Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a crowdpleasing appetizer that transform the classic flavors of pizza into bite sized rolls. Perfect for game days or casual dinners, they combine the irresistible mix of pepperoni, ham, mozzarella, and marinara wrapped in soft pizza dough, all enhanced with a flavorful garlic butter brushed on top. This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, making it a goto when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

I first made these for a family game night, and they quickly became the star of the party. Now everyone asks me to bring them whenever we get together.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: which is soft and easy to roll out but sturdy enough to hold the fillings
• Pepperoni and deli ham: for that classic pizza flavor and a nice mix of salty meats
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: which melts beautifully to give you that gooey, cheesy pull
• Marinara or pizza sauce: to spread over the dough, adding tang and moisture to keep the rolls deliciously saucy inside
• Unsalted butter: mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to brush on the dough for that irresistible garlicky finish
• Your favorite dipping sauce: such as marinara or ranch to serve alongside for extra flavor

Instructions

Roll out dough and spread marinara:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface to about a 12 by 10 inch rectangle, making sure it is around a quarter inch thick but not too thin. Spread a smooth layer of marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about half an inch clear on the edges so the sauce does not spill out when you roll it.

Add the toppings:

Evenly layer the pepperoni slices, deli ham, and shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Use a moderate amount so the dough is not overloaded, which helps keep the rolls from collapsing while baking.

Roll and assemble:

Starting from one of the long edges, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam well to seal in all the fillings. Use a serrated knife or a bench scraper to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these pieces spaced 2 to 3 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Melt your garlic butter mixture and use a brush to coat the tops and sides of each roll generously. Save a little butter for after baking.

Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the center rack of your oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown and puff up slightly. Remove from the oven and brush on the remaining garlic butter while still warm to add extra shine and flavor.

Serve with dipping sauce:

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinara and ranch are excellent choices that complement the rich and savory rolls perfectly.

My favorite part of this recipe is the garlic butter brushing step. It is the secret that turns simple pizza rolls into something that everyone raves about at the table. I vividly remember a family get together where the rolls disappeared in minutes because of that irresistible garlicky shine.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes to bring back their crispness and gooey cheese. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, you can use any type of cured meat or cooked sausage instead of pepperoni and ham, such as spicy chorizo or turkey pepperoni for a leaner option. Mozzarella can be swapped for provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor. For a dairyfree version, use vegan cheese and plantbased dough.

Serving Suggestions

These pizza rolls work great on their own or alongside a simple green salad to balance out the richness. Consider serving with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping options that please a crowd.

These pepperoni pizza rolls are easy to make and always disappear fast. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade dough works well and allows customization, though store-bought dough speeds up prep time.

→ What dipping sauces pair best?

Marinara and ranch are classic companions, but try garlic butter or spicy buffalo sauce for variety.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from collapsing?

Roll the dough tightly without overfilling toppings to maintain shape during baking.

→ Can these be made ahead or frozen?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking, or freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 3 months.

→ What’s the key to the garlic butter flavor?

Brush melted garlic butter before baking and again right after for rich, savory notes.