Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 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; 8 oz fontina cheese (sliced); ½ lb sharp provolone cheese (sliced from the deli counter if available); 1 teaspoon oregano (divided; plus more for topping); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided; plus more for topping); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon water; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; Italian seasoning; Marinara dipping sauce (for serving)

There’s something downright comforting about taking simple pizza dough and turning it into these irresistible pockets of pure joy. The Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe combines melty cheese, spicy pepperoni, and aromatic herbs all wrapped in a golden crust – it’s practically snack perfection you’ll want to make over and over.

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 just love how these cheesy pepperoni rolls feel like a warm hug fresh from the oven. You get that crispy, buttery crust with cheesy, meaty goodness inside that keeps you coming back for one more bite. They’re perfect for family dinners, party snacks, or whenever you need a little comfort food magic.

Simple, approachable ingredients: You can use either homemade or store-bought pizza dough, which makes this recipe flexible and easy to prep.
Double cheese delight: Fontina and sharp provolone bring creamy meltiness and a punch of flavor that balance perfectly with the pepperoni.
Customizable spice and herbs: You control the oregano, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to make it as bold or mild as you like.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a quick snack, game day, or a casual meal, these rolls fit right in and please both kids and adults.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a part in building up layers of flavor and creating that perfect combination of tender, crispy, cheesy, and spicy. Pick quality ingredients when you can – especially the cheeses and pepperoni – as they make all the difference.

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 gives you that stretch and chew, plus a crust that crisps beautifully in the oven.
“00” flour: This finely ground Italian flour creates a smooth, silky dough texture that's soft but still holds up well to rolling and folding.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps get that beautiful golden crust.
Kosher salt: Necessary to balance flavors and enhance the dough’s natural taste.
Yeast: Gives the dough its lift and airy crumb.
Pepperoni: The star of the show! Spicy, slightly oily slices add a satisfying kick and meaty depth to each roll.
Fontina cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, buttery flavor that complements the pepperoni without overpowering it.
Sharp provolone: Offers a sharper, tangier cheese contrast that adds complexity and richness.
Oregano and garlic powder: Classic Italian herbs that season the filling and the tops for a fragrant, flavorful punch.
Egg and water (egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden-brown crust and acts as glue for the parmesan topping.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty crust crunch.
Italian seasoning: Adds an extra herbal touch on top for color and flavor.
Marinara dipping sauce: Optional but highly recommended for dunking these cheesy rolls into something tangy and fresh.

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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 adore about this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe is how easily you can switch it up. Add some sliced olives, swap provolone for mozzarella, or toss in a handful of fresh basil leaves. You'll find your own perfect spin in no time.

Variation: I once added some diced roasted red peppers to the filling—it brought a sweet contrast that my family loved. Feel free to experiment with whatever cheese or meats you have on hand!
Dietary twists: For a lighter version, try turkey pepperoni and part-skim mozzarella; these still melt well but reduce the fat.
Making kid-friendly: Leave out the garlic powder and oregano if your little ones prefer simpler flavors, or serve plain with marinara on the side for dipping.

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: Prep Your Dough and Work Surface

Whether fresh or store-bought, take the pizza dough out about 20-30 minutes before you start. This helps it warm to room temperature, making it much easier to roll out without shrinking back. Lightly flour your counter and get ready for some fun – you’ll divide this into eight portions, each about 2 ounces, and roll them into 6-inch squares.

Step 2: Layer The Cheese and Pepperoni

Place about 1 ounce of fontina cheese in a line down the center of your dough square, then layer with a couple slices of sharp provolone. Sprinkle a pinch of oregano and garlic powder over the cheese layers to build that classic Italian flavor. Top with 8-10 pepperoni slices, spacing them just so to keep the filling even.

Step 3: Roll and Seal the Dough

Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly around the filling, tucking the cheese and pepperoni as you go to keep everything inside. Once you reach the end, pinch that seam tightly to seal in all the goodness. Placing the rolls seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps them hold their shape in the oven.

Step 4: Add That Beautiful Finish

Whisk together an egg with a teaspoon of water and brush this egg wash over the tops of the rolls—this step ensures a gorgeous golden color. Then sprinkle on plenty of parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor and an irresistible crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Bake in a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and crisp. Don’t be surprised if some cheese oozes out the sides—that's the sign of a perfectly gooey, cheesy roll. Let them cool just a few minutes before digging in because they’re seriously addictive when warm.

Top Tip

After making these pepperoni rolls a handful of times, I’ve learned a few kitchen tricks that really boost the outcome and save you some stress. Here’s what makes my batches turn out just right:

Dough resting is key: Never skip letting your dough come to room temp—it relaxes the gluten and prevents those stubborn elastic snaps when rolling out.
Pinch seams firmly: Take a little extra time pressing the dough closed to avoid cheese oozing everywhere but that delicious kind of “escape” is completely forgivable!
Use parchment paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the bottoms from sticking or burning.
Don’t overload the filling: Too many pepperoni slices or cheese can make rolling tricky or cause the dough to split.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or basil on top when they come out of the oven—it brightens them up visually and adds a fresh herbal note. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes on the side is a hit too if you want to kick that heat up.

Side Dishes

These rolls go fantastic with a crisp green salad, some roasted vegetables, or simple garlic bread if you’re craving a full-on Italian feast. And of course, a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping is a must-have in my book.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or parties, I arrange the rolls on a large wooden board surrounded by small ramekins of different dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli. It turns a simple snack into a fun, shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I find wrapping them individually in foil before placing them in the container helps retain moisture and stops them from drying out.

Freezing

This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe freezes wonderfully! Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

I always reheat mine in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to bring back the crispness. Microwaving makes the dough a bit soggy, so I only use it if I’m in a real hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough works perfectly, just let it come to room temperature before rolling to make it easier to handle.

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

I recommend using Fontina and sharp Provolone as per the recipe because they melt well and provide a great balance of mild and sharp flavors. Mozzarella is a good substitute if you want it milder.

How long do I bake these pepperoni rolls?

Bake the rolls at 425°F for about 15 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye near the end to prevent burning, especially where cheese might ooze out.

Can I make these pepperoni rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them (covered) for a few hours before baking, or freeze them unbaked as described above for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect blend of simple comfort food and crowd-pleaser. Easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and always delicious—once you make them, they’ll be a go-to you can count on. Trust me, your kitchen friends and family will be asking you to make them again and again, just like mine do!