If you adore the flavors of a classic pizza but love a fun, shareable twist, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe. Imagine soft, fluffy dough pockets bursting with melty mozzarella and pepperoni, baked until perfectly golden and just begging to be pulled apart with your fingers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, these pizza rolls bring all the comfort and excitement of your favorite pizza, wrapped up in easy-to-make bite-sized treats. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for game days, parties, or whenever you need a quick, savory pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe keeps things delightfully simple, using ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each component brings its own special magic, from the tender pizza dough to the rich, bubbling cheese, and the spicy, savory kick of pepperoni.
- 13 oz tube Pillsbury pizza crust dough: The soft, fluffy base that holds all those delicious fillings together perfectly.
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese sticks: Provides that irresistible, melty cheese pull with every bite.
- 20 slices pepperoni: Adds classic pizza flavor and a perfect savory spice.
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil: Brushed on top for a golden, crispy finish.
- â…› teaspoon Italian seasoning: A subtle herb blend to elevate the aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, cheesy contrast.
- Pizza sauce for dipping: The ideal tangy companion that complements every bite.
How to Make Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by moving your oven rack to the middle position and preheating the oven to 400°F. This ensures an even bake with a golden crust. Lightly spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Divide the Dough
Unroll your pizza dough and divide it into 20 equal pieces. This makes handling and rolling easier, and ensures each pizza roll is bite-sized and perfectly portioned.
Step 3: Fill and Shape
Take one dough piece, flatten it gently, and stretch it just a little. Place a piece of mozzarella and a slice of pepperoni right in the center. Then, carefully pull the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching it closed to seal those cheesy, pepperoni pockets.
Step 4: Arrange the Rolls
Place each dough ball seam side down in your prepared pie plate, arranging them evenly across the dish. This setup helps the rolls bake together while keeping their individual, pull-apart nature.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Bake
Brush the tops with extra virgin olive oil to encourage a golden-brown finish, then sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning to add a hint of herbal warmth. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the rolls are beautifully golden.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the rolls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra punch of sharp, savory flavor. Serve them warm alongside a bowl of pizza sauce, perfect for dipping into cheesy, spicy goodness.
How to Serve Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped basil or a light dusting of red pepper flakes on top just before serving. These additions add a pop of color and a fresh or spicy dimension that pairs beautifully with the rich cheese and pepperoni.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve alongside roasted veggies for a more balanced meal. They’re also fantastic with a cup of marinara or garlic dipping sauce, sealing the pizza-inspired experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, serve your Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter, arranging the rolls in a circular pattern. Add mini bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch, spicy marinara, or even a creamy garlic dip to keep everyone happily dunking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay soft and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or to reheat for a second round of cheesy goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful golden crust and melty cheese experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can taste fantastic, but the store-bought dough saves a lot of time and makes this recipe super accessible for busy days.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella sticks are ideal because they melt into that perfect gooey texture, but you can also try mixing in provolone or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a flavor twist.
Can I add veggies inside the rolls?
Yes! Finely chopped bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms can be included with the mozzarella and pepperoni to sneak in some veggies without losing the classic pizza roll flair.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely. Simply omit the pepperoni and load the rolls up with your favorite cheeses and vegetables or even add some pesto for extra flavor.
How do I make sure the dough seals properly?
Pinching the seams firmly and slightly stretching the dough over the filling helps seal the rolls. If needed, a little water dab on the edges before pinching acts like glue to keep them closed during baking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is a joyful journey into the heart of comfort food, with a friendly twist that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Its ease, flavor, and irresistible pull-apart fun make it a true winner for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to pizza treat — enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a delicious and fun appetizer, snack, or casual dinner option. Made with soft pizza dough wrapped around melty mozzarella cheese and classic pepperoni, they bake to a golden brown perfection and are perfect for sharing along with a side of pizza sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Pizza Rolls
- 13 oz tube Pillsbury pizza crust dough
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese sticks (4 sticks total, each cut into 5 pieces)
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- â…› teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Serving
- Pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into 20 equal pieces to create uniform rolls for even baking.
- Fill Rolls: Flatten one piece of dough and gently stretch it slightly. Place one piece of mozzarella cheese and one slice of pepperoni in the center of the dough piece.
- Seal Rolls: Pull the edges of the dough up around the filling and pinch them closed securely to keep the cheese and pepperoni inside. Place each roll seam side down into the prepared pie plate.
- Arrange Rolls: Repeat the filling and sealing process with all dough pieces, arranging the rolls evenly in the pie plate so they fit snugly together.
- Brush and Season: Lightly brush the tops of each dough ball with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle the tops evenly with Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot rolls to add a savory finish.
- Serve: Serve the pull-apart pizza rolls warm with pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can use a different type of cheese such as provolone or cheddar for a new twist.
- For extra crispiness, brush the rolls with olive oil again halfway through baking.
- Feel free to add chopped herbs like basil or oregano for additional flavor.
- Make sure to seal the dough edges well to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a crispy texture.
