These Pepperoni Cheese Roll Ups are a fantastic snack that’s super easy to make! With gooey cheese and tasty pepperoni rolled in a crispy outer layer, they’re hard to resist.
Perfect for game day or a movie night, I love making a big batch to share—or to keep all to myself! Just pop them in the oven, and in no time, you’ll have a yummy treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base for the roll ups, providing a soft and flaky texture. If you don’t have crescent roll dough, puff pastry or biscuit dough can be great substitutes. Just make sure to roll them out thinly for easier wrapping.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni adds that tasty kick. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey pepperoni or even sliced turkey. For a vegetarian version, replace it with sliced bell peppers or mushrooms.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a favorite for its meltiness. You can use other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses to change the flavor. For dairy-free options, try vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Pizza Sauce: This gives a nice tang to the roll ups. If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara or even BBQ sauce can work. You could also make a quick homemade sauce by combining crushed tomatoes with Italian seasonings.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Rolled Up Cheese and Pepperoni?
Rolling up the dough tightly is key to keep the filling inside while baking. Here are some helpful tips:
- Gently press the seams of the crescent dough so they stick together, preventing openings.
- Be careful not to overfill. Too much filling can cause spills, while too little might make them dry.
- Roll from the wide end toward the point for a snug wrap, ensuring all ingredients are enclosed.
Before baking, check for any gaps in the dough—these can let gooey cheese escape! A little practice will have you rolling these perfectly in no time.
How to Make Pepperoni Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 12-15 minutes for baking. So all together, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes to have these delicious roll ups ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure the roll ups cook evenly and become nice and golden brown. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Open up the can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. You’ll find that it separates into triangles. Lay them out flat on your work surface so they’re ready for filling.
3. Add the Sauce:
Take about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce and spread it gently onto each triangle of dough. This will add a delicious flavor to each roll up, so don’t skip this step!
4. Layer the Fillings:
On the wide end of each triangle, place 3 slices of pepperoni. If you love pepperoni, feel free to add more! Then, add a slice or a small handful of shredded mozzarella on top of the pepperoni. This is where the gooey goodness comes from!
5. Roll Up the Dough:
Start rolling each triangle from the wide end towards the pointy end. Make sure you roll it up snugly around the filling so everything stays tucked in. Once rolled, place the roll up seam side down on your baking sheet.
6. Season the Top:
Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle the roll ups with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and, if you like, some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavor boost!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You want the dough to be beautifully golden brown, and the cheese to be melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once your roll ups are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This helps everything set a little bit. Then, serve them warm and watch everyone enjoy these cheesy, pepperoni-filled delights as a tasty snack or appetizer!
Enjoy your homemade Pepperoni Cheese Roll Ups! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Absolutely! If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough instead. Just ensure to roll it out thinly for easy wrapping.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider turkey pepperoni or even veggies like sliced bell peppers and mushrooms for a vegetarian option. They will still add great flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare these roll ups in advance! Assemble them and place them on the baking sheet, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven from the fridge without needing to wait for them to come to room temperature.
