Name: Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese 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 (16 pieces); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 large egg, well beaten; A splash of water

There’s something so comforting about warm, cheesy bites wrapped in soft dough—and this Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe hits that spot every time. They’re quick to make and perfect for lunch, snacks, or even a casual party appetizer that pleases a crowd.

The image shows five golden brown rolls on a white plate with a delicate floral pattern. Each roll is smooth with a slightly shiny, baked crust and soft rounded edges, arranged in a small pile. Around the rolls, thin slices of bright red pepperoni are placed, adding a pop of color. In the background, there is a glass of iced tea with lemon slices inside, and a small glass bowl filled with more pepperoni slices, set on a white marbled surface. A green garnish is placed near the rolls on the left side. The 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 Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can honestly say these roll-ups have become my go-to when I want something both tasty and fuss-free. The blend of melty mozzarella and pepperoni wrapped in tender bread dough makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

Quick to prepare: From thawing dough to baking, you’ll have these ready in under 30 minutes.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need a bunch of fancy stuff—just bread dough, pepperoni, cheese, and a few extras.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Everyone I’ve shared these with always asks for seconds.
Versatility: Customize fillings or serve with dips to match your mood or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together like old friends, each playing their part in making these roll-ups irresistible. When shopping, a fresh quality bread dough is key—it’s what gives you that perfect fluffy texture.

Flat lay of a small mound of thawed fresh bread dough, sixteen thin round slices of bright red pepperoni fanned neatly, sixteen small rectangular pieces of creamy white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dried green Italian seasoning, one large smooth brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl with a splash of clear water, placed 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: I love using thawed bread dough because it’s quick and gives those soft, pillowy rolls every time.
Pepperoni slices: They add the classic savory punch. I stick to regular sliced pepperoni, but feel free to try spicy or turkey versions.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella is great, but pre-sliced works too—just make sure it melts nicely.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle perks up the flavor, making the cheese and pepperoni taste even better together.
Egg wash: Brushed on top, it creates a gorgeous golden-brown finish that’s both pretty and adds just a touch of crispness.

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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

One of the best parts about this Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste. I like to add in some crushed red pepper flakes if I’m in the mood for a little extra kick, and sometimes switch mozzarella for provolone when I want a creamier melt.

Vegetarian variation: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious meat-free option I tried and loved.
Extra cheese: If you’re like me and can never have enough cheese, try doubling the amount inside—just watch your dough seal carefully.
Herbs and spices: Experiment with garlic powder or fresh basil for a personal aroma boost.
Gluten-Free: You can use gluten-free pizza dough—but keep an eye on baking time as some bake quicker.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe

The image shows several golden brown rolls with a smooth, shiny surface arranged on a white plate decorated with images of pepperoni slices. One roll is broken open to show three layers inside: a layer of melted white cheese that stretches, a layer of red pepperoni slices with small white spots, and a soft, light dough dough forming the outer layer. The rolls are placed on a white marbled surface with green leafy herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare your dough and workspace

I start by thawing the frozen bread dough as per package directions—this is crucial because dough that’s too cold or too warm can be tricky to handle. Once it’s ready, I cut it into 8 equal parts right on my clean countertop. No fancy tools needed—just a good kitchen knife and your hands. Flatten each piece into a roughly 4x4 inch square; I usually pat and stretch gently with my palms to keep it even but soft.

Step 2: Layer the delicious fillings

Now for the fun part—building these roll-ups. I place 2 slices of pepperoni in the center of each dough square. If you're like me and can't resist more pepperoni, feel free to pile it on, but keep in mind the roll still needs to close properly. Top the pepperoni with 2 small pieces of mozzarella, then sprinkle about half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the cheese—this adds just the right herbaceous zing.

Step 3: Roll and seal like a pro

Carefully fold the opposite edges over the filling, then roll the dough tightly from one side to the other, pinching the seams as you go to keep everything sealed inside. I find it helps to press firmly but gently, so the rolls don’t pop open while baking. Place each roll with the seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch—this helps them bake evenly.

Step 4: Egg wash for that golden glow

Whisk together one large egg with a splash of water to thin it out, then brush this over the tops of each roll-up. This little step makes a huge difference—your roll-ups will look professionally baked with that beautiful golden shine and a touch of crispness on the outside.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated 400°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and the dough feels springy when touched. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before digging in—freshly baked bread is hot!

Top Tip

After making this Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that really help nail the best results:

Even dough thickness: Flatten the dough pieces uniformly to ensure even baking and so none of your roll-ups end up doughy or overdone.
Seal the edges well: Pinch seams tight—this keeps cheese and pepperoni from sneaking out during baking.
Egg wash makes all the difference: Don’t skip it; it creates that golden crust and prevents your rolls from drying out.
Watch the baking time: Ovens vary, so check early and keep an eye to avoid burnt edges or uncooked dough.

How to Serve Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra Italian seasoning or some freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. A side of warm marinara sauce for dipping is my absolute favorite — it turns these roll-ups into a mini pizza experience every time.

Side Dishes

Pair these roll-ups with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. When I’m hosting, I’ll line up a colorful platter of raw veggies and olives so guests can nibble and dip alongside the roll-ups.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve arranged these on a wooden board interspersed with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for an eye-catching appetizer spread. For parties, I sometimes make mini skewers with toothpicks and serve them with several dipping sauces — a real crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find reheating in a toaster oven keeps the crust nice and crisp, rather than soggy like the microwave sometimes makes.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these roll-ups before baking. Just prepare and roll them, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, brush with egg wash, and bake fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, 350°F in the oven for 8-10 minutes usually does the trick, restoring that lovely crisp exterior and warm, melty cheese inside. For quick reheats, the microwave works but I recommend a quick crisp up in the skillet afterward if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without frozen dough?

Yes! You can use fresh pizza dough or even crescent roll dough as a substitute if that’s what you have on hand. Just watch the baking time and dough thickness to avoid over or under baking.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to pinch the dough seams tightly when rolling, sealing the edges completely. Don’t overfill the rolls, as this can cause the filling to burst out while baking. An egg wash also helps by creating a bit of a barrier on the outside.

Can I add other fillings?

Absolutely! You can add veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Just keep in mind moisture-heavy fillings might need to be cooked or dried a bit before adding to prevent soggy dough.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain the crispy crust and melty cheese inside. The microwave works but might make the dough soft.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Easy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box—it’s one of those simple joys that come together fast, taste amazing, and bring smiles every time. Whether it’s an afternoon snack or a party hit, I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do. So go ahead, roll, bake, and savor every gooey, savory bite!