These Pepperoni Cheese Roll Ups are fun little snacks packed with gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni. Perfect for parties or a movie night at home!
Honestly, they disappear faster than I can make them! I love serving them with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like a mini pizza party in each bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of your roll ups. If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can use pizza dough instead. It has a slightly different texture but will still be delicious!
Pepperoni: The classic choice here! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken pepperoni works well too. For a vegetarian twist, use sliced mushrooms or bell peppers instead.
mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella sticks are great, but shredded mozzarella also works. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cheese alternatives, which are often made from nuts or soy.
Garlic Powder: This adds flavor, but if you don’t have it, feel free to use fresh minced garlic for a stronger taste, or even onion powder as an alternative!
How Do I Roll Up the Dough Without Breaking It?
Rolling the crescent dough can be tricky, but here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Be gentle! If the dough tears, just patch it up with your fingers.
- Start at the wide end of the triangle and roll it up tightly, but don’t squish too hard. This will keep the filling inside where it belongs.
- Ensure the seam side is down on the baking sheet to help prevent them from unrolling while baking.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first few rolls don’t look perfect. They’ll taste just as good!
How to Make Pepperoni Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks (about 24 sticks)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning (optional, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying these tasty roll ups in about 25-30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your roll ups will cook evenly and get that nice golden color.
2. Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough carefully on your countertop. Separate it into 8 triangles. To make it even easier, cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles. Now you’ll have 24 little pieces to work with!
3. Add the Filling
Take each small triangle and place a slice of pepperoni right in the center. On top of that, add a mozzarella cheese stick. This is where the magic happens—who can resist melty cheese and pepperoni?
4. Roll It Up
Starting at the wide end of the triangle, gently roll up the dough around the cheese and pepperoni. Roll tightly but be careful not to squeeze too hard; we want the filling to stay inside!
5. Bake the Roll Ups
Place each roll on a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure the seam side is down to prevent them from unrolling. Brush the tops with melted butter for that extra crispy finish.
6. Add Flavor
Mix garlic powder with grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the roll ups to give them a nice flavor boost!
7. Bake and Enjoy!
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the roll ups are golden brown and the cheese is all melty inside. Yummy!
8. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, cheesy pepperoni roll ups!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure it melts well!
What If I Don’t Have Crescent Roll Dough?
No worries! You can substitute with puff pastry or even pizza dough. Just roll out the dough into triangles, and it will work perfectly to wrap around the filling.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. You can also warm them in the microwave, but they may be a bit softer.
Can I Freeze These Roll Ups?
Yes, you can! Assemble the roll ups but don’t bake them. Instead, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
