If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that combines melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and the irresistible charm of pizza in every bite, the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe is exactly what you need. These roll-ups are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly fun to make and share. Imagine golden, crispy edges leading to gooey cheese-filled spirals that deliver all the joy of pizza in a handheld form. Whether for a party, a quick dinner, or an indulgent snack, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, taste, and aroma.
- Pizza dough: Choose fresh or store-bought for an easy base that’s soft on the inside and crisp on the outside.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides the gooey, stretchy center everyone loves in a pizza roll-up.
- Pepperoni: Adds savory, slightly spicy bites that perfectly complement the cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top for an extra punch of flavor and a nice golden finish.
- Pizza sauce: Gives each roll a tomatoey tang that ties everything together beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: Brings that classic herby aroma that reminds you of a cozy pizzeria.
- Olive oil: Used to brush on top, ensuring a shiny, crisp crust.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to the roll-ups.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for perfectly baked roll-ups with a crisp crust and melty cheese inside.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a neat rectangle. This shape is key to creating evenly sized roll-ups with plenty of room for filling.
Step 3: Spread the Pizza Sauce
Evenly spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the rolled dough, staying just inside the edges to prevent spillover when rolling.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the sauce, then layer pepperoni slices evenly on top. The cheese melts into a luscious filling while the pepperoni delivers that signature flavor blast.
Step 5: Roll It Up Tight
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. A firm roll keeps the ingredients snug and ensures they won’t fall out during baking.
Step 6: Slice and Arrange
Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices. Place each piece with the cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking and allow easy cleanup.
Step 7: Brush with Olive Oil and Bake
Lightly brush the tops with olive oil for that golden sheen and crispiness. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are perfectly browned and the cheese is happily bubbling.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is not only visually appealing but also adds a fresh, slightly peppery lift that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups pair wonderfully with crisp garden salads, tangy marinara for dipping, or a side of roasted veggies for a balanced meal. They are versatile enough to play both a main and a fun appetizer role.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the baking sheet: arrange the roll-ups on a festive platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or spicy arrabbiata. You can also skewer a few on toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to 3 days and can make for a quick snack or lunch anytime.
Freezing
These roll-ups freeze beautifully. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen roll-ups maintain flavor and freshness for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the roll-ups at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for a minute or two. You’ll get that melty cheese vibe back with a slightly crisp exterior if reheated in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can make your roll-ups even more delicious. Just be sure it’s well rested and rolled evenly.
What kind of cheese works best besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in provolone or cheddar for extra flavor depth. Parmesan on top always adds a lovely finish.
Are these roll-ups kid-friendly?
Definitely. Kids love the fun shape and cheesy, familiar flavors. They’re perfect for lunchboxes or snacks after school.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Thinly sliced bell peppers or mushrooms work well, but make sure to sauté them first so they don’t add extra moisture that could sog the dough.
How can I make these roll-ups spicier?
Try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or swapping regular pepperoni for a spicy variety. You can also offer a hot dipping sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe is such a fun and tasty way to bring everyone together around food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and cheesy, these roll-ups deliver every single time. So go ahead, roll up some joy and treat yourself and your loved ones to this simple, irresistible creation. You’ll be so glad you did!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll-ups (serves approximately 12)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups featuring a crispy baked pizza dough rolled with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
Ingredients
Pizza Roll-Ups
- 1 batch of pizza dough (about 12 oz)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the roll-ups.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 12×8 inches.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the pizza sauce across the dough, leaving approximately a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then layer the pepperoni slices evenly on top. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese over the ingredients for added flavor.
- Roll the Dough: Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
- Slice Roll-Ups: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pieces; you should get approximately 12 pieces.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the slices cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the roll-ups with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the roll-ups are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, let cool slightly, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is rolled tightly to avoid the filling leaking out while baking.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or cheese layer.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving as the cheese will be very hot.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
