Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
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These homemade pepperoni pizza rolls are everything you love about pizza—melty cheese, savory pepperoni, golden-brown crust—rolled into the perfect bite-sized snack! They’re crisp on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, and make the ultimate party appetizer. Serve them for game day, movie night, or an easy weeknight dinner, and watch them disappear fast!
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or making something fun for the kids, these pizza rolls are guaranteed to please. The best part? You can prep them ahead and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready. I call that a win!
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Rolls
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Golden and crispy outside, cheesy and gooey inside
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Customizable with your favorite toppings
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Prep-friendly—make ahead and bake later
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A fun twist on classic pizza that’s perfect for sharing
“Last weekend, I brought these to a family BBQ, and my 10-year-old nephew said they were better than actual pizza—huge compliment coming from a picky eater!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough & Assembly:
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1 batch homemade or store-bought pizza dough (room temperature)
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2 tsp olive oil
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½ cup yellow cornmeal (optional, for that signature crunch)
For the Filling:
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⅔ cup pizza sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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60–65 slices pepperoni (small slices work best)
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Italian seasoning, to taste
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Garlic powder, to taste
Optional Toppings:
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Extra mozzarella
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Fresh basil leaves
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roll the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough into two 10×12-inch rectangles. Use your fingers to gently dimple the dough—this prevents bubbling. Lightly brush each rectangle with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Spread ⅓ cup pizza sauce over each rectangle, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Add a layer of mozzarella, then pepperoni, then a little more cheese on top. Gently press the layers so everything sticks together.
Step 3: Roll & Chill
Starting from the long side, roll each rectangle tightly into a log, just like a cinnamon roll. Place seam-side down, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Don’t skip this step—it helps keep the rolls neat when slicing!
Step 4: Slice & Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Slice each chilled log into 12 even pieces. If you want extra crunch, dip the bottoms in cornmeal before placing on the pan. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if you’d like.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: Prepare the logs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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To Freeze: Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
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Leftovers: Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pizza rolls with warm marinara for dipping, or switch things up with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even pesto. They’re also great as a side with soup or salad for a fun dinner twist!
Helpful Tips for Perfect Pizza Rolls
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Chilling is key for clean slices—don’t skip it!
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Use the sharpest knife you have for neat edges
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Space rolls apart on the pan to give them room to rise and brown
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Room temp dough is much easier to work with than cold dough
Pro Tip: Think of the filling like layering a lasagna—start and end with cheese for the best melt and hold.
Topping Variations
While pepperoni is classic, try mixing it up:
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Hawaiian: Ham and pineapple
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Veggie Lovers: Mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers
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Spicy: Italian sausage, jalapeños, and crushed red pepper
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can roll and refrigerate the logs up to 24 hours in advance. Slice and bake when ready.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking and reheat when needed. They crisp up nicely in the oven!
Can I use other toppings?
Totally. Just avoid wet toppings like tomatoes or too much sauce, which can make the dough soggy.
Do I have to use cornmeal?
No, but it adds a great crunch! You can also use semolina if you have it on hand.
Can I bake these in a muffin tin?
Yes! Great for keeping the rolls separate and perfectly round. A 9×13 pan also works in a pinch.
Tools You’ll Need
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Rolling pin
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Pastry brush
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Baking sheets
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Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
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Sharp knife or dough cutter
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are one of my go-to appetizers when I want something that’s fun, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit. With simple ingredients and a few easy techniques, you’ll have a delicious snack that’s perfect for parties—or even just a fun dinner with the family.
