Name: Easy Pepperoni Rolls 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; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 large egg, well beaten; Splash of water

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, cheesy bites that melt in your mouth—and that’s exactly why I adore this Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe. It’s a quick, satisfying treat that feels like a hug in food form, perfect for when you want something simple but seriously tasty.

A white plate with detailed edges holds five golden brown small rolls with a smooth, slightly shiny crust, some parts showing a lighter yellow tint; three curled pepperoni slices with a rich reddish-orange color and a glossy texture lay on the plate around the rolls. In the background, a glass jar filled with amber liquid and a lemon slice inside is slightly out of focus, along with a small glass bowl holding more pepperoni slices. On the left side of the plate, a small bunch of fresh green herbs adds a touch of vibrant color, all set on a white marbled surface 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 Rolls with Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I fell in love with these pepperoni rolls the first time I made them on a busy weeknight. They’re so straightforward, yet the result feels special—fluffy dough wrapped around melted cheese and savory pepperoni. I promise, once you try making these at home, they’ll become a go-to snack or appetizer for your family and friends.

Simple Prep: You just need frozen bread dough and a handful of ingredients—no fancy techniques required.
Versatile Flavor: Classic pepperoni and mozzarella combo hits the spot every single time.
Quick Bake Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for unexpectedly hungry guests.
Kid and Crowd Pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to pizza lovers will enjoy these cheesy rolls.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe is in its simplicity. The frozen bread dough acts like the perfect soft, fluffy base that crisps slightly in the oven, while the pepperoni and mozzarella deliver bold, familiar flavors. Choosing quality ingredients will make your rolls taste even better—so here's a quick rundown on why each one matters:

Flat lay of a smooth round portion of thawed bread dough, sixteen thin slices of bright red pepperoni arranged in two neat stacks, four pieces of fresh white mozzarella cheese quarters stacked evenly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a glossy uncracked brown large egg beside a small white ceramic bowl containing a pale beaten egg wash, all 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: Using thawed frozen dough saves time and guarantees fluffy rolls without starting from scratch.
Pepperoni slices: Opt for your favorite brand, and feel free to add more for an extra meaty punch.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella cut into small pieces melts beautifully to create gooey pockets inside.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle adds that perfect herby aroma and depth—don’t skip it!
Egg wash: Brushing the rolls gives them a golden, shiny finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

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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 things I love most about this Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want it spicier, milder, or even dairy-free, it’s a fun base recipe to experiment with and make your own.

Variation: I like to swap pepperoni for slices of salami or add a little chopped jalapeño inside for a spicy kick—it always gets compliments!
Dietary swap: Using a dairy-free cheese works surprisingly well here, so no one has to miss out.
Herb twist: Try adding fresh basil or a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese filling for a unique flavor hit.
More cheese: If you’re a cheese lover (like me!), don’t be shy about doubling the mozzarella to create extra cheesy pockets.

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

The image shows several golden brown pepperoni rolls placed on a white plate with faint floral designs and pepperoni slices decorating the surface. Each roll has a smooth, shiny crust with a soft, fluffy texture inside. One roll is broken open, revealing layers inside: a soft white dough outer layer, a melted creamy white cheese layer, and red pepperoni slices peeking out, showing a slightly oily texture. The background is a fresh green bunch of herbs and an out-of-focus glass bowl filled with pepperoni slices on a white marbled textured surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare your dough and workspace

Start by thawing your frozen bread dough as per the package instructions—it usually takes a few hours on the counter. Once ready, place it on a clean surface and cut into 8 equal pieces. I find working with slightly floured hands helps prevent sticking without drying out the dough.

Step 2: Shape and fill

Flatten each dough piece into about a 4x4 inch square, just using your hands—no rolling pin needed here. Lay 2 pepperoni slices in the middle, then top with 2 pieces of mozzarella. Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the cheese to lift the flavors.

Step 3: Roll and seal

Fold the edges over the filling and roll the dough tightly, pinching seams to seal everything in. This is a crucial step to avoid cheese melting out, so take your time to make sure they’re snug and secure.

Step 4: Brush and bake

Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk together an egg with a splash of water and brush this over the dough to get a beautiful golden glaze. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown.

Top Tip

From my many attempts, a few little tricks really help turn out perfect pepperoni rolls every time. These have saved me from the usual dough woes like leaking cheese or flat rolls.

Seal the seams tightly: I always press the edges firmly, and sometimes even pinch with my nails to make sure nothing escapes while baking.
Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on cheese and pepperoni, too much makes sealing tricky and can cause messes in the oven.
Use an egg wash: This simple step adds that golden shine and slight crunch that makes these rolls look bakery-worthy.
Keep dough warm: Cold dough can be hard to stretch; if needed, let dough sit at room temp a little longer before shaping.

How to Serve Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a fresh pop of color and flavor I love. If you're feeling fancy, a dusting of parmesan or a drizzle of marinara sauce works wonders for dipping and presentation.

Side Dishes

Because these rolls are pretty hearty, I like to pair them with a crisp salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. A classic Caesar or even a crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast that's just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the rolls on a wooden board with little bowls of marinara, ranch, and garlic butter sauces for dipping. They’re such a crowd-pleaser this way, and the variety keeps everyone happy. You can also slice them in half to make mini sliders—super cute and ideal for buffet-style meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend letting the rolls cool completely, then storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They last about 3 days, and I always find they reheat nicely without losing their softness.

Freezing

Freezing these rolls before baking is a great time-saver. Just shape and seal them, then freeze on a tray until solid and transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time—perfect for busy days!

Reheating

To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the outside is crisp again. I avoid the microwave because it tends to make the dough chewy, but for a quick fix, a few seconds can work.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?

Yes! Homemade dough works wonderfully for this recipe. Just make sure it’s fully risen and soft before shaping your rolls to get that tender, fluffy texture.

How spicy are these pepperoni rolls?

The spice level depends on the pepperoni you choose. Most store-bought pepperoni is mildly spiced, but you can pick spicier varieties or add jalapeños if you want more heat.

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them as explained above for longer storage.

What’s the best way to serve these rolls?

These rolls are delicious on their own, but serving them with pizza sauce, marinara, or even a garlic butter dip really takes them to the next level. Pair with a fresh salad or veggies for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Pepperoni Rolls with Cheese Recipe has been a lifesaver for me on hectic days when I want something homemade but fast. They’re comforting, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give them a try—I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation, just like they did in mine!