Pepperoni Pizza Rolls (Cheesy Baked Appetizer)

Servings

Makes about 16–20 pizza rolls

Ingredients

For the rolls

• 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough

• 20–24 slices pepperoni

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or pizza blend cheese (optional)

• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce (for filling, optional)

For brushing

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

For serving

• Extra warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the dough
   Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
   Cut the dough into squares (about 7–8 cm / 3 inches each).

3. Add the filling

   • Place 1–2 pepperoni slices in the center of each dough square.

   • Add a small pinch of mozzarella (and cheddar if using).

   • Optional: Spoon ½ teaspoon pizza sauce on top of the cheese for extra flavor (do not overfill).

4. Form the rolls
   Gently bring the corners of the dough up and pinch tightly to seal, forming a ball.
   Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking tray.

5. Season the tops
   In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
   Brush the mixture generously over each roll.
   Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

6. Bake
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

7. Rest and serve
   Let the pizza rolls cool for 3–5 minutes (the cheese inside will be very hot).
   Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

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Tips

• Make sure the dough is sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking out.

• For crispier bottoms, bake on the middle rack and use parchment paper.

• You can air-fry these at 180°C / 350°F for 8–10 minutes if preferred.

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Flavor Variations

• Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives to the filling

• Use string cheese for extra cheese pull

• Sprinkle red chili flakes for a spicy version