Beef Pepperoni Cheese Rolls

The smell of these baking hits you before you even open the oven door that perfect blend of pepperoni and cheese that makes everyone wander into the kitchen. I started making them for Friday nights when the week felt too long for a full dinner production but too short for takeout again. Now they are the first thing requested whenever friends come over for movie marathons or game days.

My teenage nephew walked in while I was slicing the log once and immediately asked if we were having cinnamon rolls. The look on his face when I explained they were savory pizza rolls was absolutely priceless though he ate three before they even hit the serving plate. That is when I knew these were going to be a permanent rotation.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Room temperature dough is easier to work with and rolls out without snapping back
• Shredded mozzarella and cheddar: The combo gives you that perfect pullapart cheese texture with extra flavor depth
• Beef pepperoni slices: Quartering them means every bite gets that pepperoni punch without overwhelming the rolls
• Pizza sauce: Spread it thin so the dough stays crisp and does not get soggy in the middle
• Olive oil and Italian herbs: This simple topping creates that gorgeous golden restaurantstyle finish

Instructions

Prep your station:

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless

Roll out the dough:

On a lightly floured surface stretch the dough into a 12x16 inch rectangle working from the center outward

Layer the flavors:

Spread sauce evenly leaving a border then layer cheeses first followed by pepperoni pieces scattered across the surface

Form the log:

Start from a long edge and roll tightly then pinch the seam firmly so the filling stays put while baking

Slice and position:

Cut the log into 16 equal pieces and place them cutside up on your prepared baking sheet with slight spacing

Add the finishing touches:

Brush tops with olive oil then sprinkle with Italian herbs and Parmesan for that golden beautiful crust

Bake to perfection:

Bake 16 to 18 minutes until deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling through the cuts

Serve warm:

Let them rest 5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly then serve with extra pizza sauce on the side

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These became my goto contribution for potlucks after three different people asked for the recipe at the same party. Something about bite sized pizza just makes people happy in a way that regular slices somehow cannot quite match.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble the entire log the night before wrap it tightly and refrigerate. Slice and bake fresh the next day or even freeze the whole log wrapped well for up to a month.

Filling Variations

Try swapping the pepperoni for cooked sausage crumbles or adding diced bell peppers and onions. A layer of cream cheese mixed with herbs underneath the sauce makes them incredibly rich.

Serving Ideas

These work for breakfast brunch lunch or dinner depending on what you serve alongside. I have put them out with soup salad eggs or completely on their own.

• Set out small bowls of marinara garlic butter or ranch for dipping options
• Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness
• Keep them warm in a low oven if serving over a long gathering

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Watch them disappear from the serving plate and know you have just made something people will actually remember.

Recipe FAQs

→ What dough works best for these rolls?

Pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade at room temperature, provides the perfect soft and chewy base for these rolls.

→ Can I substitute the beef pepperoni?

Yes, turkey or vegetarian pepperoni alternatives work well to adjust the flavor or dietary preferences while keeping the classic taste.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Leave a small border without sauce around the dough edges and avoid overfilling to keep the rolls from becoming soggy during baking.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor best?

A blend of dried oregano and basil sprinkled on top pairs perfectly with the cheese and pepperoni for a traditional Italian touch.

→ Can I prepare these ahead and reheat?

Yes, rolls can be made in advance and reheated in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness and melted cheese.