Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: 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 wrapped in soft bread with a hint of spicy pepperoni. This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe packs all that goodness into bite-sized rolls that are perfect for snacks, parties, or even a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

The image shows five golden-brown baked rolls placed closely together on a round white plate with a detailed floral pattern on the rim. Each roll has a smooth, slightly shiny surface with a soft texture and small ends tucked in, giving them a neat shape. Around the rolls, there are bright red pepperoni slices scattered on the plate adding pops of color. Behind the plate, a small glass bowl filled with more pepperoni slices is partially visible, and to the upper right stands a glass jar containing amber-colored liquid with lemon slices submerged inside. A sprig of green leafy herb is placed beside the plate on the left side, contrasting with the white marbled surface underneath. 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

This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old. I adore how easy it is to pull together, even when time's tight, and the crispy golden crust with gooey cheese inside is utterly irresistible.

Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought frozen bread dough, so no kneading or waiting for rise times.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love these cheesy, savory bites.
Customizable: You can add more pepperoni, sprinkle in extra Italian herbs, or swap cheeses as you like.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a snack, party appetizer, or alongside a salad for a casual dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to give you that classic pizza flavor inside soft, pillowy rolls. Using frozen bread dough is a total game changer—it saves so much time and still bakes up beautifully.

Flat lay of a smooth ball of thawed bread dough, several round slices of bright red pepperoni, small white ceramic bowl with quartered mozzarella cheese pieces, tiny white bowl filled with mixed dried Italian herbs, a single large whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, and a small white bowl containing a splash of water, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed 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: Using pre-made dough means you skip all the fuss of mixing and rising—just thaw, cut, and roll.
Pepperoni slices: Provides that spicy, smoky flavor classic to pepperoni rolls. Feel free to use turkey or veggie pepperoni if you prefer.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you that cheesy pull you want in every bite.
Italian seasoning: Adds just enough herbal depth to balance the cheese and pepperoni.
Egg wash: Gives the rolls a gorgeous golden shine and helps seal the dough edges for perfect baking.

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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

These cheesy pepperoni rolls are quite forgiving, so I've had a lot of fun tweaking them. Sometimes I swap out mozzarella for a blend of cheeses, or sneak in some chopped jalapeños for a mild kick—trust me, you can totally make them your own.

Add some veggies: I once added finely diced bell peppers and onions into the filling for extra sweetness and crunch—it was a hit.
Go spicy: Crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled inside add a nice heat if you like things fiery.
Use different meats: Try sliced salami or cooked sausage crumbles to change up the flavor profile.
Make it vegetarian: Swap pepperoni for sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a meat-free version that still packs a punch.

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

The image shows a plate of golden brown rolls with a shiny, smooth surface arranged on a white plate decorated with pepperoni slices. One roll is broken open at the center top, revealing layers inside including white creamy cheese, a bright red pepperoni slice, and a soft dough layer. The rolls are plump with a light texture, some resting on a background of white marbled texture with fresh green herbs blurred in the background. The scene is bright and inviting, focusing on the warmth and soft texture of the rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Work Surface

I start by thawing the frozen bread dough completely as per the package instructions—I find this is essential so the dough stretches easily and doesn’t tear. Then, I lightly flour my work surface, place the dough down, and cut it into 8 equal pieces. No fancy scales needed; just estimate evenly.

Step 2: Flatten and Fill

Using just my hands, I flatten each piece into about a 4x4-inch square or circle. It’s flexible—don’t stress perfection here. Next, I layer two slices of pepperoni in the center, followed by two small pieces of mozzarella cheese. A light sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds that cozy, inviting aroma before rolling.

Step 3: Roll and Seal

This is where a gentle but firm touch comes in. I fold the edges over the filling, then roll up tightly, pinching the seams closed so nothing leaks while baking. Placing them seam-side down on parchment-lined trays makes all the difference in the final expansion and shape.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash and Bake to Golden Perfection

Whisk one large egg with a splash of water to create a shiny egg wash. I brush this gently over the tops of my rolls — it not only browns them beautifully but also gives a bit of extra crunch to the crust. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. You’ll know they’re done when they smell incredible and have that perfect golden hue.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

I always let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes right on the baking tray. This resting time helps the cheese set just enough to avoid a molten lava burn when you bite in. Serve them warm, maybe with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you like an extra flavor pop.

Top Tip

From repeatedly making this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe, a few things really improved my results and made the process smoother. Don’t worry if you’re new to working with bread dough—I’ve got you covered with these tried-and-true tips!

Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can make the rolls burst open during baking, so keep it moderate for neat, tasty results.
Seal seams well: Pinch the edges firmly and place the rolls seam side down; this prevents filling oozing and keeps the shape intact.
Use parchment paper: It helps the rolls bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze—no sticking allowed!
Brush on egg wash evenly: It gives that beautiful golden shine but watch out not to oversaturate or it might drip and brown too fast.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

cheesy pepperoni rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little extra Italian seasoning or freshly chopped basil over the warm rolls—it adds freshness and color. A dash of grated Parmesan on top straight from the oven also brings out the cheesy goodness nicely.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal. They’re great finger food alongside a fresh antipasto platter too!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the rolls in a circle on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, or pesto. I’ve also tried stacking them in a bread basket lined with colorful kitchen towels, which makes for a fun, rustic look kids especially enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 2-3 days but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! For best results, bring them back to room temp before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these rolls before baking by shaping them and placing them on a tray to freeze individually. Once solid, I tuck them into a freezer bag. When ready to bake, I let them thaw and rise slightly at room temp, then proceed with the egg wash and baking. Freezing after baking works too; just reheat from frozen gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes—this keeps the crust crispy and cheese melty without drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but often makes the dough soggy, so I try to avoid that.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen bread dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully if you prefer baking from scratch. Just make sure it’s fully risen and soft before you start rolling and filling.

What’s the best cheese to use for these rolls?

Mozzarella is perfect because it melts beautifully and has that mild, creamy flavor. You can also add provolone or cheddar for a sharper taste variation.

Can I prepare these ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just bring them back to room temperature and brush with egg wash before popping them in the oven.

How do I prevent the rolls from leaking during baking?

Make sure to pinch the seams tightly and place the rolls seam side down on the baking tray. Don’t overfill, as too much filling can cause leaks. Brushing with egg wash also helps seal the dough.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about pulling a warm, cheesy pepperoni roll from the oven and enjoying that perfect balance of soft bread, melted cheese, and savory pepperoni. This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is a little slice of comfort that’s easy enough to make any day. I’m excited for you to try it out—once you do, I bet it’ll become a regular in your recipe collection too!