Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs

A Crispy, Cheesy Bite of Pizza Perfection

Who doesn’t love pizza? Now imagine all the flavors of your favorite pizza—melty mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and fragrant herbs—wrapped in flaky puff pastry. That’s exactly what these Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls deliver.

Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat, these pizza rolls are quick to make with store-bought puff pastry, yet they taste like they came from a gourmet kitchen. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with cheesy, herby goodness, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, packing lunch for the kids, or just craving a handheld pizza indulgence, this recipe is versatile, fun, and utterly delicious. In this guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect results, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions to make sure your pizza rolls come out flawless every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using store-bought puff pastry.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheeses, meats, or vegetables.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or snacking.
• Portable & Fun: Easy-to-eat finger food that kids and adults adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible pizza rolls:

Main Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought, thawed) – Puff pastry provides a buttery, flaky exterior that’s perfect for wrapping the filling.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty cheese is the star of the show; you can substitute provolone or cheddar if you like.
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni – Use traditional pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, or even a vegan alternative.
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs – Or fresh chopped basil or oregano for extra aroma and flavor.

Optional Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup pizza sauce – Perfect for dipping, though these rolls are flavorful enough to enjoy on their own.

Egg Wash

• 1 egg – Beaten, used to brush the pastry for a golden, shiny finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create perfectly flaky and cheesy pizza rolls.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out to smooth any creases and slightly enlarge the sheet for easier filling.

Tip: Keep the pastry cold until ready to fill; warm pastry can become sticky and harder to work with.

Step 3: Add the Filling

• Spread the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Arrange the sliced pepperoni over the cheese.
• Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs evenly for that aromatic, classic pizza flavor.

Optional: If you love a sauce base, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce under the cheese and pepperoni before adding toppings.

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Carefully roll the puff pastry sheet into a tight log, starting from one edge. Use a sharp knife to trim the ends if needed. Slice the log into 1- to 1.5-inch pieces.

Brush each roll lightly with the beaten egg to give a golden, glossy finish. Make sure the edges are sealed to prevent the cheese from oozing during baking.

Step 5: Bake

Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping, or enjoy them as-is for a handheld snack.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Rolls

1. Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold puff pastry works best. Thawed but still cool pastry creates the flakiest layers.
2. Don’t Overfill: Too much cheese or pepperoni can cause the rolls to burst during baking. Keep the filling moderate for a neat result.
3. Brush with Egg Wash: This step ensures golden, shiny rolls that look as good as they taste.
4. Customize the Filling: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage to switch up the flavors.
5. Check Oven Temperature: Puff pastry needs high heat to puff properly, so make sure your oven is fully preheated.

Serving Suggestions

These Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Appetizers: Serve on a platter at parties with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.
• Lunchbox Snack: Perfect for kids’ lunches or adult on-the-go meals.
• Game Night Treat: Easy to hold, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Brunch Addition: Pair with a fresh salad or fruit for a casual weekend brunch.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze baked rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for 10–12 minutes.
• Do Not Microwave: Microwaving can make the puff pastry soggy. Oven reheating is best to maintain the flaky texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Roll)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 310mg

Nutrition will vary depending on cheese type, puff pastry brand, and optional dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will yield an extra flaky and buttery result. Make sure it is well-chilled before rolling and slicing.

2. Can I make these rolls vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni or use vegetarian or vegan alternatives. You can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.

3. Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. Brush with egg wash just before putting them in the oven.

4. How can I make the rolls extra cheesy?

Add a bit more mozzarella or combine with other melty cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or cheddar for a richer, gooier bite.

5. Can I freeze before baking?

Yes! Assemble and slice the rolls, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

6. Can I make mini rolls for appetizers?

Definitely. Slice the pastry log into smaller pieces (about 1 inch) for bite-sized rolls perfect for parties.

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Conclusion

These Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs are a fun, easy, and irresistible way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a convenient, handheld form. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and endless customization possibilities, they’re perfect for any occasion—snacks, parties, lunchboxes, or casual dinners.

The combination of buttery, flaky pastry, melted cheese, peppery pepperoni, and fragrant herbs is guaranteed to satisfy cravings and impress friends and family alike. Once you try them, these pizza rolls are sure to become a go-to recipe for gatherings and quick snacks.