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; 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 (for sprinkling); Marinara dipping sauce (recipe or store-bought)

There’s something downright comforting about warm, cheesy pockets filled with spicy pepperoni—let me introduce you to the magic of my Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe. These rolls are golden, bubbly, and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect snack or easy meal that everyone will rave about.

Several golden-brown rolled pockets sit closely together on a white plate with a small white bowl of red dipping sauce in the corner. Each pocket has a textured crust sprinkled with herbs and baked crumbs, showing a light, flaky surface. One pocket is slightly open, revealing a layer of reddish pepperoni and a thin layer of pale melted cheese wrapped by the soft dough. The scene rests on a white marbled surface, giving the image a fresh and clean look. 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 cheesy pepperoni rolls more times than I can count, and they never disappoint. They’re crazy easy to pull together but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about biting into that gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni encased in soft, yet crisp pizza dough.

Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples and easy-to-find cheeses for maximum deliciousness without fuss.
Perfectly Portable: Great for parties, lunchboxes, or quick dinners, they’re easy to eat on the go or share around the table.
Customizable: You can play around with different cheeses or add herbs and spices to suit your tastes.
Crispy Outside, Melty Inside: The egg wash and parmesan topping bake up golden and slightly crunchy, offering great texture contrast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the stretchy pizza dough to the mix of fontina and sharp provolone cheeses, you get layers of melty richness that pair beautifully with pepperoni's spicy kick.

Flat lay of a smooth ball of fresh pizza dough, a small mound of fine “00” flour, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl holding coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl with dry yeast granules, a neat stack of round pepperoni slices, thin slices of creamy fontina cheese arranged in a fan, thin slices of sharp provolone cheese laid out simply, a small white bowl with dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl containing garlic powder, a clean whole brown egg, a small white bowl with water, a small white bowl of finely grated parmesan cheese, and a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning—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

Pizza dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, this is the hearty, chewy base that wraps all the flavors together.
“00” Flour: If you’re making your dough from scratch, this finely milled flour gives your dough a beautiful, soft texture that's ideal for pizza-style baking.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps keep the dough tender and flavorful.
Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor layer and strengthens the dough’s gluten structure.
Yeast: The magic agent that makes your dough rise, giving that light, airy crumb.
Pepperoni: Adds spicy, savory notes—opt for your favorite brand or style.
Fontina cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully, creating that luscious, gooey texture inside.
Sharp provolone: Gives a tangy complexity that pairs excellently with pepperoni.
Oregano & garlic powder: These classic Italian spices boost the aroma and flavor, making the rolls more savory and inviting.
Egg wash (egg + water): Brushed on top, it creates a stunning golden crust that signals deliciousness.
Parmesan cheese & Italian seasoning: Sprinkled on top for a punch of umami and herby freshness.
Marinara dipping sauce: A simple tomato sauce on the side adds tang and moisture, perfect for dunking.

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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

I always love swapping out cheeses or adding a bit of fresh basil or red pepper flakes inside for a little zing. Feel free to tailor these rolls to what you’ve got on hand or your flavor preferences—that’s part of the fun!

Variation: I once added a layer of sautéed mushrooms and green peppers for a veggie boost and it was a total hit with the family. You can also try different cured meats like salami or spicy chorizo.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and fill the rolls with extra cheese, roasted veggies, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes inside for some heat that wakes up the palate.
Gluten-free: If you want to go gluten-free, searching for a sturdy gluten-free pizza dough brand works well, but be cautious of cooking time and dough handling.

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

The image shows six golden baked rolls placed on a white tray. Each roll has a light brown crust sprinkled with black pepper and grated cheese, giving a speckled texture on top. The rolls are unevenly shaped, some rounder and others longer, with slightly crispy edges where melted cheese has browned and spread out. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, showing subtle patterns and light shadows around the edges of the rolls. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Dough

Whether you’re whipping up homemade pizza dough or using store-bought, give it at least 20-30 minutes to come to room temperature. This resting period makes it super easy to work with and helps it roll out smoothly without snapping back.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

Divide your dough into 8 equal balls (about 2 ounces each). Roll each ball out into roughly a 6” by 6” square. Layer about an ounce of fontina cheese and a couple of provolone slices right in the middle, leaving a half-inch border. Sprinkle a little oregano and garlic powder over the cheese, then stack 8-10 slices of pepperoni on top. That’s where the real flavor magic happens.

Step 3: Roll Them Up & Secure

Starting from one side, carefully roll the dough over the filling, tucking it in so nothing spills out (though a little cheese oozing is a delicious bonus!). Pinch the seam closed and place your rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a neat finish.

Step 4: Egg Wash & Bake

Whisk together one egg with a teaspoon of water, then brush this glossy mixture over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle liberally with parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra crunch and flavor. Slide them into a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes, until they’re golden, crispy, and oh-so-irresistible.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these little tips make all the difference in getting perfect cheesy pepperoni rolls every time.

Dough Temperature: Always let your dough rest and warm up before rolling, or it’ll resist and shrink back, making shaping tricky.
Pinch the Seams Well: This keeps all that melty cheese and pepperoni inside so you don't lose any filling during baking.
Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: It gives the rolls that golden, slightly crispy crust that looks as good as it tastes.
Watch Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye after 13 minutes—perfect rolls are golden without burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe

cheesy pepperoni rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a little fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving—it adds a splash of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of extra parmesan or red pepper flakes also works wonders.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a bright, zesty salad or some crunchy roasted veggies to balance the cheesy goodness. And never forget the marinara dipping sauce—it’s a classic that brings everything together in the best way.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the rolls in a circle with a bowl of marinara in the center—it makes for a lovely centerpiece. I’ve even served them sliced in halves to share around for tastings. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture surprisingly well, making them a great next-day snack or meal.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these rolls before baking or after cooling. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to bring back that crispy crust and melty cheese. Microwaving tends to make the dough doughy, so the oven method is my go-to for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.

What cheeses work best in this recipe?

Fontina and sharp provolone are my favorite because they melt beautifully and offer great flavor balance, but mozzarella or cheddar can work as alternatives if needed.

How do I prevent the rolls from leaking cheese?

Make sure to leave a clear half-inch border around your filling and pinch the dough seams tightly when rolling. A gentle roll helps keep everything inside while baking.

Can I freeze these before or after baking?

Absolutely! Wrap unbaked rolls individually for freezing, or freeze baked rolls once cooled. Thaw in the fridge before baking or reheating for best results.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe have become my go-to comfort snack and quick dinner savior. They’re so forgiving, customizable, and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to try them, share them with your loved ones, and maybe even make them your own special twist. Nothing beats that fresh-baked, melty, cheesy goodness straight from your oven—trust me, you’re in for a treat!