Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips

Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups: the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s ridiculously easy to make and even easier to devour! Forget ordering takeout; these bite-sized bundles of cheesy, pepperoni goodness are about to become your new go-to snack, appetizer, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Imagine warm, flaky dough embracing a molten core of mozzarella and savory pepperoni, all baked to golden perfection. Are you drooling yet? I know I am!

While the exact origins of pizza roll ups are a bit hazy, they’re a delightful evolution of the classic pizza, taking the beloved flavors and transforming them into a convenient and portable treat. Think of them as a playful nod to the Italian-American culinary tradition, where innovation and deliciousness always reign supreme. They capture the essence of pizza night in a single, satisfying bite.

People adore Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly versatile. Need a quick snack for the kids after school? Check. Hosting a game day party and want something everyone will love? Double-check. Craving a comforting and familiar flavor without the fuss of making a whole pizza? Triple-check! The combination of the soft, slightly sweet dough, the tangy tomato sauce, the creamy mozzarella, and the spicy pepperoni is simply irresistible. Plus, their fun, bite-sized shape makes them perfect for dipping and sharing (or not sharing, we won’t judge!). Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, incredibly addictive way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus more for dipping
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• All-purpose flour, for dusting

Preparing the Dough and Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the pizza roll ups from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Lightly flour a clean work surface. This is crucial to prevent the pizza dough from sticking as you roll it out. A little flour goes a long way!
3. Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto the floured surface. Gently stretch it out into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Try to keep the dough as even as possible in thickness. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour underneath.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) along the edges. This border will help seal the roll ups. Don’t overdo the sauce, or the roll ups might become soggy.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza sauce. Make sure to cover the entire surface, as this is what will hold everything together and create that cheesy goodness we all crave.
6. Distribute the quartered pepperoni slices over the mozzarella cheese. Try to spread them out evenly so that each roll up gets a good amount of pepperoni. If you’re a pepperoni lover, feel free to add a little extra!
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni. This adds a nice salty and savory flavor to the roll ups.
8. If you like a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the filling. This is optional, but it adds a nice kick!

Rolling and Cutting the Roll Ups:

1. Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log. Try to keep the roll as even as possible. A tight roll will help the roll ups hold their shape during baking.
2. Once you’ve rolled the dough into a log, pinch the seam to seal it tightly. This will prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds. You should get about 12-16 roll ups.
4. Place the roll ups, cut-side up, onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each roll up so they can bake evenly.

Baking and Finishing Touches:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This mixture will add flavor and help the roll ups brown nicely in the oven.
2. Brush the tops of the roll ups with the olive oil mixture. Be generous with the brushing, as this will help them get golden brown and crispy.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the roll ups are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot cheese!
5. Serve the pepperoni pizza roll ups warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. They’re also delicious with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture for an extra spicy kick.
• Garlic Lovers: Add a clove of minced garlic to the pizza sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the roll ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: Baked roll ups can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before freezing. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the roll ups in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Dough Alternatives: If you don’t have refrigerated pizza dough, you can use crescent roll dough or even puff pastry dough. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type of dough you use.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the filling for a burst of fresh flavor. Chop them finely and sprinkle them over the cheese before rolling up the dough.
• Sweet and Savory: For a unique twist, add a touch of sweetness to the roll ups. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar can add a delicious contrast to the savory flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

These pepperoni pizza roll ups are perfect for:

• Game day parties
• Movie nights
• After-school snacks
• Lunch boxes
• Appetizers for gatherings
• A fun and easy dinner

Troubleshooting:

• Roll ups are sticking to the baking sheet: Make sure you grease the baking sheet well or use parchment paper.
• Filling is spilling out: Make sure you seal the seam of the dough tightly and don’t overfill the roll ups.
• Roll ups are not browning: Brush the tops of the roll ups with the olive oil mixture before baking.
• Roll ups are burning: Reduce the oven temperature slightly or shorten the baking time.
• Dough is too sticky: Add more flour to your work surface.
• Dough is tearing: Let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling it out. This will allow the gluten to relax and make it easier to work with.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per roll up):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 150-200
• Fat: 8-12g
• Saturated Fat: 4-6g
• Cholesterol: 20-30mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Sugar: 2-4g
• Protein: 6-8g

Enjoy your delicious homemade Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups! I hope you and your family love them as much as we do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are more than just a snack; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying treat. The combination of the flaky, golden-brown crust, the tangy tomato sauce, the savory pepperoni, and the gooey, melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect comfort food, elevated to a fun and portable format.

But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Beyond the deliciousness, it’s the sheer versatility and ease of preparation. Forget spending hours kneading dough and meticulously layering ingredients. These roll-ups come together in minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or even a fun activity to do with the kids. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable!

Speaking of customization, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While these Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are fantastic on their own, a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. I personally love serving them with a side of warm marinara sauce for extra dipping pleasure. Ranch dressing is another classic choice, or you could even get creative with a pesto aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo.

For variations, the possibilities are truly endless. If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, feel free to substitute it with your favorite pizza toppings. Sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives – the choice is yours! You could even create a vegetarian version with spinach, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. And for those who like a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will add a fiery kick.

Another fun variation is to experiment with different cheeses. Instead of mozzarella, try using provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Each cheese will impart a unique flavor and texture to the roll-ups. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.

These Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are also perfect for parties and potlucks. They’re easy to transport and serve, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Just bake them ahead of time and keep them warm in a slow cooker or warming tray. Or, if you’re short on time, you can even assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your household. It’s the perfect solution for those moments when you’re craving pizza but don’t want to go through the hassle of ordering takeout or making a whole pie. These roll-ups are quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying – the perfect trifecta for a winning recipe.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to roll! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What dipping sauce did you use? What did your family and friends think?

Please, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. I can’t wait to hear all about your Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups adventures! Happy cooking!