Delicious Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are the kind of easy, irresistible, family-friendly meal that make dinner feel fun again. Imagine warm, fluffy dough spiraled with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, rich pizza sauce, and a buttery garlic topping that bakes into golden perfection. Every swirl is loaded with melty cheese and that classic pizzeria flavor we all crave, but in a handheld, roll-up form that’s perfect for dipping, sharing, snacking, or serving as a full meal.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting game night, prepping freezer meals, or just craving comfort food with a twist, these pizza roll-ups deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re endlessly customizable, bake beautifully in one pan, and disappear almost immediately the moment they hit the table.
Equipment You Will Need
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish or large sheet pan
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Pastry brush
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Oven mitts
Ingredients List
- Roll-Ups
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent dough sheet
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional)
- 30–40 slices pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Dipping Options
- Warm marinara
- Ranch
- Garlic Parmesan dip
- Spicy pizza oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking dish with parchment or lightly grease it. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to form an even rectangle. Spread pizza sauce across the surface, leaving a small border along the edges to help with sealing.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the sauce, coating every corner to ensure perfect melted cheese in every bite. Lay pepperoni slices across the cheese in even rows. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper over the top.
Beginning with the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Roll slowly and evenly so the filling stays in place. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1–1.5-inch slices. Place each spiral cut-side up into your baking dish, packing them closely but not tightly.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and garlic powder. Brush half the garlic butter generously over the tops of the roll-ups.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden, bubbly around the edges, and fully cooked in the center. Remove from the oven, brush with remaining garlic butter, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with dipping sauces and enjoy cheesy pizza perfection.
Expert Tips for Success
Use chilled dough—warmer dough stretches too easily and tears as you roll. Roll tightly but gently to keep sauce and cheese inside. If you struggle with dough slipping, chill the filled dough log for ten minutes before slicing.
Always use a sharp knife to avoid squishing the roll shapes. When slicing, use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down.
Don’t overload sauce; too much creates soggy bottoms. If your sauce is thin, drain excess liquid with a spoon before spreading. Pepperoni should be evenly spaced so each bite has flavor without overcrowding the dough. For best melting and stretch, use freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that affect melt quality.
Bake on parchment to prevent sticking and ensure perfect release. If the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil during the last minutes of baking.
The garlic butter topping is key—brush generously before and after baking to infuse deep flavor and achieve a glossy, appetizing finish. These small techniques ensure consistent, bakery-worthy results.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap pepperoni for sausage crumbles, ham, bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken for new flavor profiles. For a veggie-loaded version, add thinly sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or olives—just pat them dry to prevent moisture issues. Replace pizza sauce with Alfredo for a creamy white pizza roll-up or pesto for a bright, herb-forward version.
Cheese variations include provolone, fontina, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack blend. Add ricotta for a lasagna-style roll.
Create Hawaiian roll-ups with ham and pineapple tidbits. For a meat lover’s version, combine sausage, pepperoni, and bacon. A taco-inspired spin can include taco-seasoned beef, cheddar, and salsa instead of pizza sauce.
Gluten-free dough works well as long as it’s rolled gently. Crescent dough produces softer, flakier roll-ups and is ideal for fast weeknight cooking. For low-carb versions, use low-carb flatbreads and roll them tightly. You can also turn these into breakfast roll-ups with eggs, sausage, and cheddar.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve roll-ups with warm marinara and ranch dipping bowls for the ultimate pizza-night experience. Pair with garlic knots, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a full meal. Potato wedges, mozzarella sticks, or nachos make great additions for party spreads. Add a fruit salad or fresh cucumber slices for balance.
For game-night or gatherings, arrange roll-ups in circles on a platter and garnish with parsley and Parmesan for a stunning presentation.
Serve alongside meatballs, antipasto, or bruschetta for an Italian-inspired spread. Kids love them with applesauce or carrot sticks, while adults may enjoy them with chilled beer, wine, or sparkling sodas.
These roll-ups also make amazing lunchbox leftovers—just reheat briefly in the air fryer for crisp edges. Pair with tomato soup or creamy Alfredo for dunking. They shine at potlucks, celebrations, casual dinners, and cozy nights in.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Oven reheating works well too—350°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture; use short bursts if necessary.
To freeze, arrange baked or unbaked roll-ups on a sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze up to two months.
Bake frozen unbaked roll-ups at 375°F, adding 5–7 extra minutes. If reheating frozen cooked roll-ups, use the air fryer or oven for best results.
If roll-ups dry out slightly, brush lightly with melted butter before reheating. Sauce can be reheated separately for dipping. Proper storage keeps them fresh, flavorful, and satisfyingly cheesy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes—just roll it thin and even for best spirals.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Why are my roll-ups falling apart?
The dough may be too warm; chill before slicing.
Can I air fry them?
Yes—air fry at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Can I add veggies?
Definitely—just pat dry to avoid sogginess.
