Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s cozy, cheesy, and downright addictive, you’ve *got* to try my Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe. These roll-ups are basically pizza’s fun, portable cousin—each bite oozes mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, all wrapped in golden, buttery dough, perfectly paired with warm marinara for dipping. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to for game nights, quick dinners, or whenever you want a little slice of comfort food heaven.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The wonderful thing about this Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe is how its simple ingredients harmonize to create that classic pizza flavor in a handy roll. Using pre-made pizza dough saves time and guarantees a fluffy crust, while the Italian seasoning mixed into melted butter infuses the dough with flavor and a golden finish. Oh, and quality shredded mozzarella and plenty of pepperoni are what bring the rich, savory cheesy goodness you’re after.

• Pizza dough: I like using store-bought dough to keep things quick; it’s super fresh and soft, plus easy to roll out evenly.
• Unsalted butter: Melting this with seasonings gives a flavorful brush-on glaze without overwhelming saltiness.
• Italian seasoning: This blend adds an herby, aromatic touch that melds beautifully with the pepperoni and cheese.
• Garlic powder: Just the right garlic punch baked right into the crust.
• Pepperoni slices: Go for a quality sliced pepperoni—fatty and flavorful slices give that satisfying spice and chew.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: My go-to is whole milk mozzarella because it melts beautifully and stretches perfectly inside the roll-ups.
• Egg: Brushed over the rolls for a gorgeous golden, shiny crust once baked.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top at the end for just a hint of salty, nutty flavor and added texture.
• Marinara sauce: A simple, warm marinara is a must for dipping—and homemade or good-quality jarred both work fantastic.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Sometimes I like to throw in a handful of fresh basil or switch up the pepperoni for spicy salami when I’m feeling adventurous. These little roll-ups are a blank canvas for whatever flavors or dietary tweaks you prefer.

• Variation: I’ve swapped out mozzarella for provolone or added a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of kick, which my friends loved!
• Vegetarian option: Skip the pepperoni and toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for colorful, veggie-packed roll-ups.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Using gluten-free pizza dough works well—just keep an eye on bake time as it may crisp up differently.
• Cheese blend: Mixing mozzarella with a little cheddar or fontina gives the rolls a nuanced gooey melt.

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

Step 1: Roll Out the Dough with Care

I start by rolling the pizza dough out on parchment paper into a neat 10×15 inch rectangle. The parchment keeps things tidy and makes transferring the roll-ups later a breeze, plus it helps prevent sticking. Don’t stress if your edges aren’t perfectly straight—it’s rustic and homemade, which is what I like!

Step 2: Brush the Butter and Seasonings

Mix the Italian seasoning and garlic powder into the melted butter, then brush half this fragrant buttery mixture evenly all over the rolled-out dough. This step is key for flavor and for that golden crust later, so don’t skimp! Keep the rest of the butter mixture warm—it’ll be brushed on after baking for extra yum.

Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff

Next, place your pepperoni slices on the dough in an even layer, overlapping a bit so every slice gets some peppery love. Then shower that with shredded mozzarella—don’t be shy here because that melty cheese is the star of the show. I always double-check that the cheese is spread evenly so every bite is just right.

Step 4: Roll It Up Tight

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, making sure to keep the seam side down once it’s rolled. The tight roll helps the cheesy filling stay inside and bake evenly. Transfer the whole parchment-and-log combo to a baking sheet—you’ll thank me later when it comes time to cut.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk the egg and brush it over the top and sides of the roll. That egg wash is what gives you that shiny, beautiful golden crust you want. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, then brush with the remaining seasoned butter. I warm mine gently to remelt before brushing. Return the roll-ups to the oven and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the crust is golden and everything’s piping hot inside.

Step 6: Sprinkle Parmesan and Slice

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the grated parmesan on top—it adds a lovely salty crunch. Let the roll-ups cool for about 10 minutes (if you can wait!) so the cheese sets slightly, making them easier to slice about 1-inch thick. Serve these warm slices with a side of marinara for dunking and watch everyone dig in happily.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—adds a pop of green and freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes, I dust a little extra parmesan on the plate just for show and extra cheesy love!

Side Dishes

These roll-ups pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic, or roasted veggies for a heartier meal. And if it’s a casual hangout, a chilled coleslaw or pickled veggies add the perfect tang to complement the cheesy, savory goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like slicing them thinner and arranging the roll-ups on a large wooden board around a big bowl of marinara for dipping—it’s always a crowd-pleaser! You can even skewer slices with toothpicks to make portable mini pizza bites perfect for mingling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover roll-ups tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge. They keep well for up to three days, and I find the flavors actually have a chance to deepen overnight. Just be sure to store them separately from the marinara to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing is a life-saver for me when I make a big batch. I slice the roll-ups first, flash freeze them on a tray so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months—just grab a few slices for a quick thaw-and-bake snack anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty. Microwaving is faster but can make the dough a bit soggy—oven reheating is the way I recommend for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe is one of those comfort food gems I keep coming back to. It’s simple enough for any weeknight but special enough to impress guests. The buttery crust combined with all that melty cheese and spicy pepperoni—and of course that warm marinara dip—is pure happiness on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why I’m so hooked!

Print