Okay, so imagine a pizza… but rolled up, stuffed with melty cheese and pepperoni, baked until golden and crispy, and you can hold it in one hand. Sounds good? Welcome to pepperoni rolls, the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack.
They’re quick to make, perfect for game day, lunchboxes, or midnight cravings, and they taste like your favorite slice of pizza—only easier to eat and way more fun to share.
Let me show you how to whip these up from scratch (no stress, I promise), with tips, swaps, and some killer side ideas too.
What Exactly Are Pepperoni Rolls?
They’re like mini rolled-up pizzas. You take pizza dough, brush it with garlicky butter, load it up with pepperoni and cheese, roll it, slice it, and bake it into little spirals of gooey, crispy joy.
They were originally invented in West Virginia as an easy, portable lunch for coal miners. These days? They’re a go-to for parties, potlucks, road trips, and honestly… anytime you’re craving pizza but don’t want to deal with sauce on your shirt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple – you can use store-bought dough.
- Fast – ready in about 40 minutes.
- Customizable – go heavy on the cheese, light on the meat, or vice versa.
- Portable – great for snacks, school lunches, or movie night.
Plus: they’re just dang delicious. Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes about 15 rolls:
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz or 400g)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 5 oz (about 150g) sliced pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)
- Marinara or ranch for dipping (optional but SO worth it)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Let the Dough Relax
Take your dough out of the fridge 10 minutes before rolling so it’s easier to handle. Roll it out into a rectangle (around 10×15 inches).
2. Mix the Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Add the Filling
Brush half the butter mixture over the dough. Layer the pepperoni slices evenly, then sprinkle on all the cheese.
4. Roll It Up
Starting on the long side, roll the dough up tightly like a cinnamon roll. Pinch the edge to seal.
5. Slice
Cut the roll into 1-inch slices using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
6. Prep and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place rolls cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the rolls.
7. Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, then brush with the rest of the butter mixture and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Serve Warm
Let cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with parmesan if using, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Rolls
- Don’t overstuff – too much filling = cheese explosions in the oven.
- Seal the edge well before slicing to keep the rolls tight.
- Space them out on the tray – they’ll puff as they bake.
- Add vents – poke the tops with a knife if you want to let steam escape and avoid soggy centers.Tasty Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some spins to try:
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Add extras like olives, jalapeños, or sauteed mushrooms.
- Want a veggie version? Go for grilled peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Craving something sweet? Try a cinnamon-sugar version with cream cheese frosting.
What to Serve with Pepperoni Rolls
Make it a full meal with these perfect pairings from Virile Recipes:
- Try a pizza-inspired snack like this French bread pizza recipe.
- For more party-friendly bites, check out these Italian pepperoni sliders.
- Balance out the cheesy goodness with a side from the lunch recipe collection.
- Add something sweet with a pick from the dessert recipe section.
- Want a drink pairing? Browse the homemade drinks section.
How to Store & Reheat
These keep really well, which makes them great for meal prep.
- Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze individually after baking for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it makes them rubbery.
You Might Also Like…
Here are a few other ideas that go hand-in-hand with pepperoni rolls:
- Breakfast version with scrambled eggs and sausage.
- Spicy version with crushed red pepper and hot sauce drizzle.
- Low-carb swaps if you’re watching the carbs—check out the weight loss meals section.
Easy Homemade Pepperoni Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 rolls 1x
Description
Okay, so imagine a pizza… but rolled up, stuffed with melty cheese and pepperoni, baked until golden and crispy, and you can hold it in one hand. Sounds good? Welcome to pepperoni rolls, the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz or 400g)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 5 oz (about 150g) sliced pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)
- Marinara or ranch for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Let the pizza dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Roll it into a 10×15 inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Brush half the butter mixture over the dough.
- Layer pepperoni evenly over the dough and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and pinch the edge to seal.
- Slice into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place rolls cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Brush with remaining butter mixture and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool 5 minutes, sprinkle with parmesan (if using), and serve with dipping sauce.
Notes
Don’t overfill the rolls. Seal edges well before slicing. Add vents to release steam and avoid soggy centers. Try swapping cheese, adding veggies, or making a sweet version with cinnamon sugar!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Final Thoughts
Pepperoni rolls are the kind of recipe that once you make them, you’ll be hooked. They’re easy, super satisfying, and always a hit with family, friends, and picky eaters alike.
Make them once for game night, and next thing you know, they’re a weekly request. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.