Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounces frozen bread dough, thawed; 16 slices pepperoni; 4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 4ths; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 large egg, well beaten; Splash of water

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, melty cheese paired with spicy pepperoni all wrapped in soft bread—this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe hits that spot every time. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to pull together, perfect for snacks, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner.

The image shows four golden brown rolls with smooth, shiny tops and slightly rounded edges, resting closely together on a white plate with faint floral patterns. Around the rolls are several thin, bright red pepperoni slices with a slightly oily texture. In the background, there is a clear glass container filled with a light brown liquid and lemon slices, sitting on a white marbled surface along with a small bunch of fresh green herbs. The overall setting has warm, inviting colors with natural light highlighting the rolls' soft, fluffy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this recipe—it quickly became a regular in my kitchen because it’s just so satisfying and quick to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients, just a few pantry staples and a bit of time, and you get these irresistible cheesy pepperoni rolls that are both nostalgic and fresh.

Simple Ingredients: Minimal, easy-to-find ingredients come together to make a tasty, homemade treat.
Quick to Prepare: Ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Customizable: You can adjust the pepperoni, cheese, or seasoning for exactly the flavor you want.
Perfect for Sharing: Bite-sized and mess-free, ideal for parties, snacks, or kids’ lunchboxes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe delivers big flavor. The combination of soft bread, melted mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni is a classic you can’t go wrong with. Plus, the Italian seasoning adds a subtle herbaceous kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Flat lay of a small round ball of thawed bread dough, sixteen thin circular slices of bright red pepperoni, four rectangular pieces of fresh white mozzarella cheese cut into fourths, a small white bowl filled with a mix of dried Italian seasoning herbs, one whole large brown egg with a clean uncracked shell, and a small white bowl with a splash of clear water, all arranged symmetrically in perfect balance on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Bread Dough: It’s your shortcut to fluffy, tender rolls without starting from scratch—just be sure to thaw as directed for best results.
Pepperoni Slices: They bring that spicy, savory punch; I like to split them between rolls evenly to keep each bite balanced.
Mozzarella Cheese: Cutting the cheese into smaller pieces helps it melt evenly and ooze out just enough when baked.
Italian Seasoning: Adds an easy burst of herbs, enhancing the overall flavor without complicating the recipe.
Egg Wash: Gives the rolls a beautiful golden color and a slight sheen, making them look as good as they taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to jazz it up or keep it classic, you can tailor the fillings and seasonings to suit your taste.

Variation: I sometimes swap mozzarella for provolone or add a little shredded parmesan on top before baking for extra cheesy goodness.
Spice it up: If you like heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dab of spicy marinara inside each roll.
Vegetarian version: Replace pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms and roasted red peppers—still totally delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

The image shows several golden brown pepperoni rolls arranged close together on a white plate decorated with pepperoni slice patterns. The rolls have a shiny, soft baked crust with smooth texture. One roll is torn open at the center revealing the layers inside: a slice of reddish-orange pepperoni, melted white cheese stretching from the tear, and a creamy white sauce or cheese filling. The background is a white marbled texture with some green leafy herbs blurred out on the left side, and more pepperoni slices slightly blurred in the background. The text

Step 1: Prep the Dough and Filling

Start by thawing your bread dough according to the package directions. Once ready, place it on a clean surface and cut it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece gently with your hands until it’s about a 4x4 inch square—no rolling pin needed here! This approach keeps the dough soft and pliable so it wraps nicely around the fillings.

Step 2: Add Pepperoni, Cheese, and Seasoning

Place two slices of pepperoni on the center of each piece of dough, then add two pieces of mozzarella cheese on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning over the cheese—it adds a fresh, herby layer that’s subtle but important.

Step 3: Roll and Seal

Fold the outer edges of the dough over the filling, then roll it tightly like a little burrito, pinching the edges to seal. This step is crucial so the cheese and pepperoni don’t leak out while baking. Place each roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray, making sure they’re spaced apart so they bake evenly.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Whisk one large egg with a splash of water, then brush this egg wash lightly over the rolls to give them a golden, shiny crust. Bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re nicely browned on top. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in—this helps the cheese settle so it’s less likely to burn your mouth.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few little tricks can really make your Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe shine and avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the pepperoni and cheese, but if you add too much, the rolls can burst open while baking.
Seal Well: Pinch the seams firmly to keep the filling inside. If needed, use a bit of water to help seal the dough edges.
Use Egg Wash: This simple brush gives the rolls a beautiful color and slightly crisp exterior, making them look professionally baked.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the rolls cool just a few minutes helps the cheese thicken so it won’t spill everywhere when you bite in.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

cheesy pepperoni rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top right after baking to add a bit of extra flavor and a pop of color. A fresh basil leaf or a sprinkle of chopped parsley also brightens things up and balances the richness.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a simple side salad to cut through the richness—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or classic Caesar. For dipping, marinara or a garlicky pizza sauce are always crowd-pleasers.

Creative Ways to Present

At a party once, I arranged these rolls on a platter with little cups of different dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, and even a spicy garlic aioli. It made them feel extra special and gave guests fun options to try.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them the next day. They stay soft and delicious and are easy to grab for a quick snack.

Freezing

If I want to stash extras for later, I freeze uncooked rolls placed on a tray. Once solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to eat, I bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover rolls in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes or until warmed through. It revives the crust just right and keeps them from getting soggy like a microwave can cause.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade bread dough works beautifully and adds a personal touch — just make sure your dough has had time to rise appropriately before shaping your rolls.

How do I prevent the rolls from leaking cheese during baking?

The keys are not overfilling the rolls and sealing the seams tightly. Pinch the dough edges together firmly, and if needed, moisten the edges with a bit of water to help them stick better. Also, allow the rolls to cool slightly before cutting into them.

Can I prepare these rolls in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. You can also freeze the assembled rolls to bake later, which makes them perfect for meal prep and last-minute snacks.

What dipping sauces go well with pepperoni rolls?

Marinara is the classic choice, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even honey mustard can complement these rolls nicely depending on your mood and guests' preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is one of those simple joys I always come back to—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and loved by everyone I share it with. Whether you’re making a quick snack or feeding a hungry crowd, these rolls deliver that irresistible mix of melty cheese and spicy pepperoni wrapped in soft bread. Trust me, once you try making them at home, they'll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation too.