These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional pizza, featuring a soft and chewy homemade dough filled with savory pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

1 recipe homemade pizza dough (or store-bought)
2 teaspoons olive oil
2/3 cup pizza sauce
Italian seasoning or ground basil, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
60–65 pepperoni slices
Optional: 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
Optional: extra mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for topping

Directions

Prepare the Dough: If using homemade pizza dough, prepare it according to the recipe instructions. Once ready, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it in half.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches.
Prevent Sogginess: Lightly brush each rectangle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Using your fingers, create small indentations across the surface to prevent bubbling.
Add Toppings: Spread 1/3 cup of pizza sauce over each rectangle. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to taste. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices over the sauce.
Roll and Chill: Starting from a long edge, tightly roll up each rectangle into a log. Place the logs seam-side down on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 25 minutes. This helps in slicing the rolls cleanly.
Slice into Rolls: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). After chilling, slice each log into 12 rolls using a sharp knife. If desired, dip the bottom of each roll into cornmeal for added texture.
Bake: Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 200
Total Fat: 8g (10% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 3g (15% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg (2% DV)
Sodium: 370mg (16% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 30g (11% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% DV)
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Incl. Added Sugars: <1g (1% DV)
Protein: 5g
Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
Calcium: 0mg (0% DV)
Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
Potassium: 170mg (4% DV)

The Perfect Party Appetizer: Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a fun, bite-sized take on traditional pizza, making them an excellent choice for parties, game nights, or even a casual snack. These delicious rolls combine the classic flavors of pizza with the convenience of a handheld treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick and easy meal, Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are more than just a tasty treat; they offer several benefits that make them a must-try recipe. Here’s why they’re so popular:

Easy to Make: With a simple dough recipe and a few ingredients, these rolls are straightforward to prepare, even for beginners.
Perfect for Sharing: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste, adding different toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or veggies.
Kid-Friendly: Children love these pizza rolls, making them an excellent choice for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Great for Meal Prep: These rolls can be prepared in advance and frozen, making them a convenient option for quick meals.

Best Ways to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas:

With Dipping Sauces: Serve these rolls with classic marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a creamy cheese sauce for an extra flavor boost.
As an Appetizer: Place them on a serving platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties and gatherings.
With a Side Salad: Pair them with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
For Lunch or Dinner: These rolls can serve as a fun alternative to regular pizza for a quick and delicious meal.

Tips for the Best Pizza Rolls

To ensure your Pepperoni Pizza Rolls turn out perfect every time, follow these expert tips:

Use Fresh Dough: If making homemade dough, allow it to rise properly for a light and airy texture. Store-bought dough is also a great time-saving option.
Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the rolled-up dough before slicing helps maintain the shape of the rolls and prevents them from falling apart.
Don’t Overload with Toppings: Adding too many toppings can make the rolls difficult to roll and may cause them to fall apart while baking.
Use Cornmeal for Extra Texture: Lightly dusting the bottoms of the rolls with cornmeal adds a slight crunch and enhances the overall flavor.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on the rolls while baking and remove them when the edges turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve Immediately: These pizza rolls taste best when fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored and reheated later.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, you can easily store and reheat them for later enjoyment.

Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer for a crispier texture.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about Pepperoni Pizza Rolls is their versatility. You can switch up the ingredients to create unique flavors. Here are some variations to try:

Cheese Lovers’ Rolls: Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, and parmesan for an extra cheesy experience.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and add mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring some heat to your rolls.
Hawaiian Twist: Include ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
BBQ Chicken Rolls: Substitute the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken for a smoky twist.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for a healthier version of Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, consider these substitutions:

Use Whole Wheat Dough: Swap out regular pizza dough for whole wheat dough to increase fiber content.
Choose Turkey Pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni has less fat and calories compared to traditional pepperoni.
Add More Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients.
Reduce Cheese: Use less cheese or opt for a lower-fat version to cut down on calories and fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them the next day. This makes them a great option for meal prep or parties.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! While homemade dough is delicious, store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saving alternative.
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Avoid using too much sauce, as excess moisture can make the dough soggy. Also, preheating the oven ensures even baking.
Can I make these rolls in an air fryer?
Yes! Place the rolls in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes, checking halfway through.
What other cheeses can I use?
Besides mozzarella, you can experiment with parmesan, cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend for different flavors.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the flavors of traditional pizza with the convenience of a bite-sized snack. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party dish, or a quick meal, these rolls offer a delicious and fun twist on pizza. With easy customization options, storage tips, and variations to explore, this recipe is a must-try for any pizza lover.

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