Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough; 3 ½ cups “00” flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast; 6 oz package of pepperoni slices; 8 oz fontina cheese, sliced; ½ lb sharp provolone cheese, sliced; 1 teaspoon oregano, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon water; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; Italian seasoning, to taste; Marinara dipping sauce, for serving

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm pockets of melty cheese wrapped in tender, savory dough — that’s exactly why this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe has become one of my favorite go-tos. You get all the flavors of a classic pizza slice, but in a conveniently handheld roll that's perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or game days.

The image shows several golden-brown stuffed rolls with a slightly crispy texture, lying on a white plate. The rolls are topped with a sprinkle of herbs and spices giving a speckled appearance. One roll is cut open, revealing the inner layers of soft dough, melted cheese, and slices of red pepperoni. In the bottom right corner, there is a white bowl filled with red tomato sauce, slightly blurred. The background features 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 Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made these rolls countless times, and each batch reminds me why they're a total winner with both kids and adults. They’re simple to put together but packed with bold, familiar pizza flavors that satisfy every time.

Convenient & Shareable: These rolls turn pizza into perfect, bite-sized pockets—easy to eat, harder to resist.
Double Cheese Delight: Combining fontina and sharp provolone offers a creamy, tangy cheese pull that’s dreamy.
Simple Ingredients: Using either homemade or store-bought pizza dough means you can whip these up anytime you want.
Customization Friendly: You can easily switch up the fillings or seasonings to suit your cravings or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe keeps it straightforward, focusing on quality basics that come together beautifully. The combination of two cheeses and spicy pepperoni wrapped in tender pizza dough is timeless—but each ingredient adds its own special touch.

Flat lay of fresh smooth pizza dough ball, a small mound of fine “00” flour, a few slices of sharp provolone cheese, several thin slices of fontina cheese, a neat pile of spicy pepperoni slices, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl of garlic powder, one whole uncracked large egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with mixed Italian seasoning placed symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls, 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

Pizza Dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, pizza dough provides the perfect chew and structure for these rolls—soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.
“00” Flour: Using this finely milled flour boosts your dough’s texture, making it silky with a delicate crumb.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the dough develop a nice color.
Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dough.
Yeast: Activates the dough, ensuring it rises to be light and airy.
Pepperoni: This punchy cured meat brings a little spice and that classic pizza bite we all crave.
Fontina Cheese: Offers a mild, creamy melt that blends seamlessly with other flavors.
Sharp Provolone: Brings a sharper, tangy kick that contrasts perfectly with the fontina.
Oregano & Garlic Powder: Both packed with aroma and depth, giving the rolls a subtle Italian herb scent.
Egg & Water (for egg wash): Create a golden, shiny crust with a slightly crisp finish.
Parmesan Cheese & Italian Seasoning: Sprinkle on top for that irresistible savory crunch and eye-catching finish.
Marinara Sauce: The classic dip to complete the pizza roll experience—warm, tangy, and comforting.

📝

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 Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap in different cheeses or add veggies like roasted peppers or spinach when I want to change things up.

Variation: I once made a batch with jalapeños and smoked mozzarella—spicy and smoky, it was a hit at a neighborhood potluck!
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter option, use turkey pepperoni and part-skim cheeses without losing any flavor.
Seasonal Changes: Try mini sun-dried tomato slices or fresh basil in summer for a bright twist.
Difficulty Levels: Using store-bought dough cuts prep time drastically—perfect if you’re short on time but still want homemade taste.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe

A light blue baking tray holds six golden-brown baked snacks that are roughly oval shaped with a puffy, textured surface. Each piece has a slightly shiny top sprinkled with small bits of seasoning, likely herbs and grated cheese, which adds a speckled appearance. Some snacks have crispy, darker brown edges where melted cheese has browned and spread out onto the tray. The snacks are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Give Your Dough Some Love

Whether you’re starting with homemade or store-bought dough, I always let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes so it becomes soft and easier to stretch. This little pause is key to rolling without tears or frustration—you want your dough relaxed and ready.

Step 2: Shape and Fill Your Rolls

Cut your dough into 8 even balls (about 2 ounces each). Roll each into a roughly 6x6-inch square. Layer about 1 oz of fontina cheese and a couple slices of provolone right down the center. Then sprinkle just a pinch each of oregano and garlic powder for that subtle Italian scent. Top with 8-10 slices of pepperoni—you want enough so each bite tastes balanced.

Step 3: Seal and Prep for Baking

Starting on one side, roll the dough tightly but gently around the filling, tucking as you go to keep everything inside. Pinch the seam closed well—that’s how you avoid cheese escaping and burning on the pan. Place rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with your egg wash, then give each a generous sprinkle of parmesan and Italian seasoning to create that irresistible crust. The aroma baking is amazing!

Step 4: Bake ‘Til Golden and Delicious

Pop them into a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and crispy. Keep an eye out—some cheese might ooze deliciously from the edges, and that’s exactly what you want. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really make or break these Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe—little details that will help you get that perfect chewy crust and melty, flavorful inside every time.

Rest Your Dough: Letting dough come to room temperature makes rolling easier and keeps the texture light.
Seal Well: Pinch that seam tight—escaping cheese creates a mess and burns on your pan.
Don’t Overfill: Stick to the cheese and pepperoni amounts suggested, or the rolls can burst open while baking.
Watch Your Oven: Every oven is different—start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overbrowning, then bake until your rolls are golden.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe

cheesy pepperoni rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra Italian seasoning or fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. A tiny dollop of marinara sauce right beside it not only looks inviting but amps up the classic pizza vibe.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. For game day, I like to serve them alongside some homemade garlic parmesan fries—total crowd-pleasers.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arranging the rolls in a circle on a platter with ramekins of different dipping sauces (marinara, ranch, spicy aioli) makes for a fun interactive snack bar. I've also wrapped each roll with a little ribbon for kids’ birthday parties—instant hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge, and they last nicely for up to 3 days. Just cover them loosely to keep their crust from softening too much.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked rolls spread on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I want them, I thaw in the fridge overnight and bake fresh, which keeps that dough texture lovely.

Reheating

To bring back the crispness and gooeyness, I reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes instead of microwaving, which tends to make the dough chewy and the cheese less melty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before shaping so it becomes pliable and easier to roll out.

What cheeses work best in Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe?

Fontina and sharp provolone are classic choices for melt and flavor, but mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar can be great substitutes if you prefer. Just choose cheeses that melt smoothly.

Can I add vegetables or other fillings to these rolls?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or olives for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to not overfill to keep the rolls sealed properly.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to pinch the dough seams very tightly and avoid overfilling. Also, rolling the dough snugly but not too tight helps keep everything contained while baking. An egg wash seals the edges a bit more too.

Final Thoughts

Making these Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe always takes me back to those cozy nights when I wanted something quick but satisfying. They’re a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, and I can't recommend them enough when you want pizza vibes without the fuss. Give these a try—you’ll see why they quickly become a kitchen favorite.