Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of puff pastry?

Absolutely! Pizza dough creates a different texture—more like traditional pizza rolls than flaky pastries—but it's equally delicious. You'll need to adjust the baking time and temperature to match pizza dough requirements (typically 425°F for 12-15 minutes).

Why did my cheese leak out during baking?

This usually happens when the rolls aren't sealed properly or they're overfilled. Make sure to leave that half-inch border when spreading ingredients, roll tightly, and pinch the seam firmly. Also, letting the rolls chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking can help prevent cheese leakage.

Can I prepare these ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can prepare the entire roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes them perfect for entertaining—just slice and bake when your guests arrive!

How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?

A couple of tricks work well: first, don't overload with sauce; second, use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to help crisp the bottoms; and finally, transfer the rolls to a wire rack immediately after baking to prevent steam from making them soggy.

Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

Name: Easy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry; 1/3 cup marinara sauce; 20 slices pepperoni; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

This irresistible Easy Pepperoni Rolls recipe transforms simple puff pastry into glorious, cheesy bites of pizza-inspired heaven. Ready in just 40 minutes, these golden spirals packed with pepperoni and gooey mozzarella make the perfect weeknight dinner solution or crowd-pleasing party appetizer. The flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry combined with classic pizza flavors create an addictively delicious treat that’s remarkably simple to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Kitchen Win: These pepperoni rolls come together in just 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those evenings when you need something tasty without the fuss.
Versatile Marvel: Works brilliantly as an appetizer, snack, or main dish paired with a salad. These rolls are equally at home at game day gatherings or Tuesday family dinners.
Kid-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist these rolls—they’re essentially pizza in a fun, handheld format that children love to help make and devour.
Impressive Results: Despite the minimal effort, these rolls look absolutely stunning when they emerge from the oven all golden and bubbling—guaranteed to make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry: The magical base that creates those flaky, buttery layers that make these rolls so irresistible. It does all the heavy lifting for you!
Marinara Sauce: Provides that classic pizza flavor foundation. Use your favorite brand or homemade version—the better the sauce, the better your rolls.
Pepperoni: These thin, flavorful slices add that distinctive spicy, savory punch. Choose regular or turkey pepperoni depending on your preference.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that perfect melty, stretchy texture we all crave. Freshly shredded works better than pre-shredded for maximum meltability.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown exterior that makes these rolls look as good as they taste.
Red Chili Flakes: Adds a pleasant kick of heat that balances the richness. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Dried Oregano: Brings that quintessential Italian herb flavor that makes these taste authentically pizza-like.
Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish from good to absolutely memorable.

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.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Supreme Style: Add finely diced bell peppers, onions, and black olives for a loaded supreme pizza experience.
Meat Lovers: Incorporate small pieces of cooked sausage and bacon bits alongside the pepperoni.
Buffalo Chicken: Replace pepperoni with shredded buffalo chicken and use blue cheese instead of mozzarella.

Dietary Adaptations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cheese and ensure your puff pastry is dairy-free (many commercially available ones are).

How to Make Pepperoni Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a clean, flat surface. If it’s too firm, let it rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes until it becomes pliable but still cool.

Step 2: Add the Base Layer

Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the pastry surface, leaving a half-inch border around all edges to ensure proper sealing.

Step 3: Layer the Toppings

Arrange the pepperoni slices in an even layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping them if needed. Then generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape, making sure to seal the seam by gently pinching it closed. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into approximately 3/4-inch slices.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Place the slices cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll to allow for expansion. Brush each roll with olive oil and sprinkle with red chili flakes and dried oregano.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Hands, Warm Heart: If your hands tend to be warm, run them under cold water before handling the puff pastry to prevent the butter layers from melting prematurely.
Sharpen Up: Use your sharpest knife for slicing the roll—a dull blade will compress the layers and reduce that beautiful puff.
Even Steven: Try to distribute the fillings evenly for consistent cooking and flavor in every bite.
Cheese Control: While it’s tempting to pile on extra cheese, too much can bubble out during baking and burn on your baking sheet.
Golden Opportunity: Don’t skip the olive oil brush—it’s the secret to achieving that picture-perfect golden crust.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These pepperoni rolls pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside a cup of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Dipping Delights

Offer warm marinara sauce or garlic butter on the side for dipping—this elevates the rolls from merely delicious to absolutely divine.

Party Presentation

For gatherings, arrange the rolls on a wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of grated parmesan for an impressive appetizer display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making them possibly even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place refrigerated rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. From frozen, add about 3-5 extra minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it makes the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of puff pastry?

Absolutely! Pizza dough creates a different texture—more like traditional pizza rolls than flaky pastries—but it’s equally delicious. You’ll need to adjust the baking time and temperature to match pizza dough requirements (typically 425°F for 12-15 minutes).
Why did my cheese leak out during baking?

This usually happens when the rolls aren’t sealed properly or they’re overfilled. Make sure to leave that half-inch border when spreading ingredients, roll tightly, and pinch the seam firmly. Also, letting the rolls chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking can help prevent cheese leakage.
Can I prepare these ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can prepare the entire roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes them perfect for entertaining—just slice and bake when your guests arrive!
How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?

A couple of tricks work well: first, don’t overload with sauce; second, use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to help crisp the bottoms; and finally, transfer the rolls to a wire rack immediately after baking to prevent steam from making them soggy.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Pepperoni Rolls have become my go-to recipe whenever I need something impressively delicious without hours in the kitchen. There’s something magical about the combination of flaky pastry, tangy sauce, spicy pepperoni, and melty cheese that simply can’t be beat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, these rolls never disappoint. Give them a try—I’m confident they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!