Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Optional Vegetables Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cozy Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Optional Vegetables Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something utterly comforting about warm, cheesy pizza rolls on a slow weekend afternoon. I love how these rolls create tiny pockets of toasty, golden crust filled with melty mozzarella and zesty pepperoni—each bite a little celebration of familiar flavors. Plus, adding those optional sautéed vegetables sneaks in a fresh note without fuss.

You’ll find this Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Optional Vegetables Recipe delightfully straightforward. Whether you’re baking or air frying, the rolls come out crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey inside. It’s one of those recipes that welcomes creativity but never asks you to be a pizza pro.

I’m excited to share it with you—it’s perfect for gatherings, easy snacks, or a cozy movie night treat.

Ingredient Lowdown

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for soft but resilient dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness in the crust.
• Active dry yeast: Gives life to the dough, making it light and airy.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast—too hot, and it kills it; too cold, and it won’t proof.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and tender crumb.
• Pizza sauce: The savory, tangy anchor inside every roll.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature gooey pull.
• Chopped pepperoni: Optional, but brings that classic zing and texture.
• Optional sautéed vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms add a fresh, slightly sweet contrast.
• Egg or melted butter (for brushing): Creates a golden, glossy crust with extra flavor.

Set Up for Success

Before you dive into dough-making, gather and prep all your ingredients. Measure flour precisely and have warmed water ready to coax the yeast awake. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage crisp bottoms. If using an air fryer, set it to the same temperature for convenience.

Step-by-Step: Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Optional Vegetables Recipe

1. Prepare the dough: Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. When it bubbles up, that’s your yeast happy and ready. In a large bowl, stir together flour, salt, olive oil, and the foamy yeast mix. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic—a little sticky is okay. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, watching it double in size.
2. Roll out the dough: Give your risen dough a gentle punch down to release gas. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough thin—about 1/8-inch thickness. This thin layer bakes crisp yet holds the filling nicely.
3. Cut and fill: Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut dough into 3-inch squares. Spoon a bit of pizza sauce onto each square, sprinkle generously with mozzarella, add pepperoni and your choice of sautéed vegetables if you’re using them. Don’t overload to avoid soggy rolls.
4. Roll and seal: Carefully fold each square into a roll. Pinch all edges firmly to seal in those lovely fillings. A tight seal guarantees your cheesy lava stays snug inside.

5. Bake or air fry: Place rolls seam-side down on your parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. Brush each with egg wash or melted butter to develop that golden sheen. Bake in a 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until crust is lightly browned and crisp. Air frying takes about 10 to 12 minutes, delivering crispy edges with a fraction of the time.
6. Serve and enjoy: Let your pizza rolls cool for around 5 minutes to let the cheese settle—it’s tempting to eat immediately, but this little patience pays off. Serve with warm marinara, garlic butter, or your favorite dipping sauce. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Flavor Twists for Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Optional Vegetables Recipe

• Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
• Add fresh basil or oregano into the cheese mix for herbal brightness.
• Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or sharp cheddar for layered flavor.
• Incorporate roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for sweet undertones.
• Try spicy pickled jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
• Switch up your veggies seasonally—zucchini or spinach work beautifully sautéed.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer to retain crispness.
• Freeze: Prepare and assemble rolls, then flash freeze on a tray before transferring to freezer bags—lasts up to 2 months. Bake frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead, then assemble right before baking for fresher texture.
• Reheating: Skip the microwave if you want crisp crust—oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes works wonders.

Cheesy Pizza Rolls with Pepperoni and Optional Vegetables Recipe FAQs

• Can I use store-bought dough instead? Absolutely! Premade dough saves time and still makes delicious rolls. Just roll thinner if it’s thicker than 1/8 inch.
• What if I don’t have an air fryer? No worries—baking in a conventional oven works beautifully too, just watch the browning time.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, just skip the pepperoni and load up on sautéed veggies or add plant-based meat substitutes.
• How to prevent soggy bottoms? Rolling the dough thin and baking on parchment with proper heat ensures crisp, golden crust every time.
• What’s the best dipping sauce? Classic marinara is a perfect match, but garlic butter or ranch dressing each bring their own cozy charm.

Print