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; 1 teaspoon oregano, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon water; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; Italian seasoning for sprinkling; Marinara dipping sauce (to serve)

There’s something utterly comforting about biting into a warm, melty snack that combines the best of pizza flavors in a handheld treat. That’s exactly why I adore this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe — it’s gooey, savory, and just oozing with personality every time you take a bite.

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

Over the years, I’ve made plenty of pepperoni snacks, but these rolls have a magic touch. The combination of fontina and sharp provolone cheeses with spicy pepperoni inside tender pizza dough hits a comforting nostalgic note that’s impossible to resist.

Perfect Balance of Flavors: Two cheeses plus pepperoni create the ultimate cheesy, savory combo without overwhelming the palate.
Versatile and Convenient: Whether you use homemade or store-bought dough, these rolls come together quickly and bake up beautifully.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls vanish fast at any gathering—tailgate, party, or simple family night.
Customizable Toppings: Sprinkle on Italian seasoning or add a marinara dip for an extra punch of flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe was thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best textures and flavors. From the pliable pizza dough that holds everything together to the spicy pepperoni and double cheese, these elements complement each other beautifully for a satisfying bite every time.

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, it’s the tender and slightly chewy foundation that envelopes the fillings.
“00” flour: This finely milled Italian flour helps keep your dough smooth, elastic, and perfect for rolling out.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps create the golden crust when baked.
Kosher salt: Balances flavor and brings out the savory notes in the dough and filling.
Yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes your dough rise and develop that airy texture.
Pepperoni: The spicy star of the show that offers bold flavor and a satisfying bite.
Fontina cheese: Its mild, buttery flavor melts beautifully to create a luscious layer inside each roll.
Sharp provolone: Offers a tangier depth that balances the creaminess of the fontina.
Oregano and garlic powder: Classic Italian herbs that kick up the aroma and complement the meat and cheese.
Egg and water (egg wash): Gives the rolls a shiny golden finish and helps cheese and seasoning stick.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, crispy topping for a flavorful crunch.
Italian seasoning: The finishing touch for added herbaceous notes.
Marinara dipping sauce: Perfect for dipping — bright, tangy, and enhances the pepperoni rolls’ flavors.

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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 like switching up the cheese combo depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap provolone for mozzarella or even add a bit of sharp cheddar for a little extra punch. Feel free to make these rolls your own — the dough, cheese, and spices are your playground!

Variation: Once, I added some chopped roasted red peppers and fresh basil to the filling — it gave the rolls a fresh, slightly sweet twist that everyone loved.
Dietary tweak: For a lighter option, try turkey pepperoni and part-skim mozzarella.
Heat level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes inside for a spicy kick.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough and you’re all set without missing out.

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 the Dough and Make Your Workstation Comfy

If you’re rolling your own pizza dough, get it ready first following your favorite recipe—or just grab a quality store-bought ball and let it rest at room temp for 20-30 minutes so it’s easier to handle. Trust me, cold dough fights you when rolling! Setting up a clean surface and having your ingredients measured out makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Divide and Roll Out Your Dough

Cut the dough into 8 equal balls, around 2 ounces each. This division makes the rolls perfectly portioned for a snack or meal. Roll each ball into roughly a 6”x6” square — don’t worry about it being perfectly even; rustic charm counts here. If your dough springs back, let it rest for a few more minutes, then try again.

Step 3: Load Up the Cheese and Pepperoni

Right down the center of each square, layer about 1 ounce of fontina cheese, then a couple slices of sharp provolone. Sprinkle lightly with ⅛ teaspoon each of oregano and garlic powder to infuse those classic Italian flavors. Top with 8-10 slices of pepperoni — this is where the magic starts happening, so don’t skimp!

Step 4: Roll It Up and Seal It Tight

Starting on one side, roll over the filling and tuck as you go to keep the pepperoni and cheese snug inside. When you reach the edge, pinch the dough firmly to seal—this prevents precious cheese from escaping during baking. Placing the roll seam-down on a parchment-lined sheet keeps everything in place and makes cleanup simple.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Topping

Whisk together one egg and a teaspoon of water to make a glossy egg wash. Brush it gently over the tops of each roll. Then shower them with parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning — these finishes add both flavor and a beautiful golden crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Pop your rolls into a preheated 425°F oven and bake for about 15 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crispy. Keep an eye out — sometimes cheese sneaks out the sides and gets delightfully crispy on the pan. That extra crunch is pure bliss! Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the cheese inside isn’t molten lava.

Top Tip

Making cheesy pepperoni rolls isn’t complicated, but a few little tricks take the experience from good to unforgettable. After plenty of baking, I’ve learned that keeping the dough warm and pliable and sealing those edges well are game changers.

Rest Your Dough: Room temperature dough is much easier to roll and won’t snap back, so don’t rush this step.
Seal It Tight: Pinch the seams firmly – this helps keep all that cheesy, pepperoni goodness inside while baking.
Use an Egg Wash: It creates a gorgeous golden color and helps toppings like parmesan stick.
Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling centered and don’t overload, or dough might tear or fillings can escape.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few fresh basil leaves or some finely chopped parsley on top before serving. A light dusting of extra Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes is great if you want to kick up the flavor. And of course, a side of warm marinara sauce is a total must-have for dipping.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted vegetables. When I serve them at parties, I love offering garlic knots and a simple Caesar salad alongside for a seriously satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try arranging the pepperoni rolls on a wooden board lined with parchment, nestled among bowls of assorted dipping sauces. You can also slice them in half diagonally to show off the cheesy interior—it’s an instant crowd pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls store great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I usually reheat them wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust from getting too hard while melting the cheese back to gooey perfection.

Freezing

Once cooled, you can freeze these rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. I keep a stash in my freezer for busy days—they reheat easily and taste fresh, almost like homemade!

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend baking in a 350°F oven, wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes, then uncovering for a few minutes to crisp up the exterior. Avoid microwaving when possible as it tends to leave the dough soggy and the crust lacking crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While fontina and provolone melt beautifully and offer great flavor, you can swap in mozzarella, cheddar, or even gouda depending on your preference or what’s on hand. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well to keep that gooey texture.

Is it better to use homemade or store-bought pizza dough?

Both work well! Homemade dough brings extra freshness and control over ingredients, but good-quality store-bought dough saves time and still tastes fantastic. Just be sure to let store-bought dough rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before rolling for easier handling.

Can I make these pepperoni rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours before baking, or wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Just bake from chilled or thawed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.

What’s the best way to keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Brushing the tops with an egg wash creates a moisture barrier and helps the rolls develop a crisp crust. Also, baking at 425°F ensures they cook quickly, locking in structure and preventing sogginess. Avoid covering them while they’re warm to keep the crust crisp.

Final Thoughts

Making these Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Pizza Dough Recipe became a favorite weekend ritual in my house—they’re just that good. Easy to customize, pleasing for all ages, and supremely satisfying freshly baked or reheated leftovers. Give it a try soon, and I think you’ll agree—they’re the kind of cozy homemade treat that everyone will ask for again and again.