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; 1 splash water

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, cheesy rolls filled with spicy pepperoni, and this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe hits that spot every time. Soft bread, melted mozzarella, and a hint of Italian seasoning make these rolls perfect for snacking or sharing at your next gathering.

The image shows four golden baked rolls with a smooth, shiny crust placed closely together on a white plate with a delicate floral pattern. The rolls have a soft, fluffy texture with slight browning on the top and sides. Around the rolls, thin slices of reddish-orange pepperoni are scattered, adding a pop of color. In the background, there is a clear glass bowl with more pepperoni slices and a mason jar filled with iced tea and lemon slices. The setting is on a white marbled surface, and a small green herb sprig adds a fresh touch on the left side. 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

I’ve made these cheesy pepperoni rolls more times than I can count. They’re quick to whip up yet delightfully satisfying—perfect when you want something delicious but don’t want to fuss over complicated steps.

Simple Ingredients: Uses frozen bread dough and classic toppings you probably already have on hand, so it’s super accessible.
Quick Prep: From dough to golden rolls in under 30 minutes—great for busy weeknights or last-minute parties.
Customizable Comfort: You can easily adjust the amount of cheese, pepperoni, or seasoning to suit your taste buds.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping to roll these up and, of course, enjoy eating them even more!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. The frozen bread dough makes the rolls tender and fluffy, while the classic combo of pepperoni and mozzarella brings that satisfying Italian flavor we all crave.

Flat lay of a smooth ball of thawed bread dough, a neat stack of round red pepperoni slices, several small white ceramic bowls with shredded mozzarella cheese cut into quarters, a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning in a tiny white bowl, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, and a small white bowl containing a splash of water, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Convenient and reliable, it ensures your rolls stay pillowy soft without needing to make dough from scratch.
Pepperoni slices: Adds spice and that familiar savory punch that pairs perfectly with cheese.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to give you gooey, cheesy pockets inside the roll.
Italian seasoning: Just a sprinkle here and there delivers that classic herby aroma and flavor.
Egg wash: Gives the rolls a shiny, golden brown finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

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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

I love making these rolls exactly as the recipe suggests, but feel free to get creative! You could swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or even add a little marinara inside for extra sauciness.

Variation: One time, I added finely chopped green peppers and mushrooms inside before rolling—gave them a nice veggie kick without overpowering the classic flavors.
Spicy Upgrade: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes inside for an extra zing if you like things hot.
Cheese Swap: Try provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar to mix it up.

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

The image shows a close-up of soft, shiny golden brown rolls stacked on a white plate decorated with bright red pepperoni slices. One roll is open in the middle, revealing layers inside: a slice of pepperoni with a reddish, slightly oily texture, smooth melted white cheese stretching out, and a soft white dough inside the roll. In the background, there is a bunch of fresh green herbs and a blurred glass bowl filled with more pepperoni slices, all set on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm, fresh, and appetizing, with a focus on the texture and colors of the rolls and fillings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Cut the Dough

First, let your frozen bread dough thaw according to package instructions. Once it’s soft and ready, place it on a clean surface and cut into 8 equal pieces. I usually eyeball this, but a knife or dough scraper works great if you want even pieces.

Step 2: Flatten and Fill

Take each dough piece and flatten it with your hands to about a 4x4 inch square. No need for rolling pins here — the warmth of your hands does the trick! Lay two slices of pepperoni in the middle, then add two mozzarella pieces on top. Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the cheese for that herby hint.

Step 3: Roll and Seal

Fold the outer edges over the filling, then roll tightly while pinching the seams closed to make sure none of that melty cheese escapes. Place each roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t unravel during baking.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk one egg with a splash of water and brush the exposed dough lightly. This gives your rolls a beautiful golden shine once baked. Pop them into a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes until the tops look golden and irresistible.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the rolls cool on the tray for about five minutes—this helps the cheese set a bit, so it doesn’t burn your mouth when you dive in. Serve with pizza sauce or marinara if you want to dip, but honestly, they’re amazing on their own!

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things from making this recipe several times that really make a difference. Nothing beats a well-sealed roll and an evenly baked golden crust for the best texture and melty cheese goodness.

Seal it tight: Make sure to pinch those dough seams firmly to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
Don’t overfill: While more cheese is tempting, too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open—balance is key.
Even thickness: Flatten the dough evenly so each roll bakes uniformly; thick spots might stay gooey while thin parts could crisp too much.
Watch the oven: Because of the cheese, baking times might vary slightly—check around 10 minutes for perfect golden tops.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves over the rolls for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A dusting of grated Parmesan on top before baking adds a subtle salty layer that’s delightful.

Side Dishes

These rolls go wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. For parties, serving them with a variety of dipping sauces – marinara, ranch, or even a spicy garlic aioli – keeps everyone happy.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these rolls into a wreath shape on a festive platter for a holiday gathering. It looked stunning and was super easy to grab and share. You can also skewer them with cocktail sticks for bite-sized snacks at a casual get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls keep best in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When I store them, I make sure they’re completely cooled first to avoid steam buildup, which can make the crust soggy.

Freezing

I like to freeze any extras before baking, placed on a tray so they don’t touch. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to a month and bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For leftovers, reheating in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find the crust loses its crispness that way.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen bread dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough will work beautifully—just make sure it’s well risen and pliable before shaping your rolls.

How spicy are these cheesy pepperoni rolls?

They have a mild to moderate spice from the pepperoni, which is balanced by the creamy mozzarella. You can adjust the heat by choosing spicy or mild pepperoni or adding red pepper flakes.

Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?

To make these rolls vegan, you can substitute dairy cheese with a plant-based alternative and use an egg wash substitute like non-dairy milk mixed with maple syrup for glazing. The bread dough should also be checked to ensure it’s vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

Reheating in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes helps maintain the crispy outside and gooey inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether for a quick snack, party appetizer, or game day nosh, I recommend you give these a try—you’ll probably find yourself making them again and again, just like I did!