Whenever I’m craving a snack that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe always come to mind. I first made these when I wanted something fun for a weekend game night, and they were an instant hit with friends and family. The smell of warm bread mingling with melted mozzarella and the spicy tang of pepperoni swirling through Italian seasoning fills the kitchen with such a cozy aroma—it’s just irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to pop into the oven for a fresh-baked treat anytime.
Why This Recipe Shines
- Flavor Harmony: The classic blend of pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and aromatic Italian seasoning makes every bite a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy Assembly: With just frozen bread dough and simple fillings, you’ll have freshly baked rolls in under 30 minutes.
- Texture Play: Soft, fluffy dough wraps a melty, savory center for a satisfying contrast.
- Showstopper Finish: The golden, egg-washed crust adds a beautiful, glossy touch that everyone notices.
This Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe is fantastic for beginners because it uses store-bought frozen bread dough, saving you the fuss of homemade yeast dough. I’ll walk you through flattening, filling, rolling, and the perfect bake time so you get soft, cheesy rolls with that crave-worthy pepperoni kick. If you want a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, you’re in the right place—and you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade pepperoni rolls can be!
Ingredients You’ll Be Working With
Before we get hands-on, just a quick note about measuring: for best results, follow the exact amounts listed in the recipe card at the end. Measuring carefully helps keep the balance of cheese, pepperoni, and dough just right.
- Frozen bread dough: The foundation for soft, fluffy rolls; thaw fully following package directions.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds a spicy, savory bite; classic or turkey pepperoni works.
- Mozzarella cheese: Use fresh sliced or block cut into small pieces for melty goodness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) that brings warmth and flavor.
- Egg: Beaten to brush on dough for a shiny, golden crust.
- Water: Just a splash to lighten the egg wash for easy brushing.
If you need to substitute, frozen dough can be swapped with refrigerated pizza dough, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella blends.
Chef’s Note
You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet: To bake rolls evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Small bowl and whisk: For mixing the egg wash smoothly.
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears: To divide dough and slice cheese cleanly.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures you get Italian seasoning just right.
How to Make Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe
Let’s get started! You’ll be shaping these rolls quickly once the dough is ready, so preheat your oven, prep your space, then follow these easy steps:
- Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Divide the dough: Place your thawed bread dough on a clean surface and cut it into 8 equal portions. Using a sharp knife helps keep the pieces uniform for even baking.
- Flatten the dough: Using your hands, gently press each portion into a roughly 4×4-inch square. Don’t worry about exact measurements; just aim for even thickness so the filling cooks nicely.
- Add the filling: In the center of each dough square, place 2 slices of pepperoni and then top with 2 pieces of mozzarella. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning to add that herby depth that makes this recipe special.
- Roll it up: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and then roll tightly towards you, pinching seams firmly to seal in the cheese and pepperoni. This step is key so the filling doesn’t leak during baking.
- Arrange rolls on sheet: Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch.
- Egg wash magic: Whisk the egg with a splash of water, then brush this mixture lightly over the tops of each roll. This gives them a beautiful glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Pop the tray into your oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until each roll is golden brown and puffed. The internal temperature is about 190°F when fully baked.
- Cool briefly and serve: Let the rolls rest on the tray for 5 minutes before serving to let the cheese settle. Enjoy them warm, maybe with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping!
Kitchen Wisdom
- Tip 1: Make sure your bread dough is fully thawed and slightly warmed to room temperature for easier shaping.
- Tip 2: Don’t overfill the rolls – too much cheese or pepperoni can cause leaks during baking.
- Tip 3: Pinch seams tightly and brush with egg wash to keep rolls sealed and shiny.
- Tip 4: Serve fresh out of the oven for soft, melty centers or reheat gently to preserve texture.
How to Serve
Flavor Boosters
You can add a little sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for a spicy kick or brush on garlic butter right after they come out of the oven for an extra layer of aroma and richness. Drizzling with marinara or your favorite pizza sauce on the side makes them even more irresistible. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top freshen the presentation and flavor.
Perfect Pairings
These Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe roll beautifully with chilled sparkling water, a tangy Italian soda, or even a light red wine like Chianti if you’re serving adults. Pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal or just enjoy solo as a hearty appetizer or snack.
Presentation Touches
Cut rolls slightly angled for a nice, inviting look. Arrange on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter for gatherings. You can wrap a few in parchment or place in small boxes for edible gifts—perfect for game day or potlucks. Adding toothpicks with little flags or labels showcasing the Italian seasoning twist makes for a thoughtful touch.
Variations & Easy Swaps
- Dairy-free option: Substitute mozzarella with your favorite vegan cheese slice.
- Meat swap: Use cooked Italian sausage or ham instead of pepperoni for a different flavor.
- Herb mix: Experiment with fresh basil or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning.
- Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce inside before rolling.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pizza dough for an allergy-friendly batch.
- Extra cheese: Mix mozzarella with shredded provolone or Parmesan for richer flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead: Assemble rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds, though oven reheating keeps the crust crisp.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen bread dough? Absolutely! Just make sure your dough is well risen and soft for the best texture.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? Mix equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme, or use a pizza seasoning blend.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free bread or pizza dough—though texture may vary slightly.
- How do I keep the rolls from opening during baking? Seal seams tightly by pinching and brushing with egg wash to act like glue.
- What’s the best way to serve leftovers? Reheat in the oven to refresh the crust and melt the cheese again for a near-fresh experience.
Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe
These easy Pepperoni Rolls feature a fluffy, tender bread dough filled with classic mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re quick to make and deliver a deliciously cheesy and savory bite every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen bread dough, thawed (thaw according to package directions)
- 16 slices pepperoni (divided use)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 4ths (divided use)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (divided use)
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- splash of water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Divide Dough: Place the thawed bread dough on a clean work surface and cut it into 8 equal portions to create individual roll bases.
- Flatten Dough: Using your hands, flatten each dough portion into a roughly 4×4-inch square to make room for the filling.
- Add Pepperoni and Cheese: Place 2 slices of pepperoni in the center of each flattened dough piece, then add 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni.
- Season Cheese: Sprinkle a portion of the Italian seasoning over the cheese to enhance the flavor.
- Roll the Dough: Fold the two outer edges over the filling, then tightly roll the dough, pinching the seams together to seal the roll and prevent filling from leaking out.
- Arrange Rolls: Place each roll seam side down on the prepared sheet tray, spacing them apart so they do not touch.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with a splash of water. Lightly brush this egg wash over the exposed dough surfaces of the rolls to achieve a golden, shiny crust when baked.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool on the baking tray for about 5 minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed plain or accompanied by your favorite pizza or marinara sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add more pepperoni or sprinkle additional Italian seasoning inside the rolls.
- Ensure the dough seams are pinched tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Use an egg wash to get a nicely browned and glossy finish on the rolls.
- Serve these warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
- These rolls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to refresh before serving.
