Nothing beats the warm, melty delight of these homemade **Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe** when you want a simple yet satisfying snack. They deliver that perfect combo of fluffy bread, spicy pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella in every bite—so worth baking up anytime you’re craving comfort!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these pepperoni rolls countless times, and they never disappoint. What I love most is how quickly you can throw them together with just a few ingredients, and how everyone — kids and adults alike — goes crazy for them. They’re like little pockets of cheesy, pepperoni goodness wrapped up in soft bread. Seriously, no special baking skills needed!
- Quick and Easy: You’ll be amazed at how fast these come together using thawed frozen bread dough.
- Customizable Fillings: While I stick to pepperoni and mozzarella, you can easily swap or add your favorite toppings.
- Perfect Snack or Appetizer: These rolls are crowd-pleasers whether you’re hosting a party or need a grab-and-go treat.
- Great for Beginners: Little tricky steps like sealing the dough are a breeze with my handy tips below.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe plays a key role to make these rolls irresistible. From the tender bread dough to the bold pepperoni and stretchy mozzarella, everything comes together beautifully. I recommend using good quality pepperoni and fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
- Frozen bread dough: Using pre-made dough saves so much prep time and gives a soft, pillowy texture you’ll love.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic cured pepperoni adds that perfect spicy kick and meaty chew.
- Mozzarella cheese: I like to cut fresh mozzarella into smaller pieces so it melts evenly inside the rolls.
- Italian seasoning: Just a sprinkle enhances the flavor with a herby touch that’s super inviting.
- Egg wash: A simple mix of beaten egg and water gives the rolls that gorgeous golden-brown shine.
Make It Your Way
Personally, I love experimenting with different cheese blends or adding a little marinara inside for dipping, but these rolls are perfect as is. Feel free to tailor the fillings to what you or your family prefer!
- Variation: Once, I swapped pepperoni for sausage crumbles and mixed in some Parmesan cheese—delicious twist that got rave reviews!
- For a Veggie Boost: Try adding finely chopped bell peppers or spinach inside for an extra veggie punch.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce inside before rolling for a little extra heat.
- Cheese Swap: Go with sharp cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Work Surface
Start by thawing your frozen bread dough following package instructions — I usually take mine out the night before to thaw gently in the fridge. Once it’s ready, place it on a lightly floured surface and cut into 8 equal pieces. Don’t rush this part; even portions ensure your rolls bake evenly.
Step 2: Flatten and Fill
Using your hands, gently flatten each dough piece to about a 4x4 inch square — no fancy rolling pin needed here! Then, lay 2 slices of pepperoni in the center, followed by 2 mozzarella pieces. Sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the cheese for that extra flavor pop.
Step 3: Roll and Seal Carefully
This part is key for success: fold the two outer edges over the filling, then roll tightly toward one side, pinching the seams so nothing leaks out during baking. Placing the rolls seam side down on your parchment-lined baking tray keeps them intact and helps retain moisture inside.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together the beaten egg and a splash of water to make an egg wash — brush it lightly over each roll for a beautiful golden crust. Bake in your preheated 400°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until the tops are perfectly golden brown. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before digging in.
Top Tip
From my experience making these Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe, a few little tricks make all the difference between good and great rolls. These tips save you from common pitfalls and help you nail that delicious finish every time.
- Sealing the Rolls Properly: Always pinch seams tightly to avoid cheese oozing out and making a mess in your oven.
- Don’t Overfill: Using exactly 2 slices of pepperoni and mozzarella keeps the rolls from bursting open while baking—less cleanup, more yum.
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes transferring your rolls off the sheet tray a breeze.
- Let Rolls Cool Slightly: They’re tempting, I know, but waiting 5 minutes prevents that molten cheese burn and helps flavors settle.
How to Serve Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra Italian seasoning or some dried oregano on top after baking to make them look pretty and add a flavor boost. Sometimes a light brush of garlic butter right out of the oven makes these rolls taste heavenly.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine alongside a fresh green salad, some crispy carrot sticks, or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping — I swear dipping adds a fun, new layer of yum every single time!
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I arrange the rolls in a circle on a platter with marinara sauce in the center—it’s like a pizza party appetizer in mini roll form. Kids especially love pulling them apart to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay great for 2-3 days and reheat well, making a perfect quick snack for busy days.
Freezing
I often freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I want a fresh batch, I bake them straight from frozen—adding just a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To keep that crust nice and soft, I reheat rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but can make them chewy, so the oven is definitely my go-to.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap the pepperoni for sausage, ham, or even vegetables like spinach or mushrooms if you want a vegetarian option. Just make sure to keep the portion size reasonable so the dough seals properly.
The secret is sealing the dough tightly by pinching the seams well. Avoid overfilling with too much cheese or pepperoni, and place the rolls seam-side down on the baking tray. These steps help keep everything inside during baking.
Yes! You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked and bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Classic marinara sauce is the best match, but garlic butter or even a creamy ranch dressing also pairs beautifully with these rolls, offering a delicious contrast to the spicy pepperoni.
Final Thoughts
I always keep frozen bread dough on hand just so I can whip up these Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe whenever the craving hits. They’re a fun and tasty way to feel like you’re having pizza without all the fuss. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to snack for parties, lunchboxes, or just anytime you want a little cheesy, pepperoni-packed joy in your life. So go on, give them a try — you’ll thank me later!
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Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade Pepperoni Rolls featuring fluffy bread dough filled with melted mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni, seasoned with Italian herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Filling
- 16 ounces frozen bread dough, thawed
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 4ths
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- Splash of water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare Dough: Place the thawed bread dough on a clean work surface and cut into 8 equal parts.
- Shape Dough: Flatten each dough piece to approximately a 4x4-inch diameter using your hands.
- Add Fillings: Place 2 slices of pepperoni in the center of each flattened dough piece, then add 2 slices of the cut mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning according to taste.
- Roll and Seal: Fold the two outer edges over the filling, then tightly roll the dough pieces, pinching the seams together to seal securely.
- Arrange Rolls: Place each roll seam side down on the prepared sheet tray, spacing them so they do not touch.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and a splash of water. Lightly brush the exposed dough surfaces of each roll with the egg wash.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 12 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with pizza or marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use a pizza or marinara sauce for dipping to enhance flavor.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoni and cheese as desired for a richer filling.
- Make sure to seal the seams tightly to prevent filling leakage while baking.
- Use fresh Italian seasoning or a blend of dried oregano and basil if unavailable.
- The frozen bread dough can be substituted with homemade dough if preferred.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth with hot cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 427 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg
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