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 truly comforting about warm, melty cheese wrapped in soft bread combined with the spicy kick of pepperoni. That’s exactly why this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe has become a favorite go-to snack around my kitchen—it’s simple, satisfying, and totally hit-the-spot delicious every time.

The image shows a white plate with four golden-brown baked rolls arranged close together, each roll smooth and shiny with a slightly rounded shape, showing small folds at the ends where the dough is sealed. Around the rolls are several bright red pepperoni slices, some slightly curled up at the edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a clear glass bowl with more pepperoni slices and a mason jar filled with iced tea containing lemon slices visible inside. Some green leafy garnish is also slightly visible to the left side of the plate. The scene is bright and colorful with a fresh look, 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

Honestly, this cheesy pepperoni rolls recipe feels like a hug in food form. I love whipping it up when friends come over or when I want a cozy snack that’s a little indulgent without too much fuss.

Quick & Easy: From thawing dough to the oven, these rolls come together in under 30 minutes.
Comfort Food Classic: Who doesn’t love the combo of melted mozzarella and pepperoni in soft bread?
Customizable: You can easily adjust fillings or seasoning to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a casual party, or just a weekday snack, these rolls always impress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe keeps it simple but effective. The beauty here is how the basic ingredients complement each other—the dough gives you that fluffy bite, while pepperoni and mozzarella bring the melty, savory center you crave. I recommend grabbing quality mozzarella and fresh pepperoni slices to elevate the flavor.

Flat lay of a smooth round portion of thawed bread dough, several thinly sliced rounds of bright red pepperoni, small white ceramic bowl filled with torn pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese, a tiny white bowl containing mixed dried Italian seasoning herbs, one large whole uncracked brown egg, and a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, all arranged symmetrically 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: Thawed according to the package, it provides a soft, pillowy base without needing homemade dough skills.
Pepperoni Slices: Adds a spicy, meaty kick that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, giving you that gooey, stringy texture everyone loves.
Italian Seasoning: Just a sprinkle brightens the flavor with herbs like oregano and basil, balancing the richness.
Egg: Beaten with a splash of water, this creates a golden, shiny crust when brushed on top.

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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

I love that you can easily swap out the fillings or add extras to the basic Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe. I often toss in some sliced olives or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when I want a little extra zing. You should definitely make it your own!

Variation: One weekend, I tried adding cooked spinach and artichoke bits inside the rolls, turning them into a party hit with a delightful veggie twist.

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

The image shows a plate with six golden brown pepperoni rolls. Each roll has a soft, slightly shiny bread crust on the outside. One roll is torn open on top, showing three inside layers: a light yellow cheese layer with a smooth texture, a red pepperoni slice with a slightly wrinkled surface, and a creamy white cheese filling that looks soft and rich. The rolls are placed on a white plate that has red pepperoni slice patterns. In the background, there is a blurred bunch of green herbs on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Dough and Shape

First, I preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it makes cleanup a breeze. After thawing the frozen bread dough, I divide it into eight equal pieces. Flatten each piece with your hands until it's about 4 inches square. No fancy rolling pin required—just your hands and a bit of patience.

Step 2: Assemble with Pepperoni and Cheese

Next, I place two slices of pepperoni right in the center of each dough square, then top that with two small pieces of mozzarella. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning goes over the cheese for that herby pop. At this point, I double-check if I want to add more cheese or pepperoni—go generous if you like it extra cheesy!

Step 3: Roll It Up Tight and Bake

Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and roll it tightly, pinching the seam closed so nothing leaks out during baking. Place each roll seam side down on the tray, keeping them spaced out. I mix the egg with a splash of water for the egg wash and gently brush it over each roll—this gives them a beautiful golden crust. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown. Let them cool a few minutes before digging in—you’ll want to avoid burning your tongue!

Top Tip

From personal experience making these rolls lots of times, a few tips can really help turn out perfect cheesy pepperoni rolls every single time. Trust me because I’ve made my share of doughy or leaking rolls before getting these right!

Tight Rolling: Pinch your seams closed firmly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking. I learned this the messy way before!
Don’t Overfill: Two pepperoni slices and two cheese pieces hit the perfect balance without making the dough too thick or hard to seal.
Even Egg Wash: A light brush, not a thick coat, creates that gorgeous golden color without sogginess.
Cool Before Serving: Let the rolls rest a few minutes after baking so they set up and don’t burn your mouth.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

cheesy pepperoni rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually serve these with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and a fresh note that brightens the richness. Sometimes a little parmesan dusting doesn’t hurt either.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair perfectly with a tangy marinara dipping sauce or your favorite pizza sauce. I also love serving them alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a more balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the cheesy pepperoni rolls around a bowl of warm marinara sauce on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs—looks inviting and makes grabbing a roll super easy. You can even make mini versions for bite-sized fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven or toaster oven keeps the crust crisp and melty inside—microwaving tends to get soggy, which I try to avoid.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After assembling but before baking, I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, I transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, just bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for about 8-10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked texture—crispy outside and melty cheese inside—much better than the microwave version!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen bread dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully if you have your favorite recipe—it will be even fresher, just make sure it’s rolled out to about the same size for consistency.

How spicy are the pepperoni rolls?

They have a mild to moderate spice level depending on the type of pepperoni you use. If you like it spicier, try spicy pepperoni slices or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes inside.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply leave out the pepperoni and add veggies like roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.

What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from leaking cheese while baking?

Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly and don’t overfill. Using smaller amounts of cheese and sealing the dough well really helps keep everything inside where it should be.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe has become a little kitchen tradition of mine whenever I want something quick, cheesy, and totally comforting. I think you’ll love how approachable it is—plus, the flexibility means you can make it fit your taste every time. So grab some dough, plenty of cheese, and give these rolls a try—I promise they’ll make your snack time way more delicious.