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

Description

These easy Pepperoni Rolls with Puff Pastry are the ultimate snack or appetizer, combining buttery, flaky pastry with gooey mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a hint of marinara sauce. Perfectly spiced with oregano and red chili flakes, these rolls are baked to golden-brown perfection and make an irresistible treat for gatherings or game nights!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Rolls:

1 sheet puff pastry
1/3 cup marinara sauce
20 slices pepperoni
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For Brushing and Garnish:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 tablespoon dried oregano
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. If it feels too cold, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s pliable and easier to handle.
Spread the Marinara Sauce
Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This helps seal the pastry when rolled.
Layer the Pepperoni
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the marinara sauce, covering the surface to ensure every bite has that delicious flavor.
Add the Shredded Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pepperoni slices, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Roll the Pastry
Starting from one of the long edges, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to ensure it stays sealed. This prevents the roll from opening during baking.
Slice the Rolls
Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the rolled pastry into 3/4-inch thick pieces. This ensures neat and uniform rolls.
Arrange on the Baking Tray
Place the rolls cut-side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between the slices to allow them to puff and expand during baking.
Brush and Season
Brush the top of each roll with olive oil. Sprinkle with red chili flakes and dried oregano for added flavor and aroma.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Cool and Garnish
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a rack for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a burst of freshness.

Notes

Warm It Up: Let the puff pastry reach room temperature before rolling to avoid cracking.
Seal Tight: Press and seal the seam of the roll to prevent melted cheese from oozing out while baking.
Sharp Cuts: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice cleanly through the roll without squishing it.
Space Them Out: Make sure to space the rolls out on the baking tray for even puffing.
Oil It Up: Brushing olive oil ensures a crispy, golden-brown finish.
Cool a Bit: Allow the rolls to cool slightly so they hold their shape and to avoid burning your taste buds.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 210kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 430mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg