If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of a pizzeria’s savory treats right in your own kitchen, then this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine soft, golden rolls filled to the brim with melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and perfectly spiced pepperoni, all wrapped up in a tender, homemade dough. It’s pizza, but portable, shareable, and way more fun to make and eat. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or craving a cozy night in, these pizza rolls deliver that comforting, satisfying flavor every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for creating that ideal balance of flavor, texture, and color in your pizza rolls. From the warm yeast that gives you a light, fluffy dough, to the rich mozzarella that melts just right, each component plays a starring role.
- 1 cup warm water (110°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast for a fluffy dough rise.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Helps feed the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and a chewy texture to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
- 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping): Bursts of tangy, herby flavor in every bite.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty heart of the rolls that everyone loves.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni: Gives that irresistible spicy, meaty punch.
- Optional – Additional pizza toppings of your choice: Customize to your heart’s desire with veggies, olives, or bacon.
How to Make Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by dissolving the sugar in warm water to create the perfect environment for your yeast. Sprinkle the yeast on top and wait about 5 minutes for it to get all foamy and active—that’s your sign it’s ready. Mix in the flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead it all together until the dough is smooth and elastic, which takes about 7 to 10 minutes and is surprisingly therapeutic. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover the dough, and let it work its magic by rising in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce evenly, but don’t forget to leave a tiny border around the edges to keep everything snug when you roll it up. Next, sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese, then layer your pepperoni slices lovingly over the top, and feel free to add any other toppings that make your pizza dreams come true.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Now the fun part—roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll, ensuring it’s snug so the fillings won’t escape during baking. Use a serrated knife or even dental floss to slice the roll into 12 even pieces. This gives you the perfect individual pizza rolls ready for baking.
Step 4: Bake
Place each roll cut side up in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again for 30 minutes—this step adds that extra fluffiness you want. Meanwhile, get your oven heated to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The kitchen will be filled with such an inviting aroma, it’ll be hard to wait until they cool just a bit.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Allow your pizza rolls to cool slightly (just enough so you don’t burn your tongue), then dive in! Serve them with extra pizza sauce for that perfect dipping experience. These rolls are warm, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can elevate these rolls to a whole new level. A little crushed red pepper flakes on top add just the right kick if you like things spicy. These simple touches don’t just make the pizza rolls look great; they add exciting layers of flavor that really bring the dish to life.
Side Dishes
Pair your rolls with a crisp garden salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. Garlic breadsticks or a bowl of creamy tomato soup also make fantastic companions, turning your meal into a full-fledged Italian feast. These sides add freshness and variety that make every bite more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange your rolls on a large platter interspersed with bowls of assorted dips like ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo. If you want to wow guests, serve individual rolls on small appetizer plates with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Even stacking them in a breadbasket lined with a red-checkered cloth gives a playful hint of old-school pizzeria charm. Presentation can be just as fun as the eating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your homemade pepperoni pizza rolls have cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making them a perfect ready-to-eat snack or quick meal on busy days.
Freezing
To keep these treats on hand for longer, freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and continue with the rising and baking steps. This way, you can enjoy fresh-baked pizza rolls anytime you want.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your rolls in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving works in a pinch but can leave the dough a bit chewy. A toasty reheated roll is just as delightful as fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a great shortcut and will still give you delicious results. Just roll it out and follow the assembly and baking steps as usual.
What other toppings work well in the pizza rolls?
Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, cooked sausage, or even pineapple can be added. Just be mindful not to overload the rolls to prevent them from bursting open while baking.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and look puffed up. Gently press your finger into it—if the indentation remains, it’s ready to go.
Can I make these pizza rolls gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads, you can make a gluten-free version. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine.
Is there a way to make these rolls ahead for a party?
You can prepare and assemble the rolls the day before, then store them covered in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about rolling up all your favorite pizza flavors into one bite-sized bundle, and this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe nails that feeling perfectly. It’s simple to make, endlessly delicious, and sure to become a household favorite. So roll up your sleeves and give it a try—you’ll be rewarded with warm, cheesy goodness that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.
Print
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a delicious and fun twist on classic pizza, featuring a soft yeast dough stuffed with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, these rolls offer all the flavors of pizza in a convenient, bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the mixture, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 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: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange sliced pepperoni and any additional toppings evenly on top of the cheese.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a jelly roll shape. Using a serrated knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
- Bake: Place the cut rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your 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 warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the water is at the right temperature (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- You can customize the filling with additional pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- For easier slicing without squishing, use dental floss to cut the rolls instead of a knife.
- Serve these pizza rolls fresh for the best texture; they can be reheated in the oven.
