Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe for Kids

Hey pizza fans!

These cheesy pepperoni pizza roll-ups will spark serious excitement at your next gathering.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create an irresistible combo that makes everyone smile.

Packed with classic pizzeria flavors, these rolls deliver maximum taste in minimal time.

Rolled tight and baked to golden perfection, they’re a total crowd-pleaser for game nights or casual dinners.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, these rolls combine convenience with serious flavor potential.

Kids and adults will devour these handheld delights faster than you can say “more pizza, please!” Let’s roll into deliciousness and make some magic happen in the kitchen.

Cheesy Pizza Roll-Ups That Steal the Show

  • Perfect for picky eaters, kids' parties, and casual gatherings where everyone wants a tasty bite.
  • Minimal ingredients, simple steps, and no complicated techniques make this recipe beginner-friendly and stress-free.
  • Easily adaptable for different preferences by swapping pepperoni with ham, vegetables, or alternative cheese types.

What You Need for Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups

Dough Base:
  • Pizza Dough: The foundation for creating a soft, rollable base that holds all the delicious fillings.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Key ingredient for making or preparing homemade pizza dough with good stretchy texture.
Cheese and Protein:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and classic pizza flavor, best when shredded.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Adds spicy, savory meat element with traditional pizza taste, choose thin slices for easy rolling.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty finishing touch with nice crispy texture when baked.
Seasonings and Extras:
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances overall flavor with subtle, aromatic garlic notes.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity and traditional pizza taste.
  • Melted Butter: Creates golden brown exterior and adds rich, buttery flavor to roll-ups.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that adds fresh, bright herb accent.
Dipping Sauce:
  • Pizza Sauce: Classic accompaniment for dipping, adds extra tomato flavor.
  • Marinara Sauce: Alternative dipping option with slightly different herb profile.

How to Roll Up Pizza Goodness

Step 1: Prepare Dough Foundation

Warm up your oven to 375F. Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper. Take your pizza dough and spread it out on a clean surface, stretching it into a wide rectangle shape.

Step 2: Layer Flavor Makers

Scatter these ingredients across the dough:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni slices

Leave a small border around the edges to prevent ingredients from spilling out.

Step 3: Create Delicious Spiral

Roll the dough from one end tightly, creating a compact log. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into bite-sized sections about one inch thick.

Step 4: Season and Beautify

Place each roll-up on the prepared baking sheet with the cut side facing upward. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Transform in Oven

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake until the roll-ups turn golden brown and cheese bubbles beautifully, around 12-15 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the roll-ups and let them cool slightly. Serve alongside pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra pizzazz.

Tips for Better Pizza Roll-Ups

  • Customize Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, provolone, or gouda to add unique flavor profiles and elevate the roll-ups.
  • Prevent Dough Sticking: Lightly dust your work surface with flour to ensure smooth rolling and easy dough handling without tearing.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Add extra seasonings like red pepper flakes or dried oregano to the butter brush for a more robust and zesty taste experience.
  • Control Portion Sizes: Use a sharp serrated knife for precise, even cutting of roll-ups to ensure consistent cooking and presentation.
  • Make Vegetarian-Friendly: Replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious meat-free alternative.

Storage Tips for Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups

  • Store leftover pizza roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
  • Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
  • Warm refrigerated roll-ups at 350F for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Spread on baking sheet for crispy edges and even heating.
  • Zap cold roll-ups for 20-30 seconds, checking midway to prevent rubbery texture. Add a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

Dips and Sides for Pizza Roll-Ups

  • Warm marinara sauce perfectly complements the cheesy, savory roll-ups, creating a classic Italian-inspired dipping experience that enhances every bite.
  • Hoppy IPAs or crisp lager beers cut through the richness of the pepperoni and cheese, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the hearty appetizer.
  • Prepare a light mixed green salad with Italian vinaigrette to balance the roll-ups' richness, adding a fresh, tangy element to the meal.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the roll-ups just before serving to introduce a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.

Make It Your Own: Pizza Roll-Up Twists

  • Gluten-Free Veggie Roll-Ups: Replace traditional pizza dough with gluten-free dough, swap pepperoni for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, and use dairy-free cheese for a plant-based option.
  • Low-Carb Chicken Pizza Roll-Ups: Use cauliflower pizza crust or large lettuce leaves as the base, add shredded chicken instead of pepperoni, and incorporate low-fat mozzarella for a protein-packed alternative.
  • Mediterranean-Style Roll-Ups: Substitute pepperoni with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, then sprinkle with oregano and drizzle with olive oil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Roll-Ups: Add crispy chopped bacon bits, diced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese to create a fiery version of the classic pizza roll-up.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pepperoni pizza roll-ups deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic pizza, wrapping savory flavors into convenient handheld bites. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and zesty pepperoni create an irresistible snack you can’t wait to devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins and Cheese:

  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dough:

  • 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Craft a perfectly flat rectangular canvas with pizza dough on a clean, lightly floured workspace, ensuring even thickness and smooth edges.
  2. Generously distribute mozzarella cheese across the dough’s surface, maintaining a small perimeter to prevent overflow during rolling.
  3. Meticulously arrange pepperoni slices atop the cheese layer, creating an overlapping pattern for maximum flavor distribution.
  4. Carefully initiate the rolling process from the longer edge, applying gentle yet firm pressure to create a compact, tightly wound cylindrical shape.
  5. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into uniform segments approximately one inch thick, revealing the spiraled interior.
  6. Position each pinwheel cut-side upward on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing slight spacing between roll-ups for even heat circulation.
  7. Delicately brush the exposed surfaces with melted butter, then liberally dust with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Transfer the prepared roll-ups into a preheated 375°F oven, allowing them to transform into golden, crispy delicacies over 12-15 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven once achieving a rich, bubbling appearance and appetizing golden-brown coloration.
  10. Plate immediately alongside marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, optionally garnishing with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

  • Activate instant yeast at the right temperature by using warm (not hot) water to ensure perfect dough rise and texture.
  • Customize roll-ups for dietary needs by using gluten-free pizza dough or turkey pepperoni for lower-fat options.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by patting pepperoni and cheese dry before adding to reduce excess moisture during baking.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different cheese blends like provolone, cheddar, or adding fresh herbs directly into the filling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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