Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups

Get ready for an instant crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat:Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups! These delightful bites transform simple refrigerated dough into golden, crispy spirals filled with gooey melted mozzarella and zesty pepperoni. Brushed with a savory garlic-herb butter, they emerge from the oven golden brown and bubbling, ready to be dipped into your favorite pizza sauce. Perfect as a quick snack, an appetizer for game day, a fun party food, or an easy weekend dinner, these roll-ups are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. They offer all the beloved flavors of pizza in a convenient, dippable, and utterly irresistible package!

Ingredients:

For the Roll-Ups:

• 1 can (8 oz or larger) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20-24 pepperoni slices (mini pepperoni or regular, thinly sliced)

For the Garlic Herb Butter Brush:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Serving:

• ½ cup pizza sauce, warmed (for dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Carefully unroll the refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough onto a clean surface (lightly floured, if using pizza dough, though often not necessary with parchment).
   • If using pizza dough, you may need to gently stretch it into a rectangle. If using crescent roll dough, separate it into individual triangles or press seams together to form a rectangle, then cut into smaller rectangles. Aim for roughly 8-10 pieces, depending on how large you want your roll-ups.
3. Assemble the Fillings:
   • Sprinkle each piece of dough evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Top the cheese with 2-3 slices of pepperoni per piece, ensuring good coverage.
4. Roll Up the Dough:
   • Starting from one of the longer edges (for rectangles) or the wider base (for triangles), tightly roll up each piece of dough.
   • Once rolled, pinch the seam closed to secure the filling.
   • Place the rolled-up dough, seam-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll-up.
5. Prepare and Apply Garlic Herb Butter:
   • In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1 tablespoon of butter.
   • Stir in the ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning until well combined.
   • Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops and sides of each roll-up with the melted garlic herb butter mixture.
6. Bake the Roll-Ups:
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the roll-ups are golden brown, puffed up, and the cheese inside is visibly bubbly. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the dough.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
   • Let the roll-ups cool for just a few minutes (the cheese will be very hot).
   • Serve warm with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Dough Choice:Crescent roll dough yields a flakier, lighter roll-up, while pizza dough gives a chewier, more substantial texture closer to a pizza crust. Both are delicious!
• Cheese Blend:Mix mozzarella with a little provolone or Parmesan for added flavor.
• Add-ins:Get creative with other pizza toppings! Finely chopped cooked sausage, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or black olives can be added. Just ensure they are finely chopped and don’t make the roll-ups too bulky to roll.
• Spicy Kick:Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pepperoni or the garlic herb butter.
• Sesame Seeds:Sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top of the buttered roll-ups before baking for an extra visual and nutty flavor.
• Serving Cold:These are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature for packed lunches or picnics.
• Storage:Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating:Reheat in a toaster oven, air fryer, or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Microwaving will make them soft.

Pairings:

• Sides:A simple green salad or some fresh cut vegetables with ranch dip can balance the richness.
• Drinks:Lemonade, soda, or iced tea are perfect casual drink pairings. For adults, a light beer.
• Dessert:A simple scoop of ice cream or some cookies would complete a fun meal.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time:10 minutes
• Cook Time:12-15 minutes
• Total Time:22-25 minutes
• Servings:8-10 roll-ups
• Kitchen:American/Italian-inspired
• Effort Level:Easy