Delicious Pepperoni Cheese Rolls: A Simple and Tasty Treat

Pizza dough: You can use store-bought dough for ease but homemade dough works too if you’ve got the time. I always like to have some store-bought dough on hand for those busy days when I don’t have time to make it from scratch.
Pepperoni slices: I use regular pepperoni but you can get creative with different varieties if you like. There are some great alternatives out there, such as turkey or chicken pepperoni, for anyone looking for a leaner option.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully in these rolls making them oozy and delicious. I always go for whole milk mozzarella for that perfect melt. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Parmesan cheese: For a little extra flavor I sprinkle some parmesan over the top. It’s optional, but I really love how it crisps up in the oven and adds an extra layer of cheesiness.
Italian seasoning: A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out that pizza flavor. You can also experiment with your favorite pizza herbs like basil or oregano if you want to change things up.
Olive oil: Brushed on top of the rolls it gives them a golden, crispy finish.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you're using store-bought pizza dough, simply roll it out on a clean, floured surface. Aim for about a 12x8-inch rectangle. If you’re using homemade dough, this is your moment to shine—just roll it out to the same size. If you’re not sure how thin to roll it, aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch. That’s the perfect thickness for getting that soft, fluffy interior and crisp exterior.

Now, it’s time to layer in the deliciousness. Start by laying down a layer of pepperoni slices over the dough. Make sure they’re evenly spread so you get a bit of pepperoni in every bite. Then, sprinkle on a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. The more cheese, the better, right? Don’t hold back! It’s what gives these rolls that irresistible pull when you tear them apart. I’m always the one reaching for the extra cheese, and I’m sure you will be too.
Once the cheese is on, add a sprinkle of parmesan and a dash of Italian seasoning. The seasoning will give the rolls that pizza-like taste we all love. You can even use a little garlic powder or red pepper flakes if you want to give these rolls a bit of extra flavor!

Next, roll the dough up into a log, starting from one of the longer sides. You’ll want to roll it as tightly as you can so the fillings stay inside. Don’t worry too much if some cheese spills out—it’ll melt beautifully in the oven. Once it’s rolled up, cut it into 1- to 1.5-inch pieces, using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. You should get about 8 to 10 rolls, depending on the size of your dough. If the dough starts to stick while cutting, a little bit of flour on the knife will help!

Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. I love using parchment paper because it makes cleanup a breeze, and nothing ever sticks. Brush the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up nicely in the oven. Bake them for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If you can stand the smell, let them cool for a few minutes before diving in (but I won’t judge if you can’t wait). The anticipation is half the fun, right?