If you are searching for a snack that combines gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and flaky, golden pastry, look no further than this delightful Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe. These irresistible pinwheels burst with classic pizza flavors wrapped in pillowy puff pastry, making them the perfect treat for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of melted mozzarella, savory sauce, and pepperoni, all encased in a light, buttery crust that’s downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe shines because of its simplicity, relying on just a handful of essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced flavor and texture—whether it’s the flakiness of the puff pastry or the fresh vibrancy of basil. Let’s take a closer look at the essentials you’ll gather for this crowd-pleaser.
- 8 ounces puff pastry dough: Provides the flaky, buttery base that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- ¼ cup marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture—either store-bought or homemade works perfectly.
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a creamy, stringy consistency that every pizza roll needs.
- ¼ cup mini pepperonis: Packs in the classic spicy, savory pepperoni punch; mini sizes distribute flavor evenly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For a sharp, nutty finish sprinkled on top after baking.
- Chopped fresh basil: Brings a fresh, herbaceous lift that brightens every bite.
How to Make Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This ensures a perfectly hot environment where your puff pastry will bake into a golden, crispy dream. Simple but essential—getting the temperature right helps the rolls cook evenly without burning or sticking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lay the thawed puff pastry dough onto a sheet of aluminum foil on your workspace. If you notice any tears or seams, pinch them together gently so you end up with one seamless sheet. Puff pastry can be delicate, and fixing these small openings now prevents filling leaks later on. Trust me, this step makes all the difference in keeping the rolls intact.
Step 3: Add Marinara Sauce
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about half an inch of uncovered dough along the edges. This little margin is crucial for sealing the roll up tight and keeping all those delicious fillings safely inside.
Step 4: Layer Cheese and Pepperoni
Sprinkle your mozzarella cheese over the sauce and then scatter the mini pepperonis on top. Remember: less is more when filling these rolls. Overstuffing can cause the dough to tear, so maintain a light but flavorful layer for the best results.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use the aluminum foil to help you guide and shape the roll without squashing the fillings out. This rolling technique creates those beautiful pinwheel slices that everyone loves.
Step 6: Chill Before Slicing
To help your roll hold its shape when cutting, wrap it in the foil and place it in the freezer for 20 to 40 minutes. This optional step can save you from messy, squished slices and makes cutting clean pinwheels much easier.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Once chilled, slice the roll into roughly ¾-inch thick rounds using a serrated bread knife. Arrange these pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with nonstick spray so they don’t stick while baking. Then place the tray in your oven and bake for 20 minutes until the rolls are bubbly and golden brown, signaling they’re perfectly cooked.
Step 8: Finish with Parmesan and Basil
When the rolls come out of the oven, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil over the top. This adds just the right amount of sharpness and herbal brightness to complement the rich cheese and pepperoni inside.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, try serving your pizza rolls with a dusting of Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. You can also offer a small bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping, which adds a cozy, comforting quality to the experience.
Side Dishes
Pair these Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe bites with a crisp green salad or a light vegetable soup. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the rolls perfectly, while a soup makes the entire meal feel more substantial without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pizza rolls on a wooden board with colorful garnishes like cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers. You can also skew them on cocktail sticks for a fun appetizer presentation at parties. Serving them alongside a variety of dipping sauces—ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara—adds layers of flavor and keeps things exciting for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—these pizza rolls keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat to bring back their irresistible crispiness and gooey center.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolled log wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, slice, and bake as usual. This makes it an excellent make-ahead snack or easy dinner solution.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular pizza dough instead of puff pastry?
While you can try, puff pastry is recommended for its flaky texture and ability to hold fillings in place. Pizza dough tends to spread and can cause the rolls to lose their shape.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, cheesy goodness. You can also add a little Parmesan or provolone for extra flavor.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a tasty meat-free version.
Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly here and saves time. Choose a sauce with good flavor and low acidity for the best results.
How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart?
Pinching the seams of the puff pastry tightly and chilling the rolled dough before slicing are keys to keeping everything intact during baking.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe enough if you love pizza flavors with easy preparation and a fun presentation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a household favorite—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are delicious pinwheels made with flaky puff pastry dough, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and mini pepperonis. These bite-sized treats are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or party finger food. They bake crispy and golden in the oven and are finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Pizza Rolls
- 8 ounces puff pastry dough (thawed if frozen, about 1 roll)
- ¼ cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mini pepperonis (or regular size)
Garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Chopped fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pizza rolls.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the puff pastry dough onto a piece of aluminum foil placed on a flat work surface. Pinch together any seams in the dough to create one solid sheet, ensuring the dough won’t come apart when rolled.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread ¼ cup of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch border around the edges to prevent spilling while rolling.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by ¼ cup mini pepperonis. Be careful not to overfill to allow easy rolling.
- Roll Dough: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, enclosing the fillings inside.
- Chill the Roll: Wrap the dough roll with the aluminum foil and place it in the freezer for 20-40 minutes. This step is optional but helps the roll keep its shape while slicing.
- Slice into Rolls: Remove the dough log from the freezer and, using a bread knife, cut it into ¾-inch thick pinwheels.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cut rolls onto a baking sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick spray, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the rolls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Using puff pastry dough is recommended over pizza dough for better structural integrity and flakiness.
- Freezing the rolled dough before slicing helps maintain perfect pinwheel shapes during baking.
- Do not overstuff the rolls to prevent fillings from spilling out and to ensure even cooking.
- Mini pepperonis work best for evenly distributed flavor, but regular-size pepperonis can be used if chopped.
- Serve these pizza rolls warm for best flavor and texture.
