Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups

Life gets incredibly hectic on Tuesday nights. Between soccer practice, piles of homework, and my never-ending laundry list, I often find myself staring at the fridge at 5:00 PM with zero plan. Delivery sounds tempting, but my wallet always disagrees.

That is exactly how these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups became a staple in my kitchen. I needed something fast, cheap, and guaranteed to satisfy two picky kids and one hungry husband. This recipe uses basic pantry staples and refrigerated dough to create a meal that tastes like a gourmet pizzeria treat without the $40 price tag.

My family calls these “pizza pillows” because the dough stays soft while the cheese gets perfectly gooey. Every time I pull a tray of Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups out of the oven, the house smells like a dream. You truly do not need fancy equipment or expensive organic ingredients to make a high-quality dinner.

These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups prove that a little creativity and a few budget-friendly items go a long way. If you want a 30-minute meal that makes everyone smile, you have found it with these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups

There are a million reasons to fall in love with these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups. First, they are extremely budget-friendly. I usually grab store-brand pizza dough for under two dollars.

When you compare that to the cost of a large pepperoni pizza from a chain, the savings really add up over a month. Second, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. You spend ten minutes assembling and twenty minutes baking. While the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are in the oven, you can toss a quick salad or fold a load of towels.

Third, these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are incredibly portable. They make the perfect lunchbox addition for kids or a quick “on-the-go” dinner for those nights you are racing to practice. I also love that this recipe is highly customizable.

If your kids hate onions, leave them out. If you love spice, add some red pepper flakes. The Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups act as a blank canvas for your favorite flavors.

Finally, the cleanup is a breeze. You only need one baking sheet and a cutting board. Anything that saves me time at the kitchen sink is a winner in my book. You will find that these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups quickly become your go-to “emergency” meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I always keep these items on hand during my weekly grocery haul. I recommend buying the larger bags of shredded mozzarella when they are on sale; you can freeze the extra! For the dough, the refrigerated tubes found near the biscuits work perfectly. Here is what you need for the best Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best parts about making Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups is that you can adapt them to whatever you have in the pantry. If you do not have pizza dough, you can use refrigerated crescent roll dough or even frozen bread dough that has been thawed. The texture will change slightly, but the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups will still taste amazing. For a healthier twist, try using turkey pepperoni and part-skim mozzarella.

If you want to pack in some nutrients, finely chop some spinach or bell peppers and sprinkle them inside before rolling. Just make sure to sauté the veggies first to remove excess moisture, otherwise, your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups might get soggy. Want a different flavor profile?

Swap the marinara for BBQ sauce and use cooked shredded chicken and red onions instead of pepperoni. You could even make a breakfast version of these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups by using scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and cheddar cheese. The possibilities are truly endless when you start with this basic technique.

One of the best parts about making Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups is that you can adapt them to whatever you have in the pantry. If you want to pack in more flavor, consider trying out The Ultimate Comfort Casserole: Cheesy Ground Beef & Potatoes alongside them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to ensure your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups come out perfect every single time. I like to get the kids involved in the assembly process—it is like a fun kitchen craft project for them!

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is crucial because the cheese might leak a little, and you do not want to spend your evening scrubbing the pan.

Next, unroll your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch it into a large rectangle. Aim for a consistent thickness so the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups bake evenly.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Do not over-sauce! Too much liquid will make the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups difficult to roll.

Sprinkle your mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Now, layer your pepperoni slices across the cheese. I like to overlap them slightly so every bite has a bit of meat.

Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it shut. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.

You should get about 12 to 15 slices depending on the size of your dough. Place each slice onto the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Brush this mixture generously over the tops and sides of your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you want that extra “pop” of flavor. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Let them cool for five minutes before serving so the cheese can set. Your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

To get that professional pizzeria finish on your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups, I have a few “Sadie-tested” secrets. First, always let your refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before you try to unroll it. Cold dough is snappy and hard to stretch.

Giving it a few minutes to warm up makes it much more pliable. Second, use a serrated knife (like a bread knife) to slice the log. A standard chef’s knife can squish the dough, but a serrated knife saws through the layers without flattening your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups.

Another tip is to avoid overfilling. It is tempting to dump four cups of cheese inside, but the more you add, the harder it is to keep the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups together. Stick to the measurements in the table for the best structural integrity.

If you notice the tops are browning too fast but the middle still feels doughy, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the pan for the last five minutes of baking. Finally, always serve these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups with a side of warm marinara. Dipping is half the fun, and it adds that extra moisture that makes the meal feel complete. These tips will help you master Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups on your very first try!

To get that professional pizzeria finish on your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups, I have a few ‘Sadie-tested’ secrets. Make sure to check out Healthy Potato Snack Ideas for more tips on perfecting your cooking methods.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, you are in luck! These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups store beautifully. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag.

They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze them! Simply place the baked Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups on a tray in the freezer for an hour until they are firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

They will last for up to two months. This is a great hack for quick school lunches.

When it comes to reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. Microwaving can make the dough chewy or rubbery. Instead, use an air fryer or toaster oven.

Pop the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. They will come out just as crispy and delicious as the day you made them. If you only have an oven, heat them at 375°F for 10 minutes. Reheating Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups properly ensures you don’t lose that wonderful texture we worked so hard to create.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Since Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are quite rich and savory, I like to balance the meal with something light and fresh. A simple garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette is my go-to choice. It cuts through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni perfectly.

I also love serving these with raw veggie sticks—carrots, celery, and cucumbers—especially for the kids. It adds a nice crunch and some extra vitamins to the dinner table.

If you want to go the “comfort food” route, you could serve the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup. It turns the meal into a “pizza meets grilled cheese” experience that is incredibly cozy on a rainy day.

For a party appetizer, I often serve these on a big platter with various dipping sauces like ranch dressing, garlic butter, and spicy marinara. No matter how you serve them, these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are always the star of the show.

Since Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are quite rich and savory, I like to balance the meal with something light and fresh. You might also enjoy exploring Greek Chicken Bowls: Easy Clean Eating Meal Prep for a refreshing side dish.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for these?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure to roll it out thin enough so the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups cook through to the center without the outside burning. Homemade dough often has more “rise,” so your rolls might be a bit fluffier.

How do I keep the sauce from leaking out?

The key is to use a thick marinara sauce and apply a very thin layer. If your sauce is watery, simmer it on the stove for a few minutes to thicken it up before spreading it on the dough. Also, remember to leave that half-inch border at the edges of your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups to create a seal.

Can I make these in the air fryer from scratch?

Yes, you can! Place the raw Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Cook at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if necessary. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers vary in heat intensity.

Are these good for meal prep?

They are fantastic for meal prep. You can bake a big batch of Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups on Sunday and have easy-to-grab snacks or lunches all week long. They are much higher quality and more cost-effective than the pre-packaged frozen pizza snacks you find at the store.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the classic taste of pepperoni pizza with a convenient rolled format. This recipe showcases how easy it can be to create delicious meals at home using basic ingredients, making them a favorite for busy families looking for quick solutions.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This information is an estimate based on standard store-brand ingredients. One serving is typically two Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups.

I hope your family enjoys these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups as much as mine does! They really are the perfect solution for those “what’s for dinner?” dilemmas. By using smart kitchen hacks and budget-friendly ingredients, you can serve a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups

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• Author: Sadie
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are a quick and budget-friendly dinner option that the whole family will love. Using simple pantry staples, this recipe delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

1 tube (13.8 oz) Refrigerated Pizza Dough
40-50 slices Pepperoni
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup Marinara Sauce
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning
2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Unroll the pizza dough onto a floured surface and stretch it into a rectangle
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a border
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and layer pepperoni slices over the cheese
5. Roll the dough tightly from one long side and pinch seams to seal
6. Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices, and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet
7. Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning; brush over the tops of the roll ups
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brow
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving

Notes

For variations, try different fillings like spinach or use BBQ sauce instead of marinara.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American