Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 8 oz package refrigerated crescent-roll or pizza dough; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional); 20 –30 slices pepperoni; a few tablespoons grated Parmesan or other hard cheese (optional); pizza or marinara sauce (warmed, for dipping (optional))

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If you’re looking for a snack that perfectly balances cheesy goodness with the bold, savory taste of pepperoni, these Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups are your go-to treat. Baked to golden perfection, each roll-up offers a melty cheese center wrapped in soft, golden dough that’s especially popular with teens and perfect for sharing at any casual gathering.

Whether you’re planning a quick snack, party appetizer, or a cozy meal on the couch, these roll-ups offer both flavor and versatility. Pair them with your favorite pizza sauce for dipping, and you have a simple yet irresistible meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation with refrigerated dough for minimal fuss.
Combination of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses creates deliciously gooey texture and sharp flavor.
Perfect portion size for snacks or parties, easy to customize with extra herbs or sauces.

Ingredients

Refrigerated crescent-roll or pizza dough (8 oz / ~225 g): Convenient pre-made dough that forms the golden, fluffy base of each roll-up.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (~1 cup): A melty, mild cheese that provides classic gooey texture inside the roll-ups.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (~½ cup, optional): Adds a tangy punch and extra richness when combined with mozzarella.
Pepperoni slices (20–30 slices): Classic, flavorful meat slices that bring a spicy, smoky bite to every roll-up.
Grated Parmesan or hard cheese (a few tablespoons, optional): Adds an extra layer of savory depth and enhances the crust’s flavor.
Pizza or marinara sauce (optional): Warmed for dipping, enhancing the roll-ups with a zesty tomato kick.
Olive oil or melted butter (optional): Lightly brushed on roll-ups before baking for a crispier, golden crust.
Dried herbs (oregano, basil) (optional): Sprinkled inside for a fragrant, pizza-style flavor boost.
Chili flakes (optional): A small pinch adds a gentle heat to spice up the flavor profile.

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (≈175°C) and either grease a baking sheet lightly or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the roll-ups bake evenly without sticking, resulting in a clean, golden crust.
Prepare the Dough Segments: Carefully unroll the refrigerated crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles, or divide pizza dough into rectangular pieces. This creates the perfect size for rolling each snack tightly and evenly.
Add Cheese and Pepperoni Filling: Scatter a small amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese onto each dough piece. Place 2 to 3 pepperoni slices over the cheese, slightly overlapping if needed. For added flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan or your favorite hard cheese on top before rolling.
Roll the Dough Tightly: Starting at the wide end of each triangle (or one edge of the pizza dough rectangle), roll the dough toward the narrow end, encasing the filling snugly. Position each roll seam-side down on your baking sheet to hold shape during baking.
Bake Until Golden and Melty: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the dough is a lovely golden brown and fully cooked through. The cheese inside should be melted and bubbling, ensuring every bite is decadently cheesy and hot.
Allow to Cool and Serve Warm: Let the roll-ups sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly before serving. Pair with warm pizza or marinara sauce for dipping to elevate this simple snack into a crowd-pleaser.

You Must Know

You can customize roll-ups by adding a thin layer of pizza sauce beneath the cheese for an authentic pizza flavor.
Brushing the roll-ups with olive oil or melted butter before baking will produce a crispier, golden crust.
The recipe is very adaptable; doubling ingredients is straightforward for feeding larger groups.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover roll-ups tightly wrapped in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness and melty cheese before enjoying again.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these roll-ups alongside a fresh green salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks for a balanced snack or light meal. They also pair wonderfully with a cold soda or a flavorful iced tea.

Professional Tips

Use a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for the perfect balance of creamy stretch and tangy bite.
Adding dried herbs like oregano or basil inside elevates the pizza-inspired flavor without extra effort.
For a fun twist, try swapping pepperoni with other cured meats or even veggies like sautéed mushrooms to customize your roll-ups.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated crescent dough?: Yes, homemade pizza or crescent dough works well. Just roll it out and cut into appropriate sizes before filling and baking.
Can these be made ahead of time?: You can assemble roll-ups and refrigerate them uncooked for a few hours or overnight, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?: Besides mozzarella and cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or gouda melt nicely and offer varied flavor profiles.
How do I make them spicier?: Add a pinch of chili flakes inside before rolling or serve with a spicy dipping sauce to give some heat.
Can I freeze these roll-ups?: Yes, bake then freeze cooled roll-ups in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen until warmed through.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce?: You can use any marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce as a dip or spread thinly on the dough before adding cheese and pepperoni.
Can I make mini roll-ups for kids?: Absolutely, cut the dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized snack portions perfect for kids to enjoy.