Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe

I absolutely adore sharing this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe with friends and family because it’s the perfect blend of ooey-gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a golden, flaky crust that just melts in your mouth. I can’t get enough of how easy it is to whip up yet how impressive it looks when served; every bite bursts with that classic pizza flavor but in a fun, hand-held roll-up form. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a casual get-together, or even a kids’ party, this recipe always brings smiles and empty plates in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe

From the very first time I made these pizza roll-ups, I was hooked on their incredible flavor profile. The combination of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan blended with the pepperoni’s savory punch and a subtle hint of Italian seasoning and garlic creates a taste that feels both comforting and exciting. There’s just something about the crispy, golden dough encasing all those flavors that makes every bite feel like a little party in my mouth.

What makes this recipe truly stand out for me is how effortless it is without sacrificing flavor or presentation. I love recipes that don’t require me to slave in the kitchen for hours, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s great for so many occasions—family dinners, casual parties, or even packed lunches. It’s that perfect crowd-pleaser that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple, which makes me excited to serve it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five rolled crepes stacked on a white plate, each filled with melted cheese and slices of pepperoni visible at the open ends. The crepes have a golden-brown top layer with melted cheese that has browned slightly, giving a crispy texture. The melted cheese inside is creamy white, mixed with the deep red pepperoni slices peeking through. The crepes are arranged closely, with the focus on the front ones while the others blur softly in the background. The setting is on a white marbled surface, adding a clean, bright look to the image photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering taste, texture, and that beautiful color we all crave in pizza-inspired dishes.

Refrigerated pizza dough: This forms the soft and chewy base that wraps all the fillings together beautifully without extra effort.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star melting cheese that brings gooey, stretchy goodness to every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth that perfectly balances the mozzarella’s creaminess.
Sliced pepperoni: Provides a spicy, savory kick and that classic pizza flavor we all love.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that infuses herbs like oregano and basil, enhancing the pizza vibe.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle punch of garlic flavor without overpowering the rest.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those like me who crave a little heat, this is the perfect addition.
Large egg, beaten: Creates that glossy, golden finish when brushed on top before baking.
Marinara sauce: Warm and tangy, it’s the perfect dip to complement each roll-up.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easy.

Step 2: Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure it’s evenly rolled for consistent baking.

Step 3: Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough’s surface, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges so the cheese doesn’t spill out when you roll it.

Step 4: Layer the sliced pepperoni evenly over the mozzarella, making sure each bite will have some of that delicious spiced meat.

Step 5: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and, if you like it spicy, crushed red pepper flakes over the pepperoni layer for that extra boost of flavor.

Step 6: Starting at one of the long edges, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log, keeping all the filling sealed inside for those perfect roll-ups.

Step 7: Pinch the seam and the ends of the dough roll to seal it well. Trim any excess dough if needed so everything stays neat.

Step 8: Cut the log into approximately 1-inch thick pieces, and arrange them cut side up on your prepared baking sheet to show off that cheesy swirl inside.

Step 9: Brush the tops of each roll-up with the beaten egg. This step makes the crust beautifully golden and shiny in the oven.

Step 10: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the roll-ups puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown on top.

Step 11: Let them cool slightly before serving. I love pairing these warm roll-ups with some cozy marinara sauce for dipping—it just seals the deal perfectly.

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe makes approximately 8 servings, which is perfect for sharing with family or a small group of friends. Prep time is around 10 minutes, mostly spent rolling and layering the ingredients, and the bake time is about 15 to 20 minutes. Including a brief cooling period, the total time from start to finish averages 35 minutes. It’s quick, which makes it ideal for a last-minute snack or a simple dinner treat.

How to Serve This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe

Three rolled baked dishes sit side by side on a white plate. Each roll has a base layer of soft dough filled with rich red tomato sauce and melted cheese, creating a moist and textured center. The top layer is thick, bubbly, and golden melted cheese sprinkled with small dark herbs. Each roll is decorated with two shiny, red pepperoni slices, one at each end. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface. The focus is close up, showing the melted cheese texture and the pepperoni glistening clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I love to keep things casual but festive. These roll-ups are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, paired with a side of marinara sauce to dip each bite into that tangy, garlicky goodness. For a fuller meal, I usually add a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted veggies to balance out the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.

Presentation-wise, I like arranging them on a large platter to show off the beautiful spiral of cheese and pepperoni inside each roll-up. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a lovely pop of color and herbaceous aroma that lifts the dish. For drinks, a chilled glass of Italian soda or a crisp light beer works really well for casual occasions, while a fruity red wine like Chianti complements the pepperoni’s bold flavors beautifully for more grown-up gatherings.

These roll-ups are total crowd-pleasers for game days, potlucks, or easy family dinners. Depending on your guests’ hunger level, I recommend serving about two to three roll-ups per person, along with some sides or dips, to make it a satisfying, fun meal everyone remembers.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe is, which makes it perfect for all kinds of tweaks to suit your taste or dietary needs. If you want to switch things up, try swapping the pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage, diced bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms for different flavor angles. You could also use a blend of mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for an even richer cheesy experience.

If you or your guests need gluten-free options, I’ve had great success using gluten-free pizza dough in place of the regular dough. For a vegan twist, you can substitute vegan cheese and plant-based pepperoni alternatives—just make sure the dough you choose is dairy-free as well. It still bakes up beautifully and tastes delicious!

For a cooking variation, I sometimes bake the assembled roll-ups in a muffin tin to get perfectly portioned, crispy-edged cups of cheese and pepperoni goodness. Or, if I’m in a hurry, I’ve even cooked them in an air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, which gives a super crisp crust faster than the oven.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and I find using a container with a snug-fitting lid helps keep them from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, arrange the cut roll-ups on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen roll-ups can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that lovely texture, but in a pinch, a quick zap on medium power for 30-45 seconds works too. For the best flavor and texture, serve immediately after reheating with fresh marinara sauce.

FAQs

Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature for about 10 minutes before putting them in the oven, so they bake evenly.

What kind of pizza dough works best for these roll-ups?

I recommend using refrigerated pizza dough because it’s convenient and reliable for this recipe. It rolls out easily and bakes to a tender, fluffy crust. You can also use homemade dough if you prefer, just make sure it’s rolled evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Can I add other toppings besides pepperoni?

Yes! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Sliced mushrooms, olives, cooked sausage, or diced veggies like bell peppers work great. Just be mindful not to overload the dough so you can still roll it easily.

Is it necessary to brush the roll-ups with egg wash?

While not absolutely necessary, the egg wash helps create a beautiful golden-brown sheen and a slightly crispier crust, which I love. You can substitute with a little milk or melted butter if you don’t have eggs on hand.

What’s the best dip for these pizza roll-ups?

Marinara sauce is my top pick because its bright, tangy flavor complements the rich cheese and pepperoni perfectly. You could also try ranch dressing or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for some extra heat.

Conclusion

Making this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe always brightens my day because it’s such a satisfying, delicious treat that’s quick and fun to prepare. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—they’re the perfect little pockets of pizza joy that never fail to impress and delight. Grab your dough, get rolling, and treat yourself to this cheesy, savory goodness soon!