Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Why These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Are a Game Day Staple

I made these pepperoni pizza rolls during the playoffs last season, and they didn’t last long. My boys gobbled them up before halftime. The rolls combine the best parts of pepperoni pizza and garlic knots, chewy dough wrapped around a cheesy, peppery filling, all brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan. They come out golden and crisp on the outside, soft and melty inside. Serve them with marinara for dipping, and you’ve got a snack that disappears fast.

3 Reasons to Make These Homemade Pizza Rolls

• They combine the savory flavors of pepperoni pizza with the garlic-butter finish of your favorite knot, all in one handheld bite.
• Using store-bought pizza dough keeps the prep quick, you can have these on the table in about 30 minutes.
• The double brush of garlic butter (before and after baking) gives them a rich, aromatic crust that stands out from plain pizza rolls.

Key Ingredients for These Pizza Rolls

• Pizza dough: One pound of store-bought or homemade dough. If using store-bought, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes so it’s easier to roll out without snapping back.
• Pepperoni: Standard 24 slices, about 2 per roll. You can use mini pepperoni or chop larger slices to fit.
• Garlic butter: Fresh garlic is important here. Cook it briefly in the butter to mellow the raw bite, then stir in the dried herbs. Don’t substitute garlic powder; the texture and flavor won’t be the same.

Kitchen Tools for Making Pepperoni Rolls

• 9-inch round pie pan (or a 9-inch cake pan)
• Small saucepan for melting butter and cooking garlic
• Pastry brush for applying garlic butter
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife for cutting dough into rectangles
• Rolling pin (optional, but helpful for shaping the dough)

Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

When you cut the dough into rectangles, make them roughly equal in size so the rolls bake evenly. If the dough keeps shrinking back, let it rest for 5 minutes before rolling again, that relaxes the gluten. Pinch the seams firmly after rolling to seal in the cheese; otherwise, you might get a puddle of melted mozzarella on the pan.

Don’t skip the second brush of garlic butter after baking. The rolls are hot, so the butter soaks right in and adds a final layer of flavor. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving so the cheese sets slightly, they’ll hold together better when you dip them.

Pepperoni Pizza Roll Variations to Try

Switch up the filling by using cooked Italian sausage, chopped ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken instead of pepperoni. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black olives. If you like heat, swap the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese or add a few red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. You can also make mini rolls by cutting the dough into smaller rectangles, just reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

What to Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

These rolls are made for dipping. A bowl of warm marinara sauce is the classic choice, but you can also use pizza sauce or even ranch dressing if that’s your style. For a full meal, pair them with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, the acidity cuts through the richness. They also work well alongside a bowl of tomato soup or as part of a game-day spread with wings and veggie sticks.

How to Store Leftover Pizza Rolls

Let any leftover rolls cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent them from getting soggy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.

How to Freeze Baked Pepperoni Rolls

To freeze, arrange the baked and cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen, no need to thaw.

Best Way to Reheat Pizza Rolls

For the crispiest results, reheat the rolls in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. If they’re frozen, add a couple more minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but it will soften the crust. If you use the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the rolls to keep them from drying out.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls FAQs