Pepperoni Rolls
This Homemade Pepperoni Rolls Recipe makes a delicious meal, snack, or appetizer. It’s made with spicy pepperoni covered in parmesan, rolled up in homemade pizza dough, then baked until soft and golden.
Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Homemade Pizza Dough
Looking for something a little bit different to serve at your next pizza night? These homemade pepperoni rolls are the perfect thing!
Classic pepperoni rolls are basically a giant pizza roll cut into slices. Except rather than stuffing the dough with pizza sauce and toppings, we’re rolling it out, layering it with pepperoni slices and cheese, then rolling it up tightly and baking it.
Once it’s baked, the roll is sliced, then served with a dipping sauce of your choice! Since the sauce isn’t actually layered into the roll, the texture stays nice and crispy!
These delicious pepperoni rolls can be enjoyed as a meal, as a game day appetizer, as an easy snack, you name it. It’s an easy recipe that’s always a crowd pleaser and that the whole family will love!
What is a Pepperoni Roll Made Of?
You need just a couple of simple ingredients for this recipe.
- Pizza Dough: I like to use my homemade pizza dough, but if you want to save time you can swap it out for a premade pizza dough from the grocery store.
- Pepperoni: A good pepperoni roll needs, of course, some good pepperoni!
- Cheese: I love the salty flavor of parmesan cheese, but you could also use melty, gooey mozzarella cheese if you’re looking for something a little more, well, cheesy.
- Egg Wash: For a beautiful, golden brown crust we like to add an optional egg wash made with a large egg and water.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Scroll to the recipe card below for the ingredient amounts and full instructions.
Once your pizza dough is prepared, this pepperoni roll recipe comes together so quickly and easily!
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide your dough into two equal portions and place them on parchment paper or silicone mats. Use a rolling pin to roll them out into rectangles about ½-inch thick.
- Layer the pepperoni onto each dough rectangle, then divide the shredded cheese between the two.
- Starting with the long side, roll each rectangle up tightly, tucking the ends in as you roll.
- Transfer the rolls to the prepared baking sheets, and brush with an egg wash if desired.
- Use a sharp knife to cut slashes across the dough, then bake until golden brown on top.
Tips and Notes
- Roll the dough to ½-inch thick. This is the perfect thickness to make rolling easy while still allowing enough dough for a soft, doughy texture.
- Score the top of the roll. Before baking, use a knife to cut slashes across the top of the roll. This gives the steam a place to escape as it bakes.
- Add other toppings. While this version of the pepperoni roll uses just pepperoni, you can totally add whatever pizza toppings sound good to you. Try pepper, onion, sliced mushroom, olives, you name it.
- Looking for a little extra flavor? Try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the inside of the roll. You could also brush the top with a little bit of melted garlic butter!
What Goes Well with Pepperoni Rolls?
There’s always a good reason to enjoy these delicious yet simple food. They make a great snack, a delicious appetizer, and a mouthwatering dinner!
If you’re enjoying them as a snack or appetizer, they go great with a side of warm pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or spicy ranch dressing for dipping.
If you’re serving them up for dinner, then you can’t go wrong with an easy side dish or two to round the meal out a bit. Here are a few ideas:
Storage
Leftover pepperoni rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, warm from the fridge at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes or bake from frozen for 25-30 minutes.
What is Pizza Roll Crust Made Of?
I use homemade pizza dough. If you want to save time, you can use store-bought dough instead.
If you do use canned/store-bought dough, be aware that the final product may look and feel differently.
The rolls may bake with a different texture, and you may need to adjust the amount of pepperoni and cheese used in the filling.
Are Pepperoni Rolls a West Virginia Thing?
Yes! If you’re a West Virginia native, then you probably already know this, but a West Virginia pepperoni roll is a state specialty!
Supposedly, the pepperoni roll was utilized as a lunch option for local coal miners in north-central West Virginia, because they were easy to pack up and eat.
Now, they’re just widely enjoyed everywhere as a delicious appetizer or meal!
More Pizza-Inspired Recipes to Try
Ingredients
Pepperoni Rolls
- 2 pounds pizza dough, homemade or store-bought (See note.)
- 12 ounces pepperoni
- 12 ounces Parmesan cheese, or any cheese you love
Optional: Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide the prepared dough into two equal portions, and place each dough onto a lightly floured surface or silicone mat. Roll each piece into a rectangle about ½-inch thick.2 pounds pizza dough
- Place half the pepperoni on one piece of dough in an even layer, then repeat on the second rectangle of dough.12 ounces pepperoni
- Divide the shredded cheese in half and sprinkle over each rectangle of dough and pepperoni.12 ounces Parmesan cheese
- Starting with the longer side, roll the dough making sure to roll tightly and tuck in the ends as you roll.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Apply an egg wash if using. Use a sharp knife to cut several slashes in the dough.1 large egg1 tablespoon water
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Let the pepperoni rolls cool slightly before serving.
- Scroll up and see the post for tips, storage, and FAQs.
