Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are my shortcut to weeknight joy. I’m a chef who built Meal Prep Ideas to help busy families. When the clock ticks and the kitchen hums, these bites save time. They crisp on the outside while staying wonderfully gooey inside. Mozzarella and cheddar melt over dough, with pepperoni for a savory spark. A garlic butter brush finishes them to a golden crown. Marinara for dipping invites kids and grown-ups to the party. This recipe serves four and works with store-bought or homemade dough. Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups make weeknights easier and tastier.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
I’m a home cook who loves simple prep. This overview helps me stay organized on busy nights. For Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups, I lean on reliable staples that melt well and bake crisp.
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef or turkey pepperoni slices
- ½ cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- For the garlic butter: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning

- Lighter option: turkey pepperoni and part-skim mozzarella
- Extra crunch: bake the rolls a few minutes longer
- Storage/reheat: reheat in oven or air fryer
- Olive oil plus oregano as an alternative to garlic butter
Printing hint: exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article for printing.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Step 1 Prep and rectanglePreheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. The goal is even thickness, not a bread loaf in disguise.
If the dough sticks, dust with a bit more flour and slide a spatula underneath to loosen. I like to give the edges a gentle tug so the roll stays neat while slicing later.

Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the dough, leaving a small border all around. The cheeses melt into a soft blanket that cradles every bite. Layer pepperoni slices in a single, even layer over the cheese so each roll gets a savory kick.
If you want a lighter version, swap in part-skim mozz and turkey pepperoni. The texture stays gooey without weighing you down, and the flavor still shines.
Step 3 Roll, slice, and arrangeRoll the dough tightly into a log, seam side down. Use the edge of the sheet or a bench scraper to keep the roll tight as you go. Slice the log into 1½-inch rounds, then place them cut-side up on the prepared sheet.
Keep the rolls fairly evenly spaced so they bake evenly and the cheese stays inside. I like to chill the log briefly if it feels soft, which makes slicing cleaner.
Step 4 Garlic butter brush and bakeIn a small bowl, whisk melted butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush this garlicky butter generously over every roll—the butter helps the edges crisp and the tops glow. If you’re dairy-sensitive, you can skip the butter and brush with olive oil instead.
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, watching for golden edges and bubbly cheese.
Step 5 Rest, serve, and dipLet the rolls rest briefly, about 5 minutes, before serving. They’re best warm with marinara for dipping.
If you’re plating for a crowd, arrange them on a platter and pass the sauce bowl. They reheat nicely in a quick oven or air fryer.
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Tips for SuccessHere are quick, practical tips I use to get perfect rolls every time.
Prepping and dough tips- Lightly flour the surface and roll to an even rectangle for uniform slices.
- Chill the dough 10 minutes if it’s too soft to roll cleanly.
- For a quicker bake, keep toppings light and avoid overfilling.
- Use parchment on the baking sheet for easy removal and crisp edges.
- Roll tightly; a snug log helps clean, even slices.
- Seal the edge before slicing to prevent unrolling.
- Chill the log briefly to prevent sticking when slicing.
- Slice with a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean cuts.
- Brush with garlic butter while hot for extra crispness and aroma.
- Bake on a center rack to avoid soggy bottoms.
- Watch closely; 12–15 minutes usually yields bubbly cheese and golden tops.
- Serve immediately for best texture, or reheat in oven for crisp edges.
I keep a small, reliable kit to make these rolls easy and fun.
Tools list- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin or a sturdy wine bottle
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Pastry brush or spoon for butter
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts

- Rolling pin substitute: a sturdy bottle works fine
- No parchment: silicone mat or light oil on the sheet
- No pastry brush: use a spoon or paper towel
- No bench scraper: a sharp knife or spatula helps cut cleanly
Here are easy ways I tailor these rolls for different tastes.
Dietary swapsGluten-free? I use certified gluten-free dough. Dairy-free? I swap in dairy-free mozzarella and cheddar. Skip meat and swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms or peppers. Turkey pepperoni is a lighter option if you still want tang.
Flavor mix-insFor extra flavor, I add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach. I stir in pesto or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Finish with parmesan dust or a drizzle of olive oil. A kiss of smoked paprika gives warmth and aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pepperoni Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Time-saving appealCheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups save me real time on busy weeknights. I grab dough, cheese, pepperoni, and sauce from the fridge and go. They bake quickly and stay crispy on the outside, gooey inside.
Crowd-pleasing versatilityThis little bake wins both friends and family. They’re kid-friendly, pack well for lunchboxes, and shine at game days. I can swap fillings or dip sauces to suit the crowd and still keep it simple.
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Serving SuggestionsI love serving these bite-size treats as a casual, shareable snack. They shine with a bright marinara and a cool dip for contrast. I set them on a rustic board with fresh herbs, and they disappear fast, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
Dipping accompaniments- Extra marinara sauce
- Creamy ranch or garlic yogurt dip
- Garlic butter for dipping
- Olive oil with a pinch of Italian seasoning
- Fresh veggie sticks for crunch
- Arrange on a wooden board with small dipping bowls
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil
- Serve warm on parchment for a rustic look
- Use colorful napkins to brighten the platter
- Speckle a few pepperoni coins for color
I love a plan that buys me time on weeknights. Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups shine when I prep ahead. I start with dough, cheese, and pepperoni so dinner almost makes itself.
Two smart moves help: pre-slice toppings and line up the components in labeled containers. By keeping marinara, garlic butter, and herbs ready, I can roll and bake in minutes.
If I want to bake later the same day, I assemble, refrigerate the rectangle rolled with cheese and pepperoni, and slice just before baking. For freezing, I roll and slice, lay the pieces on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze solid.
Storing and reheatingAfter baking, store the rolls in an airtight container or wrap tightly. Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups stay tasty for 2–3 days in the fridge.
To reheat, I use a hot oven to restore crisp edges or an air fryer for snap. A quick microwave isn’t ideal for texture, so I skip it for these.
For a crowd, I reheat a batch and keep marinara warm in a small pot for dipping. That way every bite stays as inviting as when it came out of the oven.
Freezer-friendly tipsFreezer prep keeps the meal plan intact without losing flavor. Unbaked rolls freeze beautifully when arranged on a sheet first.
Freeze steps: lay rolls on parchment, freeze solid, then transfer to a labeled bag. Label with date and contents for easy weeknights.
Cook-from-freezer tip: bake 18–20 minutes at 400°F, adding a couple minutes if needed. If you thaw first, reduce bake time to 12–15 minutes.
FAQs Storing Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups after bakingAfter baking, I store Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Let them cool briefly before sealing to keep the crisp exterior and gooey center intact. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for best texture, and serve with extra marinara for dipping.
Freezing the rolls for laterI freeze unbaked or baked Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups for make-ahead meals. For best results, freeze the unbaked logs on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a labeled bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, or reheat baked rolls until hot and bubbly. Freezing helps keep flavors bright and textures enjoyable.
Gluten-free dough suitabilityYes, you can make these with gluten-free dough. I swap in certified gluten-free pizza dough and keep the rest of the layers the same. The bake works well, and you still get melty cheese and pepperoni in a crispy roll, making it a friendly option for gluten-sensitive households.
Reheating in an air fryerReheating in an air fryer is my go-to for texture. Preheat to 350–380°F and warm for 4–6 minutes, until the tops are crisp and the cheese is molten. Avoid crowding the basket to keep air moving, and you’ll have bite-sized pizza happiness in minutes.
Final Thoughts on Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll UpsSharing these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups with friends feels like a celebration in my kitchen. I love how the crust crackles, the cheese stretches, and the marinara sighs in for dipping. Cooking this snack reminds me busy days end with warm, comforting bites tonight for everyone together. Delicious, right.
As I plate them, I recall the first time my kids begged. The table lights up as peppers and cheese vanish in blink. These bites prove that quick food can feel like a warm hug. Warmth stays with us after the plates are clean tonight, Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups.
PrintCheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Make Quick Tasty 5 Bites.
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups are a crowd-pleasing bite-sized snack that stays crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. This fast recipe layers mozzarella and cheddar over dough, adds pepperoni, and finishes with a garlicky butter brush before baking to golden perfection. With marinara for dipping, they are ideal for game days, lunchboxes, or a fun weekend treat and reheat beautifully for easy meals. The recipe yields four servings and works with store-bought or homemade dough.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef or turkey pepperoni slices
- ½ cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- For the garlic butter: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll pizza dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the dough.
- Layer pepperoni evenly across the cheese.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1½-inch pieces.
- Place rolls cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then brush generously over each roll.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use turkey pepperoni and part-skim mozzarella.
- Want more crunch? Bake the rolls a few minutes longer until edges are extra crispy.
- These rolls reheat well in the oven or air fryer for quick leftovers.
- Skip the garlic butter if you prefer a lighter flavor; you can brush with olive oil and a pinch of oregano instead.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups, pizza roll ups, pepperoni rolls, easy appetizer, game day snack, quick snack, bite-size pizza, cheese rolls