If you love the perfect blend of melty cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy, flavorful pepperoni wrapped in soft, golden dough, then this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is going to become your new favorite snack or meal. These pizza rolls are not only unbelievably delicious but also delightfully fun to make, bringing all the classic pizza flavors into bite-sized, shareable pockets of goodness. Whether you are feeding a crowd or simply craving a cozy homemade treat, this recipe ticks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in building that lovely combination of chewy dough, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni that makes these rolls simply irresistible.
- Warm water (1 cup at 110°F): Activates the yeast for perfect dough rising.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons / 1 packet): Essential for the dough’s airy, soft texture.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base that gives the dough structure and softness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and keeps the dough tender.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup plus extra for dipping): Brings that signature tangy tomato flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy pull.
- Sliced pepperoni (1 cup): Offers the classic spicy, savory kick.
- Optional additional pizza toppings: Customize with your favorites like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to make it your own.
How to Make Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by dissolving the sugar in the warm water in a large bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top and wait for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is the magic moment that ensures your dough will rise beautifully. Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil, and knead the dough for about 7 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Place your dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise somewhere warm for about an hour, or until it doubles in size — this resting time sets the foundation for soft, fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
After the dough has risen, dust a clean surface with flour and roll out your dough into a large rectangle, roughly a quarter-inch thick. Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaking when rolled. Then, sprinkle the generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese across the sauce and top it with the pepperoni slices. Feel free to add any other toppings you love before rolling it all up to perfection.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Now, the fun part — tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a jelly-roll shape, using gentle pressure to keep it snug. Using a serrated knife or dental floss, slice the roll into 12 equal pieces. This method keeps the filling neatly inside while creating those perfect spiral pinwheels that are both beautiful and delicious.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your cut rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let the dough rest again for 30 minutes to rise slightly—it’s worth the wait! In the meantime, preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and fill your kitchen with that irresistible pizza aroma. The crust should be crisp on the outside and tender inside, with cheese bubbling through the swirls.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow your Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe to cool just a bit before serving. This lets the cheese set slightly, making each roll easy to pick up. Serve them warm alongside extra pizza sauce for dunking, and prepare for some serious compliments!
How to Serve Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped basil or dried Italian herbs over your pizza rolls adds a fragrant, postcard-perfect touch. A drizzle of garlic butter or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese also elevates the flavors, making each bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or a simple bowl of marinara sauce for extra dipping pleasure. They also go wonderfully with roasted veggies or even a light soup for a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pizza rolls on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces, like ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic garlic aioli, creating a fun, interactive sharing experience that’s perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise—wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, let rise again, and then bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pizza rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut and still yields delicious pizza rolls. Just be sure to adjust rising times according to the package instructions.
What other toppings can I add to these pizza rolls?
You can get creative with toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, cooked sausage, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just remember not to overload the rolls to keep them neatly rolled.
How can I make these pizza rolls spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes in the dough or use spicy pepperoni and a drizzle of hot sauce after baking. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for that extra kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still get tasty rolls.
Is it better to roll the dough tightly or loosely?
Rolling the dough tightly is key to keeping all the fillings inside and creating neat spiral slices. Too loose, and the rolls might fall apart or leak filling during baking.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of baking and sharing a batch of these Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe with friends or family. They’re a delightful twist on classic pizza, packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. I promise once you try these, they’ll become your go-to comfort food for gatherings or a cozy night in. So grab your apron, get rolling, and prepare yourself for one delicious ride!
Print
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a delicious and fun snack or appetizer perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings. Soft and chewy dough is filled with classic pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and savory pepperoni slices, then rolled and baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized rolls are great served warm with extra sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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
- 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 the 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 it, 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 mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices and any other desired toppings evenly over the cheese.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly lengthwise like a jelly roll. Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
- Bake: Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let the pizza rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use warm water (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- You can customize with additional pizza toppings like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms.
- Ensure the dough is rolled tightly to avoid the rolls unraveling during baking.
- Dental floss works well for cutting the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
- Leftover pizza rolls can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best results.
