in the oven.

Bake the pizza rolls for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If you’d like them extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Step 5: Serving

Once baked, remove the pepperoni pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve them hot with a side of extra pizza sauce or garlic butter for dipping. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food!

Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

1. Don’t Overstuff the Rolls: While it’s tempting to add more cheese and pepperoni, make sure not to overstuff the dough. If you add too much filling, it could cause the rolls to burst open while baking or become soggy.
2. Crispy Rolls: If you want a crispier texture, consider brushing the tops with melted butter instead of olive oil. This adds a rich flavor and helps with browning.
3. Use Fresh Mozzarella: While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, fresh mozzarella melts better and gives the rolls a creamier, more luxurious texture. If you can find it, go for fresh!
4. Customize the Filling: Get creative with your fillings! You can swap out pepperoni for sausage, add veggies like mushrooms, or even use a blend of cheeses. The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing these rolls.
5. Dipping Sauce: These pizza rolls are perfect for dipping! Serve them with classic marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even a spicy ranch dressing.

What to Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

While these pepperoni pizza rolls are delicious on their own, they pair well with a variety of sides and dips. Here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

1. Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread as a side. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
2. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the pizza rolls and give you a refreshing contrast in texture.
3. Pasta: If you want to go all out, pair these pizza rolls with a simple pasta dish, like spaghetti with marinara sauce or a creamy Alfredo.
4. Dipping Sauces: You can serve these pizza rolls with an assortment of dipping sauces. Classic options include marinara, ranch, and garlic butter.

Variations of Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

1. Veggie Pizza Rolls: Skip the pepperoni and opt for a mix of your favorite veggies. Try spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a vegetarian twist. You can even add olives and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
2. Spicy Pepperoni Rolls: Add a kick to your pizza rolls by including red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. This spicy version will definitely please those who love heat!
3. Cheesy Pizza Rolls: Want even more cheese? Add layers of cheddar cheese, Parmesan, or mozzarella in between the pepperoni slices for a truly cheesy experience.
4. BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls: Swap the pepperoni for cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce. This creates a tangy and savory flavor profile that’s perfect for those who enjoy a BBQ-inspired dish.

Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Pepperoni pizza rolls are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and fun! They’re a great way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a portable, easy-to-make snack. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a crowd for game day, or simply craving something cheesy and comforting, these pizza rolls are sure to hit the spot.

The best part? You can customize them with your favorite pizza toppings, making them versatile enough for any taste preference. And with just a few simple ingredients, these pizza rolls are quick and easy to prepare—perfect for a busy weeknight or casual gathering.