Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

<p>These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls have become my goto for game day snacks and casual dinners alike. Crispy on the outside and filled with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and ham, they bring all the flavors of pizza into a handheld bite. The secret to their amazing flavor is the garlicky butter brushed on before and after baking, which gives each roll a golden shine and delicious aroma.</p> <p>I made these during a busy football season once and now they are a game day tradition in my home. The kids especially love dunking them in marinara or ranch sauce.</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Refrigerated pizza dough:</strong> about 12 to 14 ounces convenient and easy to work with look for dough in sealed tubes at the store</li><li><strong>Pepperoni and deli ham:</strong> choose your preferred brands the cured meat combo provides savory and slightly spicy notes</li><li><strong>Shredded mozzarella cheese:</strong> for that gooey, melty texture essential to pizza rolls</li><li><strong>Marinara or pizza sauce:</strong> use a flavorful sauce that can double as a dipping sauce later</li><li><strong>Unsalted butter with Italian seasoning garlic powder salt and pepper:</strong> to create the garlic butter that elevates the rolls’ flavor</li><li><strong>Optional dipping sauces like marinara or ranch:</strong> to serve alongside adding extra flavor and variety</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Roll out dough and spread marinara:</strong></dt><dd>Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface into a roughly 12 by 10 inch rectangle about one quarter inch thick. Be careful not to roll too thin or the dough will be hard to assemble. Spread a layer of marinara or pizza sauce evenly, leaving about a half inch border around the edges.</dd><dt><strong>Add the toppings:</strong></dt><dd>Layer your pepperoni slices, deli ham, and shredded mozzarella generously but not too heavily over the sauced dough. Avoid piling on too much topping as it can weigh down the rolls and cause them to collapse in the oven.</dd><dt><strong>Roll and assemble:</strong></dt><dd>Starting from the long edge, roll the dough carefully but tightly to form a log shape. Pinch the seams closed to seal in the filling. Using a serrated knife or bench scraper, cut the log into twelve equal slices. Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet spaced about two to three inches apart so they have room to puff up while baking. Melt the prepared garlic butter and brush it lightly over the tops and sides of the rolls reserving some to brush again after baking.</dd><dt><strong>Bake:</strong></dt><dd>Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the rolls for about fifteen minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven then brush more garlic butter over the tops for extra flavor and shine.</dd><dt><strong>Serve with dipping sauce:</strong></dt><dd>Serve the pizza rolls warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or ranch for maximum enjoyment.</dd></dl>

<p>Mozzarella is my personal favorite ingredient in these pizza rolls. It melts perfectly to create that irresistible gooey center every time. I remember making these for my nephew’s birthday party and watching kids line up asking for seconds and thirds. The garlic butter is what really pushes these from good to unforgettable.</p>

Storage tips

<p>Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp.</p>

Ingredient substitutions

<p>If you don’t have ham, try adding cooked sausage or bacon for a different flavor twist. You can swap mozzarella with provolone or a shredded blend for variety. For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add bell peppers and mushrooms.</p>

Serving suggestions

<p>Serve these rolls alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal or pair with a bowl of soup for a comforting combo. Marinara and ranch dipping sauces are classics but try garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo for something different.</p>

<p>These pizza rolls are perfect for parties and easy to customize for different diets. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces for best results.</p>

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade dough for the rolls?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works well and adds a fresh, personalized touch to the rolls.

→ What sauces pair best with these rolls?

Marinara and ranch sauces complement the flavors beautifully, enhancing the savory and cheesy notes.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a day or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to restore crispness.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and slice the rolls in advance. Refrigerate overnight and bake when ready for a quick preparation.

→ Are there variations for toppings?

Try swapping or adding toppings like buffalo sauce, chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms, or pesto for different flavor profiles.