Introduction
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to delight even the pickiest eaters? These Pepperoni Roll-ups are about to become your new go-to recipe! Inspired by Matt Ramsey’s popular version but with a delicious twist, these golden-brown beauties feature a perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior wrapped around savory pepperoni. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, these roll-ups deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re ideal for dinner, appetizers, or even tucked into lunch boxes the next day. Get ready to watch these disappear from the table in record time!
Ingredients
For the Roll-ups:
- 2 cans (13.8 oz each) Pillsbury pizza crust
- 24-30 slices pepperoni
- 16 slices mozzarella cheese (or 2 cups shredded mozzarella)
- 1-2 tablespoons Danos seasoning (original)
- 1-2 tablespoons Danos seasoning with red pepper (optional, for spicier version)
For the Topping:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the pizza dough: Unroll each can of pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut each dough rectangle into 4 equal pieces, giving you 8 pieces total.
- Season the dough: Sprinkle Danos seasoning evenly over each piece of dough. For variety, use the original Danos on half the pieces and the spicier red pepper version on the others.
- Add the cheese: Place 1-2 slices of mozzarella cheese (or about ¼ cup shredded) on each piece of dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add the pepperoni: Layer 3 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese for each roll-up.
- Roll them up: Starting from one of the shorter sides, tightly roll each piece of dough into a log shape. Make sure to seal the edges by pinching them gently to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the roll-ups seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the top of each roll-up with the egg wash.
- Add the toppings: Brush each roll-up with melted butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning if using.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the roll-ups are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool slightly: Allow the roll-ups to cool for about 5 minutes before serving, as the inside will be very hot.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 roll-ups
Nutritional Information (per roll-up):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Dough temperature: Work with room temperature dough for easier rolling. If the dough is too cold, it may spring back when you try to roll it.
- Cheese containment: To prevent cheese from leaking out during baking, don’t overfill your roll-ups and be sure to seal the edges well.
- Even sizing: Try to make all your roll-ups approximately the same size so they cook evenly.
- Spacing matters: Leave enough space between roll-ups on the baking sheet as they will expand slightly during baking.
- Crispy exterior: For an extra crispy exterior, you can spray or brush the tops with a little olive oil in addition to the butter.
- Check for doneness: The roll-ups should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch when done. If they’re browning too quickly but don’t feel done, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat options: Replace pepperoni with ham, cooked sausage, bacon bits, or shredded chicken for different flavor profiles.
- Cheese variations: Try different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or an Italian blend.
- Vegetarian version: Substitute the pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or olives.
- Add some sauce: Include a thin layer of pizza sauce or pesto before adding the cheese and pepperoni.
- Spice adjustments: If you don’t have Danos seasoning, substitute with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and a pinch of cayenne for the spicy version.
- Dough alternatives: You can use crescent roll dough, refrigerated French bread dough, or homemade pizza dough if preferred.
Common FAQs
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Brush with egg wash and toppings just before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving.
Can I freeze these roll-ups?
Absolutely! You can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, don’t apply the egg wash or toppings until you’re ready to bake. If freezing after baking, make sure they’re completely cooled first.
What can I serve with these roll-ups?
They pair perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping, a simple green salad, or vegetable sticks. For a heartier meal, serve with soup or a pasta salad.
Why did my roll-ups open up during baking?
Make sure you’re rolling them tightly and sealing the edges well by pinching them together. You can also place them seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store completely cooled roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing unbaked roll-ups: Assemble the roll-ups without the egg wash or toppings. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then apply egg wash and toppings before baking.
- Freezing baked roll-ups: Cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating from refrigerated: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
- Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes.
These Pepperoni Roll-ups are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and pleases everyone at the table. With their golden-brown exterior, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni, they’re certain to become a regular request in your household. The best part? They’re easy enough that kids can help prepare them, making dinner preparation a fun family activity!
