Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

As a busy mom always on the hunt for fun yet practical snacks, these pizza rolls have become my go-to for quick after-school treats or game-day bites. While store-bought options are convenient, there's something special about making them from scratch—not to mention being able to customize the ingredients (extra cheese and pepperoni, anyone?). These little rolls have quickly become a staple in our snack rotation along with this longhorn steakhouse inspired parmesan crusted spinach dip.

What makes these pizza rolls so irresistible is their combination of classic flavors everyone loves, especially kids. Melty mozzarella over flavorful pizza sauce and crispy pepperoni, all wrapped in soft, fluffy dough that crisps up beautifully around the edges. Watching my kids' faces light up as they pull apart a roll and see the stretchy cheese is pure joy.

This recipe is also incredibly freezer-friendly. While the kids are playing or working on their own projects, I can prep a large batch that lasts for weeks. On even the busiest days, it's easy to grab a few from the freezer and have a snack ready in minutes.

They're versatile, too. You can switch up the fillings to use whatever ingredients you have on hand, or sneak in some finely chopped vegetables without anyone noticing. These pizza rolls work perfectly as lunchbox additions, after-school snacks, or crowd-pleasers for the big game. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to whip up another batch because they disappear so quickly.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend baking activity with the kids, or just want a dependable snack to stock in the freezer, these pepperoni pizza rolls deliver every time. They’ve been such a hit in our house that my kids now insist on helping make them—it’s a fun family activity that ends with irresistible homemade pizza.

• Puff pastry - serves as the flaky and buttery base for the dish.
• Marinara sauce - adds a rich and tangy flavor, making it a perfect complement to the cheese and pepperoni.
• Pepperoni - provides a savory and slightly spicy taste.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese - contributes a creamy and melty texture that binds the ingredients together.
• Red chili flakes - add a touch of heat, giving the dish an extra kick.
• Dried oregano - brings a herby flavor that pairs well with the marinara and cheese.
• Olive oil - used to brush the pastry, adding richness and helping it achieve a golden color when baked.
• Fresh basil leaves - serve as a garnish, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Prepare the Puff Pastry

Begin by rolling out the puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. If the pastry is too cold and difficult to work with, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it softens. This will make it easier to roll out and spread the toppings evenly.

Spread the Marinara Sauce

Once the puff pastry is rolled out, take your marinara sauce and evenly spread it over the surface of the pastry. Be sure to leave a small border of about 1 cm around the edges. This border is important as it will help seal the rolls and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Add the Pepperoni

Next, arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the entire surface of the pastry. Make sure to cover the pastry well with the pepperoni so that every bite of the pizza roll has that savory flavor.

Sprinkle the Cheese

After the pepperoni is in place, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni. Ensure that the cheese covers the surface completely, as this will melt and create a gooey, delicious filling when baked.

Roll the Pastry

Starting from one long side of the pastry, tightly roll it into a log shape. As you roll, make sure to keep the filling inside and ensure that the seam is sealed well. This will help prevent the rolls from opening up while they bake.

Slice the Log

Once you have formed the log, use a sharp knife to cut it into slices that are about 2 cm thick. Be careful while cutting to maintain the shape of the rolls and keep the filling intact.

Prepare for Baking

Place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure to leave some space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking. This will help them cook evenly and become crispy.

Brush with Olive Oil

Using a pastry brush, brush each roll with olive oil. This will help them achieve a golden color and a crispy texture as they bake. After brushing, sprinkle red chili flakes and dried oregano on top of each roll for added flavor.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Once the oven is ready, place the baking tray in the oven and bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and bake until they are golden brown and crispy.

To store homemade pepperoni pizza rolls, you can freeze them unbaked by placing the assembled and sliced rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to prevent sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer the rolls to an airtight freezer bag or container, labeling it with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

If you have leftover baked pizza rolls, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the baked rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quicker option, though the texture may be less crispy.