Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe

If you’re a fan of all things cheesy, pepperoni-packed, and utterly comforting, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe. I remember the first time I made these—it felt like pizza and garlic bread had a delicious love child! These rolls are perfect whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a snack that hits all the right spots. Stick around, because I’ll share every detail you need to make them just right.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe plays its part in creating the perfect bite. From the pillowy pizza dough to the rich cheese and zesty seasonings, these ingredients marry beautifully. When shopping, opt for quality pepperoni and fresh shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.

• Pizza dough: Provides a soft yet sturdy base that’s easy to roll and bakes up golden and fluffy.
• Unsalted butter: Used for brushing to add richness and help the seasoning stick to the dough.
• Italian seasoning: A simple blend that will amp up that classic pizza taste effortlessly.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle punch of garlic that warms up the flavors without overpowering.
• Pepperoni slices: The star protein—choose a quality brand for best results.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to ooze out with every bite.
• Large egg: Used to create a shiny, golden crust when brushed on top.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the top right out of the oven.
• Marinara sauce: Warm, tangy, and perfect for dipping—don’t skip this!

Tweak to Your Taste

I love sharing this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe because it’s so easy to make your own. Whether you want to swap cheeses or sneak in some veggies, this recipe welcomes your creativity with open arms.

• Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add thin slices of bell pepper or mushrooms under the pepperoni—it’s a tasty way to get some extra veggies and adds great texture.
• Cheese Swap: If you’re a fan of sharper cheeses, swapping out half the mozzarella for provolone or fontina amps up the flavor in a subtle way that melts beautifully.
• Make It Spicy: Feeling adventurous? Add some crushed red pepper flakes inside the roll or sprinkle on top for a fiery kick.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve experimented with gluten-free pizza dough alternatives; just keep in mind the texture varies a bit, but the flavors still shine.

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

Step 1: Rolling Out the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—don’t skip this! I roll out the pizza dough on parchment paper; it makes transferring the log so much easier later. Aim for about a 10×15 inch rectangle; this size helps keep everything manageable when rolling up your log tight.

Step 2: Butter and Seasoning Magic

Mix your melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Brush half of this flavorful mix over the dough evenly. This layer is key—it infuses the crust with that buttery, herby goodness as it bakes. Save the rest for basting later on.

Step 3: Layering Pepperoni and Cheese

Now comes the fun part: layering on the pepperoni. I overlap them slightly to pack in maximum flavor, then sprinkle over that glorious shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese melts beautifully between the layers and seals the deal.

Step 4: Rolling It Up Tight

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly like you would a jelly roll or cinnamon bun. Try to keep the seam side down when placing it on your baking sheet—it prevents it from unraveling in the oven. The parchment paper underneath makes this step a breeze.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Baking

Whisk your egg and brush it all over the roll—this gives the crust that gorgeous golden shine. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then brush with the reserved butter and seasonings again (warm it slightly first to make brushing easier). Pop back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Finishing Touches and Serving

Pull the roll out and sprinkle with the grated parmesan cheese while it’s still hot. Let it cool for about 10 minutes—the meltiness inside sets just right. Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve warm with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping. Trust me, the dip is not optional!

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little extra dried oregano or freshly chopped basil on top just before serving. It adds a fresh burst of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the richness perfectly. A pinch of red pepper flakes on the side is great if you want a little heat.

Side Dishes

These rolls are pretty filling, but I often serve them alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. Garlic knots or a simple Caesar salad turn this into a fun pizza-night feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the slices in a circular pattern on a large wooden board with little bowls of marinara dotted around for dipping. Adding some colorful bell pepper strips and carrot sticks makes it festive and kid-friendly. For a date night, try serving with a glass of red wine and some fresh rosemary sprigs for aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover pepperoni rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge—they stay good for about 3 days. I usually slice them first for easy grab-and-go snacks. Reheating is a snap and keeps them tasting fresh.

Freezing

Freezing these is totally doable! I wrap the whole log tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil before popping it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and re-bake to crisp up the crust. This way, you always have a quick meal or snack ready.

Reheating

I find reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes works best to maintain that crispy outside while warming the cheese inside. Microwaving is faster but can make the crust a bit soggy, so I reserve that for emergencies only.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s simple, satisfying, and basically foolproof. Whether you’re sharing with friends, serving family, or just indulging on a cozy night in, these rolls bring comfort and joy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how you customize it your way—trust me, this isn’t just a recipe, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.

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