If you’re looking for a fun and cheesy snack or appetizer, look no further than Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups. These bite-sized delights combine the richness of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan with the savory, bold flavor of pepperoni, all wrapped in warm, golden pizza dough. Whether you’re preparing them for a game day snack, party appetizer, or a simple family meal, these roll-ups are sure to please everyone in the room. With a perfect blend of cheese, herbs, and spices, each roll-up is bursting with flavor in every bite.

These Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious snack ready to serve. The dough is soft and pillowy on the inside, while the outside turns golden and slightly crispy as it bakes. The creamy cheese mixture adds richness, while the pepperoni adds a touch of spice and smokiness. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them on their own!

Let’s take a closer look at why this recipe is such a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups combine everything you love about pizza into one easy-to-make snack. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and have just the right amount of spice from the pepperoni. With the convenience of refrigerated pizza dough, this recipe comes together quickly and bakes up perfectly every time. The roll-ups are a perfect combination of crunchy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside. They make the ideal appetizer for parties, a fun snack for kids, or even a quick weeknight dinner. They’re also versatile—feel free to swap out the pepperoni for other toppings like sausage, ham, or even vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Ingredients

Refrigerated pizza dough
Cream cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sliced pepperoni
Chopped fresh parsley
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning

Variations

Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups can be customized in several ways to suit your taste preferences:

Vegetarian Option: Omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie-filled alternative.
Meat Lovers: Add extra meats such as cooked sausage, bacon, or even grilled chicken for a heartier version.
Spicy: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
Cheese Swap: Swap the mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready to bake the roll-ups.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Be sure to keep the dough even in thickness to ensure it bakes uniformly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, sliced pepperoni, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Spread the cheese and pepperoni mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Leave a small border around the edges to help seal the roll-up.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

Starting from the long side, carefully roll up the dough tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Pinch the edges to seal the roll-up.

Step 6: Slice the Roll-Up

Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch slices using a sharp knife. Place the slices on a greased baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The cheese should be melted and the dough should be crisp.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the roll-ups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overstuff: Be sure not to overload the filling, as this can cause the dough to burst while baking.
Seal the Edges Well: When rolling up the dough, make sure the edges are sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Roll Evenly: Roll the dough as evenly as possible to ensure uniform slices and even baking.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese before mixing to make it easier to spread and blend with the other ingredients.
Bake on Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, consider lining your baking sheet with parchment paper.

How to Serve

Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups can be enjoyed on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dips:

Marinara Sauce: Serve with a bowl of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Side Salad: A crisp side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette complements the richness of the roll-ups.
Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent meal, serve the roll-ups alongside garlic bread or a buttery breadstick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the roll-ups either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the roll-ups, slice them, and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, allow the roll-ups to cool completely before freezing. Reheat them in the oven as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the roll-ups on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method will help retain the crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the right size.

2. Can I make these without pepperoni?

Yes, you can easily omit the pepperoni and add vegetables or other proteins like sausage or chicken.

3. How can I make these spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for some extra heat.

4. Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, feel free to swap the mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

5. Can I freeze these roll-ups?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in the freezer.

6. Can I use store-bought cream cheese?

Yes, you can use store-bought cream cheese. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing.

7. How do I store leftover roll-ups?

Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

8. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Bake them just before serving.

9. What else can I add to the filling?

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients like cooked sausage, bacon, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor.

10. Can I make these gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pizza dough in place of regular pizza dough.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups are a delicious, easy-to-make snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With a cheesy, savory filling wrapped in soft, golden pizza dough, these roll-ups are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying them on game day, at a party, or just as a quick snack, they’re a simple yet flavorful way to satisfy your cravings. So, get baking and enjoy the cheesy goodness of these roll-ups today!