Pepperoni Rolls

Take the stress out of snack time with these easy pepperoni rolls. Our version uses refrigerated crescent rolls as a shortcut, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Whether you’re in charge of hosting game day or just looking for a fuss-free appetizer, this five-ingredient recipe is the ideal bite-sized treat. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes and is extremely versatile. You can easily customize the ingredients on the inside of the rolls with different cheeses or sauteed vegetables.

Ingredients for Pepperoni Rolls

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• Crescent rolls: A tube of crescent rolls are the base of the pepperoni rolls, providing a flaky, buttery texture and offering convenience.
• Pepperoni: The star of the show are quartered slices of pepperoni that form the savory, meaty filling that’s essential to these pepperoni rolls.
• String cheese: String cheese is a meltable cheese that creates a gooey, stretchy center for each roll. Here’s a list of our favorite string cheese sticks.
• Italian seasoning: This popular Italian herb blend typically includes died basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. It pairs well with the pepperoni and cheese, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the simple rolls. Here’s how to make your own batch of Italian seasoning.
• Garlic salt: A combination of garlic powder and salt, this seasoning adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the exterior of the cheesy pepperoni rolls.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the crescent rolls

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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Unroll the tube of crescent rolls and separate the dough into eight triangles on a clean work surface.

Step 2: Add the fillings

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Place eight pepperoni quarters on each triangle of dough, distributing them evenly. Then place a quarter piece of string cheese on the short side of each triangle. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Roll and season

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Starting from the short side with the cheese, roll up each triangle. Pinch the seams to seal and ensure the fillings stay put while baking. Sprinkle the garlic salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the tops of the rolls.

Editor’s Tip: Use spicy pepperoni or add a dash of red pepper flakes before rolling up the dough to give these rolls a kick.

Step 4: Bake

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Place the rolls two inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake the rolls for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Pepperoni Rolls Variations

• Swap the cheese: Instead of string cheese, use shredded mozzarella or provolone for a different texture and flavor.
• Add pizza sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce or homemade marinara inside the roll before adding the pepperoni and cheese for a pizza-flavored twist.
• Amp up the spiciness: Add sliced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to give these pepperoni rolls a bit of heat.
• Add some vegetables: Include finely chopped bell peppers and onions for added texture and to up the nutrition content of these pepperoni crescent rolls.

How to Store Pepperoni Rolls

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in an oven at 350° for about 10 minutes to reheat.

Can you freeze pepperoni rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool before wrapping each roll individually in plastic wrap. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months.

Can you make pepperoni rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance—place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.

Pepperoni Rolls Tips

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What goes well with pepperoni crescent rolls?

These pepperoni crescent rolls can be served with a variety of dipping sauces including ranch, marinara or a drizzle of spicy honey dip. You can round out your meal with a side of buttery garlic bread or zesty Italian salad.

What other fillings can you use for these rolls?

Aside from pepperoni, you can stuff the crescent rolls with ham and smoked turkey. Alternatively, you can make this a vegetarian-friendly appetizer and stuff it with sauteed mushrooms and garlicky baby spinach for a different flavor combination.

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls to make this recipe?

While crescent rolls offer convenience and save on time, you can use your favorite pizza dough recipe to give this pepperoni roll recipe a homemade touch. Roll the dough out thinly and cut into triangles before adding the fillings.

How can you make pepperoni rolls crispier?

For an extra crispy texture to your pepperoni rolls use the air fryer instead of the oven. Preheat the air fryer to 350° and cook the rolls for 8 to 10 minutes or until the exterior is golden brown and the cheese has melted inside.