The Comfort of Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe
I love how Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe brings all the cozy vibes to the weekend kitchen. It’s that perfect little bite of melty mozzarella, wrapped in a tender, golden dough with pops of savory pepperoni or fresh, sautéed veggies nestled inside. These rolls feel like a warm hug after a long day. You’ll notice they have a wonderful balance between a lightly crisp exterior and a velvety cheesy center that’s just irresistible.
What’s fantastic is how approachable this recipe is—whether you’re a newbie or someone who’s rolled dough a thousand times, you’re going to enjoy the simple rhythm of creating these pizza pockets. Plus, they’re incredibly adaptable; you can switch up the fillings for each roll, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. I can’t count how many times they have saved me on a busy Friday night!
If you’ve been craving something warm, gooey, and easy to eat with your hands, this Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe will quickly become a favorite standby in your recipe box.
What Makes It Irresistible
- Layered flavor: Comforting, rich, and beautifully balanced.
- Easy method: Steps designed for any skill level.
- Adaptable: Works with pantry swaps and seasonal twists.
- Prep-friendly: Can be made ahead without losing quality.
Ingredient Guide
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a soft, chewy dough. You can swap half for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for balance and enhancing all those pizza flavors.
- 1 tsp sugar: Feeds the yeast, giving the dough its gentle rise and light texture.
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast: The magic behind the dough’s airy softness.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Ideally around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the dough tender.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Choose a sauce with a good balance of herbs and tang—homemade or store-bought both work great.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The velvety, melty heart of every pizza roll.
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni (optional): The classic savory pop that can be swapped for vegan pepperoni or omitted for vegetarian rolls.
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms): Adds color, moisture, and a fresh, slightly sweet contrast.
- 1 egg or 2 tbsp melted butter: To brush on top for a glossy, golden crust or a softer finish.
Prep Before You Begin
Timing is your best friend here. Give yourself about 1 hour and 30 minutes for everything, allowing the dough to rise fully. Make sure your warm water is just right—too hot and the yeast will die, too cold and it won’t activate properly. I always set my oven to 375°F before I roll out the dough so it’s perfectly preheated by the time the rolls are ready.
Tools & Setup
Here’s what you’ll want on hand so your Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe comes together smoothly—plus optional extras that make the process even easier.
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe
1. Prepare the Dough: Start by combining your warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s beautifully foamy—that’s your proof the yeast is alive and well. Then, mix this lively mixture with flour, salt, and olive oil in a larger bowl. Knead by hand or with a mixer until the dough feels smooth and elastic. You’ll notice it becoming softer and more stretchable as you knead. Cover it tightly and leave it to rise for an hour in a warm spot until it nearly doubles in size. 2. Roll Out the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then place it on a floured surface. Roll it out thinly to about 1/8-inch thickness — this thinner layer ensures the rolls bake perfectly, with a lovely balance of crispness and chew. 3. Cut and Fill: Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 3-inch squares. Here’s where the fun begins — spoon a little pizza sauce onto each square, sprinkle a generous helping of mozzarella, then add your chopped pepperoni or sautéed veggies. I love combining both for a bit of savory meatiness and fresh crunch.Expert Tips to Nail It
Ensure you don’t overfill the dough squares—you want each roll sealed tightly without sauce escaping during baking. Also, brush your rolls with egg wash for a glossy, golden crust or melted butter for a softer finish. Lastly, if you’re air-frying, arrange them spaced apart so hot air circulates evenly for the crispiest texture.
Creative Variations for Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe
- Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes inside for some heat.
- BBQ Chicken Twist: Swap out pepperoni for shredded cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, topped with smoked gouda.
- Herby Veggie Medley: Mix sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes with a touch of fresh basil.
- Four Cheese Blend: Upgrade with mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and cheddar for the ultimate cheese pull.
- Breakfast Style: Fill with cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheddar for a hearty morning treat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a trusted gluten-free dough mix and bake just a bit longer to get that perfect crust.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Arrange unbaked rolls on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crisp edges and gooey centers.
- Microwave tip: Quick reheat works in a microwave, but you’ll lose some crispness.
Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just take it out 30 minutes before rolling so it warms up slightly and is easier to handle. Q: What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
A: Instant yeast works just as well—simply mix it directly with the flour and reduce the rising time slightly. Q: Can I substitute the mozzarella?
A: Yes! Provolone, cheddar, or any good melting cheese will do. Just be mindful of salt levels if you use stronger cheeses. Q: How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
A: Don’t overload the sauce or veggies, and make sure to seal the dough edges firmly. Baking or air-frying at the right temperature also helps maintain a crisp crust. Q: Can these be made vegan?
A: For sure! Use dairy-free cheese and swap egg wash for a plant-based milk or oil brush. Fill with your favorite veggies or vegan sausage alternatives. Print
Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Veggie Options Recipe
These homemade pizza rolls are a delicious and fun appetizer or snack, featuring a soft dough filled with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your choice of pepperoni or sautéed vegetables. Perfectly baked or air fried for a golden crust and gooey inside, they are great for parties or a quick bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 pizza rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni (optional)
- Optional: sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
For the Crust:
- 1 egg (for egg wash) or 2 tbsp melted butter (optional for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness to create an even layer for the filling.
- Cut and Fill: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into 3-inch squares. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each square, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni or sautéed vegetables as desired.
- Roll and Seal: Fold each square into a roll, making sure to pinch the edges firmly to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage during baking.
- Bake or Air Fry: Place the sealed pizza rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with either an egg wash or melted butter to achieve a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, or air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes for a quicker, crispier option.
- Serve: Allow the pizza rolls to cool for 5 minutes after cooking. Serve warm with dipping sauces such as marinara or garlic butter for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with any pizza toppings you like, such as sausage, olives, or different cheeses.
- For a crispier crust, air frying is an excellent alternative to baking and reduces cooking time.
- If you prefer a softer crust, use butter instead of egg wash to brush the rolls before baking.
- Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment to help yeast activate properly.
- Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
