I don’t know about you, but there’s something utterly satisfying about taking a handful of bite-sized goodness and knowing it’ll hit all the right notes: salty pepperoni, ooey-gooey cheese, and a buttery, herb-kissed crust. These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups deliver exactly that in a super fun, handheld format. Whether you’re whipping up an appetizer for a game night or just in the mood for a quick, satisfying lunch, these roll-ups are your ticket to crispy, cheesy heaven. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, 15 minutes of baking, and a short 5-minute rest to let everything settle—each roll-up clocks in at around 185 calories, making them a guilt-free snack you can feel good about sharing (or devouring solo).
What really sells this recipe is how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed experience. Beginner-friendly and insanely versatile, you’ll love that you can double the batch for gatherings or switch up the cheese to cheddar or provolone for a playful twist. The golden-brown crescents hide warm, stretchy mozzarella that oozes at every bite, while pepperoni adds that classic pizza zest. A final brush of garlic-infused, Italian-spiced butter seals the deal, creating a perfect buttery herb crust. Get ready to make your kitchen smell like your favorite pizzeria—without ever leaving home!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY PEPPERONI PIZZA ROLL-UPS
To master these mini pizza roll-ups, it’s all about picking the right staples that work in harmony. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is so essential:
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough
This flaky, buttery dough forms the perfect golden shell. It’s pre-made for convenience, so you can focus on the fun fillings and still get that irresistible crescent-layered texture.
- Pepperoni slices
Classic, zesty, and slightly spicy, these slices pack in the savory punch that makes pizza so beloved. They crisp up at the edges, offering a delightful contrast to the soft dough.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
Fresh mozzarella provides that stringy, melty center we all crave. Cutting the sticks into pieces ensures each roll-up is packed with gooey goodness in every bite.
- Dried Italian seasoning
A fragrant blend of herbs—like oregano, basil, and thyme—that elevates the crust with authentic Mediterranean flavor. It brings balance and a delightful aroma.
- Garlic powder
Adds a subtle, savory kick that complements the cheese and pepperoni perfectly. It infuses the buttery topping with that beloved garlic “oomph.”
- Butter
Brushing the tops with melted butter locks in moisture and helps the seasoning adhere. It also gives the crust its signature golden color and rich taste.
- Marinara sauce
A tangy, tomato-based dip that rounds out the experience. Dip each warm roll-up to add a luscious, saucy element that binds all the flavors together.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY PEPPERONI PIZZA ROLL-UPS
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, know that you’re about to transform simple ingredients into a party-ready snack. These instructions are straightforward, perfect for beginners, and designed to ensure your roll-ups come out golden, flaky, and brimming with melty cheese every single time.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the dough bakes evenly and reaches that beautiful golden hue.
2. Open the can of crescent roll dough and carefully separate it into 8 triangles, maintaining the perforations for easy peeling.
3. Take each mozzarella cheese stick and cut it into 6 equal-sized pieces, giving you 24 cheesy morsels to fill each triangle generously.
4. On the wide end of each crescent triangle, layer 3 slices of pepperoni so they cover the surface and build that classic pizza flavor base.
5. Top those pepperoni slices with 3 pieces of mozzarella, arranging the cheese so it’ll melt perfectly in the center.
6. Starting from the wide end, roll up each crescent tightly toward the tip, ensuring the cheese and pepperoni stay snugly inside. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, whisking until smooth and fragrant.
8. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the seasoned butter mixture over the top of every roll-up to coat them evenly.
9. Bake in your preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescents are a deep golden brown and cheese starts to ooze out at the sides.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the roll-ups to rest for 2–3 minutes. This helps the cheese settle and prevents burns.
11. Serve these warm, alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, letting guests dunk each roll-up into that tangy, sweet tomato goodness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY PEPPERONI PIZZA ROLL-UPS
Getting these little beauties to the table is half the fun—you’ll want to present them in ways that showcase their golden crust and melty interiors. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or treating yourself, here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:
- Party Platter Extravaganza
Arrange roll-ups in concentric circles on a large, decorative tray. Add small ramekins of marinara and maybe a pesto dip in the center. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a splash of color and added aroma.
- Family-Style Sharing Board
Spread out a wooden board with the roll-ups, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Drizzle a little extra butter-garlic sauce on top and sprinkle with extra Italian seasoning for an interactive, communal feel.
- Lunchbox Surprise
Wrap individual roll-ups in parchment paper and place them in lunch containers alongside carrot sticks and fruit slices. Include a mini container of warm marinara so each bite remains perfectly dip-ready.
- Game Night Snack Station
Keep roll-ups warm in a slow cooker set on low, with a cheese sauce in one side and pizza sauce in another. Guests can grab and dip on demand—no waiting, just infinite cheesy fun!
HOW TO STORE CHEESY PEPPERONI PIZZA ROLL-UPS
Once the snack frenzy is over, you might be left with a batch or two of these tempting roll-ups. Proper storage keeps them tasting just as fresh for your next craving. Follow these tips to maintain their crispiness and cheesy goodness:
- Refrigeration
Allow the roll-ups to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the flaky crust.
- Freezing for Later
Flash-freeze unbaked roll-ups on a parchment-lined tray for about 30 minutes. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. They’ll keep for up to 1 month—simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Reheating Tips
For best results, avoid the microwave if you crave crispiness. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes. This revives that golden crunch and reheats the cheese uniformly.
- Make-Ahead Assembly
Prepare and assemble the roll-ups, then freeze them raw. When entertaining, brush on the butter mixture straight from the freezer and bake as directed (adding a couple of extra minutes). Guests won’t know you planned ahead!
CONCLUSION
What a whirlwind of flavors we’ve journeyed through! From the ease of unrolling that flaky crescent dough to the satisfying pop of zesty pepperoni and molten mozzarella, these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups truly shine as a beginner-friendly, crowd-pleasing snack. With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of bake time, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again—whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a kids’ party spread, or simply craving an indulgent but balanced treat. Remember, the buttery herb crust and the warm marinara dip are the final touches that elevate these bites into something extraordinary. Feel free to experiment with cheese varieties or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mix for a spicy twist.
Feel free to print this article out and tuck it into your recipe binder, or save it digitally for whenever that pizza craving strikes. You’ll also find a handy FAQ section below with answers to common questions, so you’re fully equipped for any rolling and baking scenario. I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures—leave a comment if you tried the recipe, share your tweaks, or ask any questions if you need clarification. Your feedback, tips, and stories inspire me, and help make our cooking community even more vibrant. Happy rolling, baking, and dipping!
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups
Description
Experience a crispy golden shell bursting with melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and aromatic Italian herbs. These handheld bites are perfect dipped in warm marinara, making every snack time a celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Open the can of crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
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Cut each mozzarella cheese stick into 6 equal-sized pieces, totaling 24 pieces.
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Place 3 slices of pepperoni on the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
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Place 3 pieces of cheese stick on top of the pepperoni.
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Roll up the crescent roll tightly from the wide end to the tip and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
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Brush the butter mixture on top of each roll-up.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Note
- For a spicier kick, use spicy pepperoni or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or make-ahead snacks.
- Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar or provolone for varied flavors.
- Great for kids' parties, game nights, and as a fun twist on classic pizza.
- These roll-ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
