Pepperoni Rolls | Amazing Quick Dinner Recipe

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There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of freshly baked pepperoni rolls wafting through the kitchen on a cool evening. Each bite carries the warm nostalgia of pizza night, but in a soft, handheld roll that fits perfectly between your fingers. It’s cozy, cheesy, and always the first thing to disappear at family dinners.

Why You’ll Love These Pepperoni Rolls

You’ll love these pepperoni rolls because they’re quick, easy, and family-approved. With only a few ingredients and just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. There’s minimal cleanup, and everyone can add their own twist. You can even prep them ahead for parties, after-school snacks, or game-day gatherings.

Golden, cheesy pepperoni rolls served warm with marinara dipping sauce.

What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

Pizza Dough: The base that gives these rolls their chewy texture.
Pepperoni: Adds savory spice and rich flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, gooey center.

Butter Topping

Butter: Creates a golden, buttery crust.
Garlic Powder & Parsley: Add aroma and herby depth that balance the rich cheese and pepperoni.

Kitchen Tools

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking. A rolling pin helps stretch the dough evenly. Use a pastry brush to coat each roll with garlic butter for that irresistible sheen.

How to Make Pepperoni Rolls

Step 1 – Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Then roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Step 2 – Add the Filling

Cut the dough into 8 equal strips. On each one, layer several pepperoni slices and sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously, leaving a small edge clean so it seals easily later.

Step 3 – Roll and Seal

Now, roll each strip tightly. Pinch the edges to keep the cheese from escaping. Place each roll seam-side down on the baking sheet so they stay snug while baking.

Step 4 – Add Garlic Butter and Bake

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush it evenly over each roll. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the rolls turn golden and slightly crisp at the edges. The kitchen will smell like buttery pizza heaven. When you see melted cheese bubbling at the seams, they’re ready.

Sliced pepperoni rolls on white-gray parchment paper with cheese and herbs
Crispy pepperoni rolls fresh from the oven, layered with cheese and Italian spices.

Tips for Perfect Results

Seal the ends tightly so no cheese leaks. Also, avoid overfilling; too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open. Brush the butter evenly for consistent browning. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving so the cheese settles inside and doesn’t ooze out too quickly. Always use parchment to prevent sticking.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

To create fun pepperoni roll variations, try adding Italian seasoning to the butter mixture or swapping mozzarella for provolone. You can also fill them with sausage, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Customize your pepperoni rolls to suit your mood or whatever you have in the fridge.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them uncovered in the oven for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp. The microwave also works in a pinch, but reheating uncovered helps avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pepperoni rolls with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or tomato soup. These rolls also shine at game-night spreads or as a quick grab-and-go dinner alongside creamy chicken pesto pasta or garlic parmesan chicken dinner.

Helpful Notes

Seal the edges well to prevent leaks. Don’t overfill the rolls less is more when it comes to even baking. Always serve warm for the best texture, but they reheat nicely in both the oven and microwave. Parchment paper is your best friend here for easy cleanup.

Freshly baked pepperoni rolls sliced with cheese and herbs
Golden, cheesy pepperoni rolls sprinkled with herbs and Parmesan perfect fresh from the oven.

Quick Recipe Recap

8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Golden outside, melty inside
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings

FAQs

What is a pepperoni roll?

A pepperoni roll is a soft, baked bread roll filled with slices of pepperoni and cheese.

What is another name for a pepperoni roll?

Some call them “pizza rolls” or “pepperoni bread,” depending on the region.

Who were pepperoni rolls popular with?

They were especially popular among coal miners in West Virginia, who needed easy, portable lunches.

What is a fun fact about pepperoni rolls?

They were invented in the 1920s by Giuseppe “Joseph” Argiro, a baker who wanted a no-mess lunch for miners.

More Such Recipes

Golden pepperoni rolls sliced on white-gray parchment paper
Golden-brown pepperoni rolls fresh from the oven, layered with cheese and pepperoni.

Conclusion

Whether you’re making them for dinner, game day, or a cozy night in, these pepperoni rolls always hit the spot. They’re warm, gooey, and full of flavor you can’t resist. Try them tonight and share your results on Pinterest or join our food family on Facebook.

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Golden pepperoni rolls with marinara dipping sauce in a parchment-lined basket

Pepperoni Rolls | Amazing Quick Dinner Recipe


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 15 Slices 1x

Description

A cozy, cheesy twist on classic pizza flavor, pepperoni rolls make the perfect quick dinner or game-day snack. This recipe combines gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and buttery garlic flavor inside golden pizza dough rolls ready in just 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

1 can refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz)

4 oz sliced pepperoni

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tbsp butter, melted

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp dried parsley


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle and cut into 8 equal strips.

3. On each strip, place pepperoni slices and shredded mozzarella.

4. Roll each strip tightly, sealing the ends to prevent leaks.

5. Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.

6. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley, then brush over each roll.

7. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overfill the rolls to avoid leaking.

Seal the edges well to keep ingredients inside.

Rolls are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Use parchment to prevent sticking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 207
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 484mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 24mg

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