One of my fondest kitchen memories involves making Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe on a chilly weekend afternoon. I remember the warm aroma wafting through my home, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket, tempting everyone from the living room to come closer. There’s just something magical about the way the mozzarella melts into the pepperoni, all tucked inside a soft, pillowy roll that’s lightly seasoned with Italian herbs. It’s a snack that’s both effortless and so comforting — something my friends always ask me to make whenever we gather.
Why This Recipe Shines
- Flavor Harmony: The savory pepperoni perfectly complements gooey mozzarella and fragrant Italian seasoning.
- Easy Assembly: Simple steps and straightforward ingredients make it beginner-friendly.
- Texture Play: Soft, tender bread wrapped around melty cheese and slightly crisp pepperoni.
- Showstopper Finish: Golden-brown, glossy rolls that impress every time.
What makes Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe so special is that it combines classic appetizer favorites into one handheld delight. The dough bakes up soft and fluffy with a golden crust, sealing in those tasty layers of melted cheese and spicy pepperoni. You’ll notice the subtle herbaceous notes of Italian seasoning that wake up the flavor without overpowering the familiar comforts. Plus, the aroma right out of the oven will have everyone sneaking little bites before the official serving!
Whether it’s a casual snack, a game day treat, or an appetizer to impress unexpected guests, these rolls are wonderfully versatile. Don’t worry if you’re new to rolling dough or working with fillings — I’ll walk you through each step so they come together smoothly. You’ll soon feel confident making these crowd-pleasers at a moment’s notice.
Ingredients You’ll Be Working With
Before you get started, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. I’ve included exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom, so keep that handy while prepping.
- Frozen bread dough: Provides a soft, fluffy base; thaw it fully as per package directions.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds smoky, savory flavor; adjust quantity for spiciness or preference.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for creamy texture; use fresh for best results.
- Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, boosting flavor complexity.
- Egg: Used as an egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
- Water: Just a splash to thin the egg for easy brushing.
If you want, you can swap out fresh bread dough for homemade or store-bought pizza dough, and experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
Chef’s Note
You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet: Works best with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Sharp knife or dough cutter: For dividing dough evenly without tearing.
- Pastry brush: Needed for applying the egg wash to get that shiny finish.
- Mixing bowl: Handy if you want to whisk the egg wash separately.
- Measuring spoons: Essential for accurate seasoning measurements.
How to Make Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe
Once your bread dough is thawed and your ingredients are ready, this recipe comes together quickly. Follow these steps for perfect rolls that’ll impress every time.
- Preheat and prepare: Set your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the rolls don’t stick and cleanup’s a breeze.
- Divide the dough: Place the thawed bread dough on a clean surface and cut it into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or bench scraper for consistent portions.
- Shape the dough: Flatten each piece by hand into a roughly 4×4-inch square. Don’t worry about precision—just a gentle stretch to fit your filling.
- Add fillings: Place 2 pepperoni slices in the center of each square, then top with 2 mozzarella pieces. Finish by sprinkling with Italian seasoning; you can adjust the amount to taste.
- Roll tightly: Fold the two edges over the filling, then roll up, pinching seams firmly to seal and keep everything inside while baking.
- Arrange to bake: Place rolls seam side down onto your prepared sheet tray, spacing them so they aren’t touching—they’ll expand as they bake.
- Brush with egg wash: Whisk the beaten egg with a splash of water, then lightly brush each roll’s surface for that gorgeous golden sheen.
- Bake: Slide the tray into the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool briefly: Let them rest on the tray for about 5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly, making them easier to serve and enjoy without losing any filling.
Kitchen Wisdom
- Tip 1: Don’t over-stuff your rolls or they might burst while baking—2 slices of pepperoni and a couple of cheese pieces per roll work perfectly.
- Tip 2: Make sure the dough is completely thawed and room temperature for easy shaping and rolling.
- Tip 3: Pinch the seams tightly to keep fillings inside—this helps keep the cheese melty inside without leaks.
- Tip 4: Use a light hand with the egg wash to avoid pooling or sogginess on the dough surface.
How to Serve
Flavor Boosters
Want to add an extra zing? Try brushing the warm rolls with garlic butter just after baking or sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. A drizzle of marinara sauce is classic and perfect for dipping, enhancing the Italian seasoning’s depth.
Perfect Pairings
These rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a tangy tomato soup. For drinks, an ice-cold soda or a light Italian red wine like Chianti complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Presentation Touches
Serve Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe on a large wooden platter for a rustic feel, or individually wrap them in parchment for party favors. Slice one or two rolls in half to show off the gooey filling and vibrant pepperoni layers—always a crowd-pleaser!
Variations & Easy Swaps
- Swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms inside for extra veggies.
- Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or pepper jack slices for a spicy twist.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning.
- Try brushing with melted butter instead of egg wash for a softer crust and buttery flavor.
- Use whole wheat or sourdough bread dough for a heartier texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 12 hours; brush with egg wash right before baking.
- Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh crispness and melt cheese.
- Freeze baked or unbaked rolls wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh homemade dough instead of frozen dough? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully risen and soft before dividing.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? Mix equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme as a quick substitute.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, but use a gluten-free pizza or bread dough that’s suitable for rolling.
- How do I keep rolls from leaking cheese? Pinch seams tightly and don’t overfill; also allow them to cool briefly to set the cheese before eating.
- Can I add other fillings? For sure! Consider olives, roasted peppers, or even a bit of pesto for extra flavor layers.
Pepperoni Rolls with Mozzarella and Italian Seasoning Recipe
These easy Pepperoni Rolls feature fluffy, tender bread dough filled with melted mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni slices, seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they bake quickly to golden perfection and can be enjoyed with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 16 ounces frozen bread dough, thawed (according to package directions)
- 16 slices pepperoni (divided use)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 4ths (divided use)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (divided use)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- Splash of water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Divide Dough: Place the thawed bread dough on a clean work surface and cut it into 8 equal portions for even-sized rolls.
- Flatten Dough: Using your hands, flatten each piece of dough to approximately a 4×4-inch square, preparing them for filling.
- Add Pepperoni: Place 2 slices of pepperoni in the center of each flattened dough square. You may add more pepperoni if desired for a meatier filling.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Top the pepperoni with 2 slices of the cut mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle each with a portion of the Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Roll and Seal: Fold the two outer edges over the filling, then roll tightly while pinching seams to seal the rolls securely and prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Arrange on Tray: Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared parchment-lined sheet tray, spacing them apart so they do not touch as they bake.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large beaten egg with a splash of water. Lightly brush the exposed surface of each roll with the egg wash to achieve a golden brown finish.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with pizza or marinara sauce as a delicious dipping accompaniment.
Notes
- Thaw frozen bread dough completely according to package instructions before using for best texture.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoni or cheese to your preference for a heartier or lighter filling.
- Italian seasoning can be substituted with dried oregano or basil if unavailable.
- For a shinier crust, ensure egg wash is evenly applied before baking.
- Serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven or conventional oven for crispy results.
