Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups – The Ultimate Easy Pizza Appetizer

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are the perfect combination of crispy golden dough, gooey melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni packed into bite-sized spirals. Whether you’re looking for an easy pizza roll recipe for busy weeknights, a fun party appetizer, or a game day snack everyone will love, this homemade version delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

These baked pizza snacks are everything you love about traditional pizza—just rolled, sliced, and baked to perfection. They’re easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and ideal for serving a crowd. Best of all, they require simple pantry ingredients and come together in under an hour.

If you’ve been searching for the best homemade pizza appetizers that are both comforting and convenient, these cheesy pepperoni pizza roll-ups will quickly become a family favorite.


Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups

There are countless reasons to add this recipe to your weekly rotation:

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Perfect for parties, holidays, and gatherings
  • Kid-friendly and adult-approved
  • Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
  • Great for meal prep or make-ahead snacks
  • Baked, not fried
  • Freezer-friendly

Unlike store-bought frozen pizza snacks, these homemade pepperoni mozzarella rolls are made with real ingredients and fresh dough, giving you better flavor and texture every time.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup sliced pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Dough:
    Lightly flour your surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
  3. Add the Sauce:
    Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
  4. Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni:
    Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the sauce. Arrange sliced pepperoni over the cheese in a single layer.
  5. Season and Roll:
    Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan on top. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  6. Slice the Roll:
    Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 12–15 roll-ups.
  7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
    Place each roll-up cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  8. Brush and Bake:
    Mix melted butter and garlic powder together. Brush the tops of the roll-ups with the garlic butter mixture. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Cool and Garnish:
    Let them cool slightly before sprinkling with fresh parsley. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Mozzarella Rolls

1. Don’t Overfill

Too much sauce or cheese can cause the roll-ups to unroll or become soggy. Keep the layers even and moderate.

2. Chill Before Slicing

If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate the rolled log for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This makes cleaner cuts.

3. Seal the Edge

Lightly pinch the seam after rolling to keep the log secure while baking.

4. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded mozzarella gives the best gooey texture.


Flavor Variations

One of the best things about cheesy pepperoni pizza roll-ups is how versatile they are. You can easily customize them to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Supreme Style

Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives before rolling.

Meat Lover’s Version

Include cooked sausage, bacon crumbles, or ham for a heartier option.

Veggie Delight

Swap pepperoni for spinach, roasted vegetables, and feta cheese.

Buffalo Chicken

Replace pizza sauce with buffalo sauce, use shredded chicken, and drizzle ranch dressing after baking.

Four Cheese

Combine mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan for an extra cheesy bite.


Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips:

  • Marinara sauce
  • Garlic butter dip
  • Ranch dressing
  • Caesar salad
  • Fresh garden salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Tomato soup

They’re perfect for:

  • Birthday parties
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Game day spreads
  • After-school snacks
  • Potlucks
  • Movie nights

Make-Ahead and Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.

Freezer

Freeze baked roll-ups in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

Make Ahead

Assemble the roll, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking.


Nutritional Highlights

These baked pizza snacks provide a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Using part-skim mozzarella can reduce overall fat content without sacrificing flavor. You can also opt for whole wheat pizza dough to increase fiber.


Fun Facts About Pizza Roll-Ups

Pizza-inspired snacks have become a staple in American households because they combine portability with comfort food flavors. The rolled format makes them easier to portion and serve compared to traditional pizza slices.

Pepperoni remains one of the most popular pizza toppings in the United States, making these pepperoni mozzarella rolls a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Rolling the ingredients into spirals not only makes them visually appealing but also ensures every bite contains sauce, cheese, and savory meat.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, crescent dough works well for a softer, flakier texture.

How do I keep the roll-ups from getting soggy?

Avoid excess sauce and bake until golden brown. A preheated oven is essential.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pizza dough and confirm all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I air fry them?

Yes. Air fry at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness.


Why This Is the Best Easy Pizza Roll Recipe

These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups strike the perfect balance between crispy and gooey. The garlic butter topping adds flavor depth, while the Italian seasoning enhances the classic pizza taste. Because they’re baked instead of fried, they’re lighter yet still satisfying.

They’re also ideal for busy families who want homemade pizza appetizers without the mess of stretching dough into individual pies. Everything is rolled, sliced, and baked in one pan—simple and efficient.

Whether you’re hosting guests or simply craving a comforting snack, these baked pizza snacks deliver classic pizza flavor in a fun, shareable format.


Final Thoughts

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With minimal prep time, endless customization options, and universal appeal, this easy pizza roll recipe deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.

From casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, these homemade pizza appetizers are always a hit. Once you try them fresh from the oven—golden brown, cheesy, and irresistible—you’ll understand why they disappear so quickly.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups

Golden baked pizza roll-ups filled with mozzarella and pepperoni, perfect for parties and easy weeknight snacks.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 lb pizza dough
Filling
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.75 cup pepperoni sliced
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll pizza dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
  3. Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving border.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella and layer pepperoni on top.
  5. Roll tightly into a log and slice into rounds.
  6. Place on baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake 15–18 minutes until golden.

Notes

Do not overfill to prevent sogginess. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

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