If you’re craving a fun, family-friendly snack that delivers classic pizza flavor in every bite, this easy cheesy pepperoni roll-up recipe with pizza sauce is exactly what you need. These golden, pinwheel-style roll-ups are soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and filled with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for parties, game days, or after-school snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Up Recipe with Pizza Sauce
There’s a lot to love about this recipe, especially if pizza night is already a favorite in your home.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Using store-bought pizza dough keeps prep time short and stress-free. You don’t need any special equipment or advanced baking skills to pull this off successfully.
Second, these roll-ups are perfectly portioned. Each slice is its own little pizza bite, making them ideal for sharing, dipping, and snacking without the mess of full slices.
Finally, this recipe is highly customizable. Whether you want to keep it classic, make it lighter, or adjust it for dietary needs, the roll-up format adapts beautifully without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Up Recipe with Pizza Sauce
Main Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for the pan)
Optional Add-Ins
- Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Pizza Dough:
Refrigerated pizza dough works perfectly here and saves time. If you prefer homemade dough, any standard pizza dough recipe will work as long as it rolls out easily.
Pizza Sauce:
Use your favorite pizza sauce or marinara. A thicker sauce works best to prevent soggy roll-ups. If needed, spread it lightly—less is more.
Pepperoni:
Traditional pepperoni brings classic pizza flavor, but turkey pepperoni is an excellent lighter alternative. For a pork-free option, you can also use cooked chicken slices, beef pepperoni, or sautéed mushrooms.
Cheese:
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltability. Part-skim mozzarella keeps things lighter, while dairy-free mozzarella can be used for a lactose-free version.
Extra Veggies:
Finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or olives can be added, but keep amounts small to avoid overfilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Place the pizza dough on the surface and roll it into a large rectangle, roughly 10×14 inches. Aim for even thickness so the roll-ups bake uniformly.
Step 3 – Add the Pizza Sauce
Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. This helps keep the sauce from spilling out during rolling.
Step 4 – Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top, distributing them evenly so every roll-up gets a bit of that savory flavor.
If you’re using optional seasonings like Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese, sprinkle them on now.
Step 5 – Roll and Slice
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, similar to how you’d roll cinnamon rolls. Use gentle pressure to keep the filling inside.
Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch pieces. You should end up with about 14–16 roll-ups.
Step 6 – Bake Until Golden
Place the roll-ups cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 7 – Cool and Serve
Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill the dough; too much sauce or cheese makes rolling difficult.
- Roll tightly but gently to keep the filling from leaking out.
- Use a serrated knife for cleaner slices.
- Let the roll-ups rest for a few minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Flavor Variations
- Veggie Pizza Roll-Ups: Skip the pepperoni and add mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers.
- Chicken Pizza Roll-Ups: Use cooked, seasoned chicken instead of pepperoni.
- Four-Cheese Roll-Ups: Combine mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and a little cheddar.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or spicy turkey pepperoni.
- Garlic Butter Finish: Brush the tops with garlic butter right after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
- Extra warm pizza or marinara sauce
- Ranch or garlic dipping sauce
- A simple green salad for balance
- Fresh fruit for a kid-friendly meal
They’re perfect for lunchboxes, party platters, or casual dinners.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze baked roll-ups in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Reheating:
Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Up Recipe with Pizza Sauce
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups a few hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
What’s the best way to keep them from getting soggy?
Use a thicker pizza sauce and avoid overloading the dough. Leaving a small border around the edges also helps prevent leakage.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply skip the pepperoni and add vegetables or use a plant-based meat alternative.
Are these good for kids?
Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly. The familiar pizza flavors and easy-to-hold shape make them a hit with children of all ages.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead?
You can, but the texture will be softer and more buttery. Pizza dough gives the most authentic pizza flavor and structure.
Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray (for the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 10×14 inches, keeping the thickness even.
- Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top. Add optional seasonings if desired.
- Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch pieces to make about 14–16 roll-ups.
- Place roll-ups cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This easy cheesy pepperoni roll-up recipe with pizza sauce is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly fun and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or casual meal, these roll-ups deliver big pizza flavor in a small, shareable form. With endless customization options and minimal prep, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.