If you’re craving a snack that’s cheesy, savory, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try my Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe. These rolls are the perfect handheld treat for game days, parties, or when you just want comfort food that’s easy to share. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll be hooked — they’re soft, gooey, and packed with pepperoni and mozzarella, plus that buttery garlic Italian seasoning brush seals the deal. And dipping each bite into tangy marinara? Pure bliss.

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Using store-bought pizza dough keeps prep quick but leaves room to pack in bold pepperoni and cheese flavors.
Buttery Seasoned Crust: Brushing the dough with a garlic and Italian herb butter before and during baking builds incredible flavor layered into each bite.
Melty, Gooey Cheese: Plenty of mozzarella means every slice oozes with gooey goodness, the kind that keeps you reaching for more.
Perfect Dip Pairing: Serving with marinara sauce adds a tangy, fresh contrast that brightens the rich rolls beautifully.

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara, pepperoni baked rolls, cheesy pizza rolls, garlic Italian seasoning bread, easy appetizer recipes - A long, golden-brown rolled bread sits on white parchment paper in a baking tray. The bread surface is sprinkled with white grated cheese and black pepper, giving it a textured look. The edges show some melted cheese oozing out slightly, and the roll looks soft but crispy on top with uneven browning. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here is in simple ingredients that come together to create something way more special than the sum of their parts. Using pre-made pizza dough gives you a soft and tender base without the fuss of yeast rising – perfect if you want quick comfort food. The butter seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs infuses the crust with flavor before you even bake it. And of course, pepperoni and mozzarella are an unbeatable combo for that classic pizza roll vibe. Here’s the scoop on each key ingredient:

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara, pepperoni baked rolls, cheesy pizza rolls, garlic Italian seasoning bread, easy appetizer recipes - Flat lay of a small rectangle of fresh raw pizza dough, a small white bowl with melted golden butter mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, a neat pile of bright red pepperoni slices, a small mound of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a single whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl with finely grated pale parmesan cheese, a small white bowl filled with rich red marinara sauce, all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pizza dough: I use canned pizza dough because it’s easy to work with and guarantees a soft, chewy texture every time.
Unsalted butter: Melting butter lets you infuse it with herbs and garlic, which then flavors every inch of the dough crust.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that adds an authentic pizza flavor punch.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder gives a warm, savory note that pairs perfectly with the butter and herbs.
Pepperoni slices: The star of the show — plenty of pepperoni layered in for that bold, salty, meaty goodness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and provides that melty, stretchy cheese pull you want in every bite.
Large egg: Brushing an egg wash helps the rolls get a golden, glossy finish when baked.
Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top at the end for an extra hit of nutty flavor and a subtle salty crunch.
Marinara sauce: The perfect dip that balances the richness of the rolls with tangy tomato goodness.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about making Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe is how customizable it is. I often switch up the cheese blend or sneak in some veggies to suit what I have on hand or my mood. Don’t be shy about making it your own — these rolls are a crowd-pleaser no matter what tweaks you add.

Variation: Sometimes I swap half the pepperoni for sliced jalapeños or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat — and honestly, it elevates the flavor in such a fun way.
Cheese swaps: Feel free to mix in provolone, sharp cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan inside the roll to change things up.
Gluten-Free Option: You can use gluten-free pizza dough brands if you want to keep it allergy-friendly — just note the baking time can vary slightly.
Extra herbs: Fresh basil or oregano sprinkled inside adds a bright freshness if you love herbs.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the dough with buttery herb goodness

First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pizza dough on parchment paper into a roughly 10×15 inch rectangle — don’t stress the shape too much, just aim for even thickness. Next, melt your butter and stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Brush half of this fragrant mix evenly over the dough. This step is what infuses the crust with that delicious buttery and herby flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Layering the yum

Now comes the fun part. Layer your pepperoni slices in an even coat, overlapping slightly if needed — this packs in the meaty goodness. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pepperoni. I like to be generous here because the gooey cheese inside is everything.

Step 3: Rolling tight for perfect slices

Starting from the long edge, roll your dough tightly into a log, seam side down, keeping it snug so the filling stays inside. Leave the dough on the parchment and transfer it to a baking sheet — the parchment makes cleanup easy and helps keep the roll intact while baking.

Step 4: Egg wash and first bake

Whisk a whole egg and brush it generously over the top and sides of your dough log. This egg wash gives your rolls that irresistible golden shine. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust starts turning golden and the cheese is bubbling inside.

Step 5: Butter it up and finish baking

While baking, gently reheat the remaining herb garlic butter (it hardens quickly) and brush it over the roll. Pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes — this gives the crust an extra buttery crunch and that classic pepperoni roll flavor you’re after.

Step 6: Parmesan finish and cooling

Once out of the oven, sprinkle grated parmesan over the top for a nutty, salty flavor and a little extra pizzazz. Let the roll cool for about 10 minutes — this resting time helps the cheese set slightly so your slices hold together perfectly when you cut them into about 1-inch thick rounds.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe

Don’t Overstretch the Dough: Keep an even thickness when rolling out dough to avoid uneven baking or tearing.
Brush Butter Twice: The first brush adds flavor; the second creates that shiny, crispy crust that you’ll love eating.
Rest Before Slicing: Letting the roll rest cools the cheese just enough to slice cleanly without oozing everywhere.
Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes transferring to the baking sheet a breeze — I never skip this step.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara, pepperoni baked rolls, cheesy pizza rolls, garlic Italian seasoning bread, easy appetizer recipes - The image shows several golden-brown pizza rolls arranged closely on a light brown parchment paper. Each roll has a crispy outer crust sprinkled with herbs and parmesan, and inner layers of red pepperoni slices and white melted cheese, swirled in a spiral. A small white bowl filled with thick bright red marinara sauce is placed among the pizza rolls. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of freshly chopped basil or a scattering of red pepper flakes on top just before serving; it adds a fresh color pop and a little extra zing. Grated parmesan is a must for me every time — that salty hit on top really elevates the final presentation and bite.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair amazingly with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For heartier meals, I often serve them alongside roasted veggies or a simple bowl of soup — tomato basil soup is a natural partner!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I cut the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange them on a platter around a bowl of marinara sauce in the center. Adding a few fresh herbs or edible flowers makes it look festive and inviting. I even once wrapped some in parchment tied with string for grab-and-go party favors — a big hit with kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the cheesy pepperoni rolls tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They keep well for 3-4 days. I find reheating preserves the cheesy gooeyness if done gently.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully — just slice the roll before freezing and layer the slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you want a quick snack, pull them out, thaw for a few hours, then warm them up in the oven. It’s a game changer for busy days!

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil to keep the crust soft but warm the cheese fully. For crisper edges, skip the foil the last few minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully if you have time for the rising process. Just roll it out to the specified size and follow the same steps. Homemade dough might be a bit chewier and tastier, but the canned dough is a fantastic shortcut when you’re in a hurry.
What if I don’t eat pepperoni—can I substitute something else?

Definitely! You can swap out pepperoni for sliced cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist. Just ensure the filling isn’t too wet to keep the dough from getting soggy.
How do I store and reheat these rolls for parties?

Make the rolls ahead and store them wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. They can also be frozen as slices and reheated the same way.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can try vegan dough varieties and swap the mozzarella for plant-based cheese alternatives and use vegan butter. Keep in mind texture and melting will differ, but the spice, roll-up, and marinara pairing still shine!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, handheld rolls, and they’re a great way to sneak in some homemade flavors without fuss. Just adjust the seasoning if you want it milder for little palates.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Recipe have become my go-to comfort snack, and I hope they find a special spot in your kitchen too. There’s something so satisfying about tearing into a warm, buttery, cheesy roll and dunking it in that bright marinara sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug in food form. So roll up your sleeves, get that garlic butter ready, and let the cozy snacking begin!