If you love the taste of hot, cheesy pepperoni pizza but want something faster, easier, and even more snackable — these Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups are about to become your new obsession.
Golden, buttery, and bursting with melted mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, they’re like a cross between a pizza and a garlic breadstick. Perfect for game nights, quick dinners, or movie marathons, these roll-ups deliver all the flavor you crave in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍕 Pizza flavor, no fuss: All your favorite pizza flavors wrapped up in buttery crescent rolls.
- 🧀 Extra cheesy: Gooey mozzarella oozes out of every bite.
- 🧈 Garlic butter glaze: Adds that irresistible pizzeria aroma and golden shine.
- ⏱️ Quick & easy: Ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike — perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough)
- 24 slices pepperoni (or more to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or string cheese sticks, halved)
- ¼ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Garlic Butter Glaze
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface and separate it into triangles.
If you’re using pizza dough, cut it into roughly 8 triangles or rectangles — whichever you prefer for rolling.
Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each triangle (don’t overdo it or it’ll leak).
Add 3 pepperoni slices and a small handful of mozzarella cheese near the wide end.
Sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning, then roll the dough tightly from the wide end to the tip, sealing the edges to keep the cheese inside.
Place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, and parsley.
Brush this mixture generously over each roll-up.
This is the secret that makes them taste like they came straight from a pizza restaurant. 🍽️
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the roll-ups are puffed and golden brown.
Halfway through baking, brush with a bit more garlic butter for extra flavor and shine.
When they’re done, the tops should be lightly crisped, and a bit of cheese may bubble out (that’s the best part!).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool slightly before serving — the cheese will be molten hot!
Serve with warm pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
They’re perfect for sharing, but fair warning: they disappear fast. 😋
Tips for Success
- Seal the edges well: Press the dough closed so the cheese stays inside.
- Don’t overfill: Less is more — it melts and spreads while baking.
- Reheat like a pro: 3–4 minutes in an air fryer brings back the crispiness.
- Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Brush twice: Before and after baking for maximum buttery garlic flavor.
Variations & Customizations
🍄 Veggie Lover’s Roll-Ups: Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes inside or on top.
🥓 Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits with the cheese.
🧄 Cheesy Garlic Bread Style: Skip pepperoni and fill with just mozzarella + garlic butter.
🍍 Hawaiian Version: Add bits of ham and pineapple for a sweet-salty twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- A side of Caesar salad or crispy fries for a full meal.
- Cold soda or iced lemonade for that fun, casual vibe.
They also make amazing game day appetizers, kids’ snacks, or midnight cravings solutions.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked roll-ups for up to 2 months — bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
- Reheat: Oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
These Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups work because they combine simple ingredients with perfect layering — dough, sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and garlic butter.
Each element brings its own flavor and texture, and together they recreate everything you love about pizza in a bite-sized, portable form.
It’s that magical balance of crispy, chewy, cheesy, and garlicky — the kind of snack that makes everyone ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first bite.
So whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping lunches, or just satisfying a late-night craving, these roll-ups are guaranteed to hit the spot. 🍕💥
