Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe
If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, you’ve got to try my Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe. These rolls are like little pockets of joy, loaded with melty mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, all wrapped up in soft, buttery dough. I’ve made these countless times for friends and family, and every single time, they vanish before I can blink. Stick around—I’m going to share all my tips and secrets so your batch turns out just perfect.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Yet Flavorful: A buttery garlic-herb crust paired with spicy pepperoni and melty mozzarella creates the perfect harmony of savory flavors.
- Perfect Texture: Soft pizza dough rolled tightly guarantees tender, fluffy rolls that hold their cheesy goodness without leaking.
- Easy to Make: Using canned pizza dough means minimal fuss, so you can whip this up even on busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a game day snack or party appetizer, these rolls satisfy a crowd with their hearty, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe lies in the quality and balance of ingredients. The rich butter and Italian seasoning give the crust a fragrant lift, while the pepperoni and mozzarella deliver that classic pizza flavor everyone loves. Choosing the right dough can make or break these rolls, so I always opt for high-quality canned pizza dough—it’s reliable and yields that perfect crust every time.

- Pizza dough: Canned dough is convenient and reliably soft, making your rolls tender with a nice chew.
- Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully and lets you control the salt level while adding richness.
- Italian seasoning: Adds that herby punch, think oregano, basil, rosemary—classic pizza vibes.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle, warm garlic flavor without the hassle of fresh cloves.
- Pepperoni slices: The star of the show—spicy, oily, and perfect for flavor-packed bites.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts evenly and creates that gooey stringy texture we all crave.
- Egg: Brushed on for a glossy, golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish when sprinkled on top after baking.
- Marinara sauce: The perfect dip that compliments and cuts through the richness.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe is. Sometimes I throw in some red pepper flakes if I’m feeling spicy or swap pepperoni for ham and pineapple if I want a twist. You can easily adjust the cheese blend or seasonings to match your mood or the season. Give it your own spin—it’s hard to go wrong here.
- Variation: Once, I added sautéed mushrooms and fresh basil for an earthy, fresh flavor that my family adored.
- Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, try low-moisture part-skim mozzarella and turkey pepperoni.
- Seasonal changes: Swap in some caramelized onions or roasted red peppers come fall for a cozy vibe.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Shape Your Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and ready when your rolls are assembled. Roll out the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper to about a 10×15 inch rectangle. This gives you enough surface area to layer those tasty fillings and roll it up tightly. I like to dust my surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking, but sometimes parchment alone does the trick if the dough is tacky.
Step 2: Brush on the Butter Mixture
Mix Italian seasoning and garlic powder into your melted butter, then brush half of it all over the dough evenly. This step is where the buttery garlic flavor starts to seep into every bite. I learned to save some butter for later because brushing it again after baking amps up the flavor and keeps the rolls shiny and soft.
Step 3: Layer the Pepperoni and Mozzarella
Arrange pepperoni slices on the dough in an even, slightly overlapping layer—don’t be shy, the more the merrier! Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over. This combo is where the cheese meets spice in perfect harmony. I find using shredded mozzarella helps it melt evenly without getting greasy.
Step 4: Roll It Up Tight
Starting from a long side, roll the dough up like a jelly roll, making sure to keep it tight. Press the seam gently to seal it well so nothing leaks while baking. Transfer the log with the parchment paper onto a baking sheet. Trust me, a tight roll creates those perfect, neat slices every time.
Step 5: Egg Wash and First Bake
Whisk your egg in a small bowl then brush it generously over the top and sides of the roll. This helps the crust brown beautifully and adds shine. Bake the roll for 15-20 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This step seals in moisture and starts setting the shape.
Step 6: Final Butter Brush and Bake
Warm up the remaining butter mixture if it’s cooled and brush it over the roll again. Pop it back in the oven for 5-10 more minutes until it’s golden brown and fully heated through. This last buttery glaze keeps the crust tender and flavorful. Once done, sprinkle with parmesan and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Rush the Roll: Taking your time to roll tightly makes slicing easier and keeps fillings inside perfectly.
- Butter Twice: Brushing butter before and after baking locks in moisture and amps up flavor.
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes transferring from counter to pan a breeze.
- Cool Slightly Before Slicing: This helps the cheese set just enough to avoid a melty mess.
How to Serve Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes
I always sprinkle a little extra freshly grated parmesan on top after baking—that salty finish just elevates everything. Sometimes I toss on some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you like a little heat, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the side does wonders.
Side Dishes
These warm, cheesy rolls go great with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of marinara sauce or a creamy Caesar salad for a fuller meal. For an indulgent pairing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes never disappoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I slice the rolls thin and arrange them in a circular pattern on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and bowls of dipping sauces. Kids love it served on a skewer with alternating pepperoni rolls and cherry tomatoes. For a cozy night in, I plate it with some hearty tomato soup—it’s like pizza and soup had a delicious, warm baby.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pepperoni rolls store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to slice them first then stack with parchment sheets between slices to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, they reheat quickly—just right size for a grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these rolls twice with great results. I wrap the whole roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before popping it in the freezer. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm gently in the oven. The texture holds up surprisingly well!
Reheating
To reheat, I preheat my oven to 350°F and warm the rolls sliced or whole for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy crust; the oven does a much better job keeping textures intact.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully in this Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe. Just make sure to roll it out to the same size and thickness and keep it tight when rolling up so you get that perfect texture and shape.
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What other cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a more complex cheese flavor. Just be mindful that some cheeses melt differently, so stick to ones known for good meltability to keep the rolls gooey and delicious.
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How spicy are the pepperoni rolls?
The spice level depends on the pepperoni you use. Most standard pepperoni has a mild heat that complements the cheese and dough perfectly without overwhelming. If you love spice, you can try spicy or hot pepperoni varieties or add crushed red pepper flakes.
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Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking—just give them a little extra baking time since they’ll be cold going into the oven.
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What’s the best way to slice the rolls?
Use a sharp serrated knife and wait until the rolls have cooled for about 10 minutes after baking to slice evenly without squishing the cheesy center.
Final Thoughts
This Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brings smiles to the table. It’s warm, cheesy, and comforting with just the right amount of spice. I love that it’s super simple to make but feels special and homemade. If you’re looking for a snack or meal that will impress without much fuss, give this one a go—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Warm Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 slices
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delicious homemade pepperoni rolls made with pizza dough, stuffed with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, brushed with seasoned butter, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer served with warm marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Dough & Seasoning
- 13.8 ounce can pizza dough
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Filling
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping & Serving
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Roll out dough: Roll the pizza dough on parchment paper into a 10×15 inch rectangle creating a flat surface for layering the ingredients.
- Prepare butter mixture: Combine Italian seasoning and garlic powder into the melted butter and stir well. Brush half of this mixture evenly over the dough; reserve the other half for later.
- Add pepperoni and cheese: Layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the dough, overlapping slightly as needed, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Roll the dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, making sure the seam is on the bottom to seal it. Transfer the rolled log with parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
- Apply egg wash: Whisk the large egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top and sides of the dough log for a glossy finish.
- Bake initially: Bake the roll in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then brush the remaining butter mixture over the roll, reheating the butter if necessary to melt it again.
- Finish baking: Return the roll to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
- Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese evenly on top, and let the roll cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve: Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices and serve warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to seal the dough seam well to prevent cheese and pepperoni from leaking during baking.
- If pizza dough is not available, refrigerated biscuit dough can be used as a substitute but may change the texture slightly.
- Reheating the butter before brushing ensures it spreads easily and evenly on the dough.
- Letting the rolls cool before slicing helps maintain their shape and keeps the cheese from oozing out.
- Marinara sauce can be warmed before serving to enhance the dipping experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg


