There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of warm pizza baking in the oven, isn’t there? But sometimes, you crave that familiar flavor in a fun, bite-sized package. That’s where these Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls come into play. My family absolutely adores these – they vanish in minutes whenever I make them. The buttery, flaky puff pastry encasing the savory pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and fragrant herbs is simply irresistible. They’re perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, a fun snack for movie night, or even a quick and satisfying lunch. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! The combination of textures and flavors is just spot on, and the best part? They are surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, utterly delicious way!

Ingredients for Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

• Puff Pastry Sheets (2 sheets, about 14.1 oz or 400g): The foundation of our flaky rolls. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture, but regular puff pastry works great too and is readily available in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Thaw according to package directions before using, usually about 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
• Pepperoni Slices (4 oz or 115g): The star of our pizza flavor! Use your favorite type of pepperoni – regular, turkey, or even spicy. For smaller, easier-to-roll pieces, you can roughly chop larger pepperoni slices. Mini pepperoni also works wonderfully and saves you chopping time.
• Mozzarella Cheese (8 oz or 225g), shredded: The classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully and provides that gooey, cheesy pull we all love. Part-skim or whole milk mozzarella will both work. Fresh mozzarella, while delicious, might release too much moisture, so shredded is preferred for this recipe.
• Pizza Sauce (1/2 cup or 120ml): The flavorful base that brings all the pizza elements together. Use your favorite store-bought pizza sauce or a homemade version. Marinara sauce can also be used as a substitute if you prefer a simpler tomato flavor.
• Dried Italian Herbs (1 tablespoon): A blend of aromatic herbs that enhances the pizza flavor. A mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram works perfectly. You can adjust the amount to your preference or use individual herbs if you like.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory garlic note that complements the other flavors. Fresh garlic can also be used, but garlic powder is convenient and distributes evenly.
• Egg (1 large): Used for an egg wash to give the pizza rolls a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen.
• Milk or Water (1 tablespoon): To whisk with the egg for the egg wash, creating a smoother consistency.
• Optional Toppings (for sprinkling): Consider adding grated Parmesan cheese, extra Italian herbs, red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and texture on top of the rolls before baking.

Instructions: Making Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper ensures the bottoms of your pizza rolls don’t get overly browned and helps in easy removal after baking.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Gently unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. If your puff pastry is sticking, lightly dust your work surface and the pastry with a little flour. Roll it out slightly with a rolling pin to even out any folds and make it a rectangle approximately 12×14 inches. This makes it easier to spread the filling evenly and roll up neatly. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
3. Spread Pizza Sauce: Evenly spread half of the pizza sauce over one of the puff pastry sheets, leaving a small border of about ½ inch around the edges. This border will help seal the rolls and prevent sauce from leaking out excessively during baking. Repeat with the remaining pizza sauce on the second puff pastry sheet. Ensure you distribute the sauce evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Sprinkle Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza sauce on the first puff pastry sheet. Then, distribute half of the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Repeat this process with the remaining cheese and pepperoni on the second puff pastry sheet. Try to distribute the toppings uniformly so every roll has a good balance of cheese and pepperoni.
5. Season with Herbs and Garlic Powder: Sprinkle half of the dried Italian herbs and half of the garlic powder evenly over the pepperoni and cheese on the first sheet. Repeat with the remaining herbs and garlic powder on the second sheet. This layer of seasoning adds depth of flavor and aroma to your pizza rolls.
6. Roll Up the Puff Pastry: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the puff pastry sheet into a log, like you are making a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it closed. Repeat this process with the second puff pastry sheet. Rolling tightly helps create more layers in your pizza rolls and prevents them from unraveling during baking.
7. Slice into Rolls: Using a sharp, serrated knife or a bench scraper, slice each log into 1-inch thick rolls. You should get about 10-12 rolls from each log, for a total of 20-24 pizza rolls. A serrated knife will slice through the pastry more cleanly without squashing it. If the rolls seem to flatten slightly after slicing, gently reshape them into rounds.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sliced pizza rolls, cut-side up, onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll. This allows for even baking and air circulation for optimal flakiness.
9. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) until well combined. This creates the egg wash, which will give your pizza rolls a beautiful golden-brown color.
10. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops and sides of each pizza roll with the egg wash using a pastry brush. Be sure to get an even coating for uniform browning.
11. Add Optional Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the pizza rolls with grated Parmesan cheese, extra Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, or everything bagel seasoning. Gently press them onto the egg wash so they adhere during baking.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pizza rolls are golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
13. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizza rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This allows them to set up a bit and prevents them from being too fragile to handle immediately. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 2 rolls)

• Serving Size: 2 Pizza Rolls
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (includes thawing puff pastry, preparing ingredients, and assembling rolls)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Brief Description: These Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are quick to assemble and bake, making them a perfect appetizer or snack when you need something delicious in under an hour. The majority of the time is spent baking, allowing you to focus on other tasks while they are in the oven.

How to Serve Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

• Dipping Sauces:
  • Classic Marinara Sauce: A warm marinara sauce is a must-have for dipping pizza rolls.
  • Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy ranch dressing provides a delightful contrast to the savory rolls.
  • Garlic Aioli: A flavorful garlic aioli adds a touch of sophistication.
  • Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For those who like a kick, sriracha mayo is a fantastic option.
  • Pesto: A vibrant pesto sauce offers a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• As an Appetizer:
  • Arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces for parties, gatherings, or game day.
  • Serve alongside other appetizers like mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, or vegetable sticks for a varied spread.
• As a Snack:
  • Enjoy them warm straight from the oven for an afternoon or evening snack.
  • Pack a few in lunchboxes for a fun and satisfying midday treat (ensure they are cooled properly first).
• As a Light Meal:
  • Serve with a side salad for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
  • Pair with a bowl of soup for a heartier meal during colder months.
• Garnishes:
  • Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy flavor and visual appeal.
  • Red pepper flakes for a touch of spice, especially if serving to adults who enjoy heat.

Additional Tips for Perfect Pizza Rolls

1. Don’t Overwork the Puff Pastry: Handle puff pastry gently and avoid over-rolling it, as this can make it tough and less flaky. Thawing it properly is crucial; it should be pliable but still cold.
2. Use Cold Ingredients: Cold puff pastry is easier to work with. If your kitchen is warm, work quickly and consider placing the puff pastry back in the refrigerator for a few minutes if it becomes too soft.
3. Seal the Seams Properly: Make sure to pinch the seam of the rolled-up log tightly to prevent the rolls from opening up during baking. You can also brush a little egg wash along the seam before pinching to help seal it better.
4. Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the puff pastry with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Too much filling can make the rolls difficult to roll and may cause them to burst open during baking. A thin, even layer of filling is ideal.
5. Space Them Out: Give the pizza rolls some space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven baking and prevent them from getting crispy on all sides. Air circulation is key for flaky results.
6. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the pizza rolls until they are a rich golden brown color. This indicates that the puff pastry is fully cooked and flaky. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni slightly crisp.
7. Make Ahead and Freeze: Prepare the pizza rolls up to the point of baking. Place the sliced rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
8. Experiment with Fillings: Get creative with your fillings! Try different types of cheese like provolone or cheddar, add cooked sausage or ham, or incorporate vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a vegetarian option. You can also adjust the herbs and spices to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Q1: Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will undoubtedly elevate the flakiness and flavor of these pizza rolls. However, it is a more time-consuming process. Store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and readily available option that still yields fantastic results. If you have the time and inclination, go for homemade!

Q2: Can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian?
A: Yes, definitely! To make vegetarian pizza rolls, simply omit the pepperoni. You can add extra cheese or incorporate vegetarian pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, black olives, spinach, or artichoke hearts. Use a vegetarian-friendly pizza sauce to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences.

Q3: How do I prevent the bottom of the pizza rolls from getting too brown?
A: Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is a great way to prevent excessive browning on the bottom. You can also try placing the baking sheet on a higher rack in your oven or reducing the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and baking for a slightly longer time. Keeping an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking is always a good idea.

Q4: Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time and reheat them?
A: Yes, you can bake the pizza rolls ahead of time and reheat them. Let them cool completely after baking, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quicker and crispier result.

Q5: What if I don’t have pizza sauce? Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute pizza sauce with marinara sauce, tomato sauce, or even pesto. Marinara sauce is a very close substitute. If using plain tomato sauce, you might want to add a little extra Italian seasoning and garlic powder to enhance the flavor. Pesto will give a different but delicious herby flavor profile to your pizza rolls.

Q6: Can I freeze baked pizza rolls?
A: Yes, baked pizza rolls freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.

Q7: How do I make sure the puff pastry is flaky?
A: Several factors contribute to flaky puff pastry. First, ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold when you work with it. Avoid overworking the dough. Bake in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) to create steam quickly, which helps the layers separate and become flaky. Don’t open the oven door frequently during baking, as this can lower the oven temperature and affect flakiness.

Q8: Can I add more spice to these pizza rolls?
A: Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the filling or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also use spicy pepperoni or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the pizza sauce. Serving them with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo is another great way to add a kick.

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