If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with cheesy, savory goodness wrapped in soft, fluffy dough, then you’re in luck! This Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is a game-changer for pizza lovers who want something handheld, shareable, and irresistibly delicious. Imagine biting into warm rolls filled with melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and spicy pepperoni, all browned to perfection. Whether it’s for a party appetizer, game night, or a comforting family treat, these pizza rolls bring that classic pizzeria joy right into your kitchen with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the dough and filling, let’s talk about how straightforward and fresh the ingredients for this recipe are. Each component plays an essential role: the yeast gives the dough its airy texture, the cheese delivers gooey richness, and the pepperoni adds that signature spicy punch. Simple but powerful ingredients make all the difference here!
- Warm water (1 cup, 110°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp / 1 packet): The key to achieving a soft, fluffy dough that rises beautifully.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides structure to the dough and makes it easy to roll out smoothly.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and aids in dough development.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup, plus extra for dipping): Tangy, herby, and essential for that authentic pizza flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to create that delightfully stretchy texture every pizza roll needs.
- Sliced pepperoni (1 cup): Brings spice, smoky depth, and classic pizza vibes.
- Optional additional pizza toppings: Customize your rolls with veggies, olives, or mushrooms if you like.
How to Make Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by activating your yeast to ensure it’s bubbly and ready to work its magic. Dissolve the sugar in warm water, sprinkle the yeast on top, and let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy. This bubbly proof means your dough will rise perfectly. Next, mix in your flour, salt, and olive oil, kneading everything into a smooth, elastic dough. This careful kneading builds gluten, making the rolls tender yet sturdy enough to hold all that yummy filling. Let the dough rise in a warm place for an hour, watching it double in size—it’s like watching little clouds puff up!
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
After your dough has risen, flour a clean surface and roll it out into a thin rectangle about a quarter inch thick. This thin layer will cook evenly and hold all the deliciousness inside nicely. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a little border around the edges to seal everything in. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the sauce, then layer pepperoni slices on top. If you want to get adventurous, throw on some sliced olives, bell peppers, or even mushrooms here for extra flavor and texture.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Now for the fun part: carefully roll the dough up lengthwise, kind of like a jelly roll. This rolling technique traps all those stunning layers of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni inside each spiral. To cut perfectly even rolls, use a serrated knife or even dental floss to slice the roll into 12 equal pieces. Keeping the slices uniform means every piece will bake consistently and look beautiful.
Step 4: Bake Your Pizza Rolls
Arrange your rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, spacing them a bit so they can puff up beautifully. Cover them and let them rise again for 30 minutes; this second rise ensures the rolls become soft and pillowy. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then bake for 25 minutes or until the tops turn golden and inviting. The smell wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting to dig in!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your pizza rolls are baked to perfection, let them cool for just a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly. Serve them warm, preferably with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but are also fantastic leftovers warmed up.
How to Serve Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over your pizza rolls can elevate them to next-level deliciousness. A dusting of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella perfectly. These garnishes bring a pop of color and enticing aromas to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pairing these rolls with a crisp green salad or some crunchy garlic roasted vegetables can balance out the richness and add freshness to your meal. For a cozy indulgence, a bowl of creamy tomato soup makes a delightful combo that echoes all the flavors inside the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, place the rolls on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara. Serve alongside a colorful platter of assorted veggies to add variety and make the spread visually inviting. You can also thread toothpicks through each roll to serve them as bite-sized party favors—perfect for mingling and snacking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, maintaining their soft texture and rich flavor. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled and sliced rolls before the second rise or after baking. When freezing before baking, arrange them on a tray and flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake fresh rolls anytime you want without starting from scratch. Frozen rolls can last up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls into a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. For a quicker fix, microwave them for about 45 seconds but be aware the crust won’t stay as crisp. Reheating in the oven gives you that freshly baked texture you love.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without yeast?
Since yeast is what gives the dough its light, airy texture, skipping it would result in a denser roll. If you want to avoid yeast, you could experiment with a quick bread dough, but the classic pizza roll experience is best with yeast.
How long can I keep these pizza rolls in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your homemade pepperoni pizza rolls can last about 3 days in the refrigerator before they start to lose their freshness.
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough can save time and still yield delicious results. Just be sure to roll it out evenly and follow the assembly and baking steps as usual.
Can I add other toppings to these pizza rolls?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add any of your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even cooked sausage. Just be mindful not to overfill so the rolls stay neat and bake evenly.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these pizza rolls?
Classic marinara or pizza sauce is always a winner, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce can add exciting new flavors. Try different dips to find your favorite pairing!
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is as rewarding as it is delicious. It’s a delightful treat that brings everyone together, from kids requesting seconds to friends asking for the recipe. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home cook, these pizza rolls are sure to become a beloved staple. Give them a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this perfect bite-sized pizza joy.
Print
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These homemade pepperoni pizza rolls are a delicious and fun twist on classic pizza. Soft, chewy dough is layered with tangy pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and spicy pepperoni, then rolled up and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a party snack, appetizer, or quick meal, these pizza rolls are easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- Optional: Additional pizza toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 7-10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Assemble the Rolls: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices (and any other toppings) over the cheese.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly lengthwise like a jelly roll. Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut it into 12 equal pieces.
- Bake: Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- You can add other toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety.
- Use dental floss or a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures soft, fluffy pizza rolls.
- Serve with warmed pizza sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
