If you are looking for a fun, mouthwatering appetizer or snack that is sure to impress, the Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. These little bundles of cheesy, savory goodness are packed with melted mozzarella and spicy pepperoni all wrapped in soft, golden pizza dough. Every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels just like a cozy pizza party in your hands. They’re incredibly easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing—whether at game day gatherings, family movie nights, or spontaneous get-togethers. Once you try this Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple and straightforward with a handful of essential ingredients that brilliantly come together to create those irresistible pizza rolls. Each component plays its own role, from the soft, pillowy crust to the rich, gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni bites that make these rolls so addictive.
- 13 oz tube Pillsbury pizza crust dough: This makes rolling and shaping effortless while ensuring the perfect chewy crust.
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese sticks (4 sticks total, each cut into 5 pieces): Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that creamy, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- 20 slices pepperoni: Classic, slightly spicy pepperoni adds savory depth and a signature pizza flavor.
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil: Brushed on top for a golden finish and subtle richness.
- â…› teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple herb blend to enhance aroma and add a burst of Mediterranean flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top right after baking to add savory sharpness and a nice texture contrast.
- Pizza sauce for dipping: Warm, tangy sauce is the perfect complement, adding zest to each bite.
How to Make Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by moving your oven rack to the middle position and preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures even baking and a perfectly golden crust. Lightly spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray to keep the rolls from sticking, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Divide the Dough
Unroll the pizza dough carefully onto a clean surface and divide it into 20 equal pieces. This part is crucial because uniform pieces will bake evenly and give you perfectly sized rolls that are easy to grab and share.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Pepperoni
Take one piece of dough and gently flatten and stretch it just slightly so it’s ready to hold a tasty filling. Add one piece of mozzarella and one slice of pepperoni right in the center. This simple combination is the heart of the flavor and makes every bite a mini pizza surprise.
Step 4: Seal the Rolls
Carefully pull the edges of the dough up around your cheese and pepperoni, then pinch the seams tightly closed to seal in the filling. Place the rolls seam-side down in your prepared pie plate—this helps them stay sealed and keeps the cheese inside while baking.
Step 5: Arrange All Dough Balls
Repeat this process with the remaining dough pieces, arranging all 20 rolls evenly in the pie plate. Packing them close together is key because they’ll bake up soft and pull apart easily.
Step 6: Add Olive Oil and Seasoning
Brush the tops of each roll lightly with extra virgin olive oil. This little touch promotes a shiny, golden brown crust once baked. Then sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly on top to infuse the rolls with aromatic, classic pizza herbs.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the pie plate in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on that beautiful transformation—the rolls should be puffed up and golden brown, signaling they’re perfectly cooked inside and out.
Step 8: Top with Parmesan
As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot rolls. The warm cheese will slightly melt into the tops, adding a nutty, salty finish that takes these pizza rolls to the next level.
Step 9: Serve Warm with Pizza Sauce
Serve these irresistible Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls warm alongside a bowl of your favorite pizza sauce for dipping. The gooey cheese, crispy edges, and tangy sauce create such an incredible flavor combination you are going to want to make these again and again.
How to Serve Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and extra flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the rolls right before serving. A light dusting of red pepper flakes can give an exciting kick for spice lovers, and a drizzle of garlic butter can enhance the aroma and richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these pizza rolls with a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. For a truly festive spread, pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy marinara, or even a creamy garlic aioli.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls on a wooden board or colorful platter arranged in a circle with the dipping sauce in the center for a stunning presentation. For parties, offer mini skewers or toothpicks in each roll for easy grabbing. You can even customize fillings by adding sautéed mushrooms, olives, or peppers for a personalized twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or lunchbox treats without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, assemble the dough balls but don’t bake them. Freeze the tray covered tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are fully cooked through and golden.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect golden crust and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for the Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add an extra level of freshness and flavor, just be sure it’s rolled and portioned evenly to maintain the same baking time and texture as store-bought dough.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese sticks?
You can use shredded mozzarella or even a blend of your favorite melting cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. Just make sure the cheese is enough to get that fun gooey pull, which is central to this recipe.
Can these pizza rolls be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough option available at many grocery stores. The taste might vary slightly, but with proper handling, you’ll still get delicious results.
Are these pizza rolls kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love these rolls because they’re fun to eat with their hands and packed with familiar, favorite pizza flavors. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or after-school snacks.
Can I add other fillings to this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with cooked sausage, diced veggies, or even a bit of ricotta for creaminess. Just be mindful not to overfill the dough to keep the rolls sealed properly.
Final Thoughts
Warm, cheesy, and bursting with that classic pizza flavor, the Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe is a total winner for any occasion. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and bring so much joy to every gathering. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the magic of these irresistible rolls with your loved ones.
Print
Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are a fun and easy appetizer or snack featuring soft pizza dough wrapped around mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, baked to golden perfection and served with pizza sauce for dipping. These bite-sized rolls are perfect for sharing at parties or for a tasty treat any time.
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
For 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 divide it into 20 equal pieces to create uniform rolls.
- Assemble Rolls: Flatten one piece of dough and gently stretch it slightly. Place one piece of mozzarella and one slice of pepperoni in the center of the dough.
- Seal Rolls: Pull the edges of the dough up around the filling, then pinch them closed to encase the cheese and pepperoni completely. Place each roll seam side down in the prepared pie plate.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat the process with the remaining dough pieces, arranging the rolls evenly in the pan.
- Brush and Season: Lightly brush the tops of the dough balls with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the pie plate from the oven and immediately sprinkle the rolls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese while they are still hot.
- Serve: Serve the warm pizza rolls with pizza sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella sticks for best melting results.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats or vegetarian alternatives.
- Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling to prevent leaking.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
