Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe

If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that’s cozy, cheesy, and absolutely crave-worthy, you’ve got to try my Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe. These rolls are like pizza wrapped up into soft, buttery logs, perfect for dipping into that warm, zesty marinara sauce. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a snack attack, these rolls have become a favorite go-to in my kitchen. Stick around — I’ll share all my secret tips so your rolls come out perfect every single time!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

When I first made this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe, I was amazed at how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients came together to create something so satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one plays an important role in this delightful dish.

• Pizza dough: Ready-made dough is a game-changer here — easy to work with and gives you that soft, chewy texture without any extra effort.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with spices, it adds a rich finish and makes sure the rolls brown beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the butter with classic Italian flavors, lifting everything up.
• Garlic powder: Garlic’s depth intensifies the savory notes without overpowering the pepperoni.
• Pepperoni slices: The star ingredient, of course — these deliver that spicy, smoky punch everyone loves.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey pockets inside each roll, giving you that classic cheesy pull.
• Egg: A simple egg wash makes the crust shiny and golden, adding a professional touch.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top after baking for a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
• Marinara sauce: For dipping, it adds that fresh, acidic contrast that keeps each bite balanced.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe is how you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or spices — trust me, it makes the process even more fun!

• Variation: Once, I added some chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes to the cheese mix, which gave the rolls a fresh and slightly spicy kick that my family loved.
• Vegetarian option: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a meaty texture without the meat.
• Extra cheesy: Mix in some shredded cheddar or provolone alongside mozzarella for a richer, more complex cheese flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne to the butter for an unexpected smoky or fiery note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roll Out the Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F — it’s good to get it nice and hot ahead of time. I like working on parchment paper since it makes cleanup a breeze. Roll your pizza dough into roughly a 10×15 inch rectangle right on that parchment. If your dough is a bit stubborn, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing — it helps it relax and stretch more easily without shrinking back.

Step 2: Brush with Garlic Butter and Layer the Fillings

Mix your melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to infuse it with flavor, then brush half of this aromatic mixture all over the dough. This step makes such a difference, trust me — it keeps the rolls buttery and tasty on the outside. Next, lay down your pepperoni slices evenly, overlapping slightly to get plenty of pepperoni in every bite. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top evenly, making sure every slice will be oozing cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Roll, Brush, and Bake

Starting from the long side closest to you, roll the dough up tightly into a log, seam side down on the parchment. I find this helps the roll hold its shape better during baking. Whisk your egg in a small bowl and use it to brush the entire log — this will give the finished rolls that gorgeous golden sheen. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until it’s just starting to look golden. Then brush the remaining garlic butter over the top — sometimes I warm it again so it’s nicely melted — and bake for another 5-10 minutes. You’re aiming for a deep golden color and a hot, bubbly interior.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once your Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls are out of the oven, sprinkle them with grated parmesan cheese while they’re still hot. This adds a lovely salty nuance and a bit of texture. Let the roll cool for about 10 minutes — this makes it so much easier to slice without all the cheese running everywhere. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. I promise, dipping makes every bite irresistible!

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle my pepperoni rolls with a little extra grated parmesan and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper before serving. A handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness beautifully — especially if you’re serving these at a party or potluck.

Side Dishes

Because these rolls are filling, I like pairing them with a crisp green salad or a simple side of roasted veggies to cut through the richness. A bowl of extra marinara sauce warmed up alongside is also a must for our family, especially dipping those cheesy slices!

Creative Ways to Present

For game days, I’ve arranged these pepperoni rolls on a wooden board surrounded by ramekins of marinara, ranch, and even some spicy mustard for dipping variety. At a casual brunch, cutting them into bite-sized pieces and serving toothpicks alongside makes grabbing them easy and mess-free.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — which is totally normal because these rolls disappear fast — I recommend wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find reheating in the oven helps maintain that lovely crust and melty cheese better than the microwave.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully! After baking, let them cool completely, then slice and place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for up to 2 months. When ready, just bake from frozen at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Uncover the last few minutes if you want to crisp the edges back up. You’ll get that fresh-baked vibe all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe is one of those comforting, no-fail dishes that makes you feel good every time you bite into it. It’s versatile, easy, and brings people together around the table — what’s not to love? Give it a go, customize it your way, and you might find yourself keeping these rolls in your regular rotation like I do. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy them!

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