Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are made with pastry dough, then filled with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni. This homemade pizza rolls recipe is so tasty, and it makes a great game day appetizer. Just roll them up, bake them in the oven, and serve!
What’s in Pizza Pinwheels?
These pizza pinwheels are made with puff pastry dough and baked to perfection. This homemade pizza rolls recipe is so tasty, and it makes a great game day appetizer.
- Pastry Dough: We use pre-made puff pastry dough (like crescent roll dough) for our pizza rolls recipe. I prefer it over regular pizza dough, and it gives these pinwheels a delicious texture.
- Marinara: You can use this homemade marinara sauce recipe, or any marinara sauce you like (homemade or store-bought).
- Pepperoni: I recommend using mini pepperonis so that they’re easy to stuff in, but you could also chop up regular-size pepperonis.
- Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for the filling.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle the fresh-from-the-oven rolls with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil!
Variations on this Pizza Pinwheels Recipe
One thing I love about these pizza pinwheels is how easy it is to change them up with different ingredients and flavors. You can stuff them with any and all of your favorite pizza toppings, and get as creative as you like.
Try leaving out the pepperonis to make plain cheese. You could also add another type of cheese to spice things up. Use sausage instead of pepperoni. Italian sausage or chorizo would be delicious! Make veggie-filled pizza rolls, by adding diced vegetables to the filling. Try bell peppers, olives, or red onion. Or, mix in your favorite herbs, like oregano, rosemary, or red pepper flakes.
Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container or resealable storage bag. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Yes, these are pretty tasty cold too! However, you should bake them first in order to cook the dough. But then you can eat them straight out of the fridge as you please.
These are best if baked fully in the oven. But you can reheat them in the microwave before eating.
These will take about 20 minutes to bake at 350°F.
These are best baked and served right away, but you can definitely make them ahead of time if needed. You can prep the pepperoni pizza rolls by filling the dough with ingredients and rolling it up. Wrap it in foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the pizza pinwheels as instructed, then keep them in the refrigerator and just reheat to serve.
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool to room temperature. Then, freeze for one hour on a parchment-lined baking sheet so that they don’t stick together as they freeze. Move them to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months.
How to Store and Reheat Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls
Store leftover pepperoni pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through.
How to Freeze Crescent Roll Pizza Pinwheels
One of the great things about pizza rolls is the convenience of being able to pull them out of the freezer for a quick meal or snack. And you can freeze this homemade version too! Make a double batch so you have plenty on hand.
After baking the pinwheels, let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, spread them out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1-2 hours, until solid. This will keep them from sticking together as they freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the final bake time.
What to Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups
These pepperoni pizza rolls are such a fun appetizer, snack, or quick lunch. I keep things simple when I serve these. Just sprinkle them with a little Parmesan and fresh basil, then serve with some dipping sauce. Use marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or any favorite dip.
These make a great kid-friendly lunch too, and pair well with homemade pizza bagels. They’ll be asking for these every week!
Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Ingredients
- 8 ounces puff pastry dough thawed if frozen (1 roll)
- ¼ cup marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mini pepperonis (or regular size)
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Roll out the pastry dough onto a piece of aluminum foil set on a flat work surface.8 ounces puff pastry dough
- Pinch together any seams of the dough that are coming apart. You want one sheet of dough. (This is a drawback to using puff pastry dough. I tried this recipe with pizza dough and it did not work nearly as well, the rolls grew apart. I recommend using the puff pastry dough and just pinching together any seams that are open)
- Spread marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch on each side.¼ cup marinara sauce
- Cover marinara with cheese and pepperonis. Don't overstuff. Less is more when you roll the dough.1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup mini pepperonis
- Roll the dough length-wise (the long edge), creating one long roll.
- Fold the foil around the tube of dough and place in freezer for 20-40 minutes. This is optional but will help the roll keep its shape as you cut it later.
- Take the dough out of the freezer and cut into ¾-inch rolls. I used a bread knife and that worked well.
- Place cut rolls onto a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and basil if desired.Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Chopped fresh basil
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Leave a gap at the edge of the pastry when you add the marinara to allow for spread.
- Don’t be tempted to go overboard with the fillings, as the pastry can rip.
- Allow time to thaw your puff pastry to room temperature before using.
- Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.
Nutrition Information
In one area, it says crescent rolls but in the recipe, it says to use puff pastry. Which is correct or can you use either one? These look so good.I know my kids will love them!
Either type of dough will work!
I liked putting in freezer however instead of putting straight on cookie sheet next time will put on parchment also put more pepperoni and add pepper flakes to marinara let dough from freezer rest 5-10 minutes to ensure phyllo dough is cooked without marinara seeping out
Thanks for sharing your experience, Cindy!
Do they need additional marinara for serving? I noticed it in the pic but not in the recipe. Thanks!
I did use a bit more for dipping. Not required but it’s tasty that way! Thanks for pointing that out. Hope you love the recipe.
It’s been a long time since I ate pizza rolls.. these definitely take me back to my childhood! So craving one to devour right now – with a lot of sauce too.
Tons of sauce is totally necessary!! You get me :)
These look delicious!! I wish I can eat them right now!
Ha thank you Ami!!
These are absolutely perfect for football season. Oh my, all the cheese!
There’s never too much cheese!!! Haha thanks Jennie!
I’ve decided that I need to hop in a car and drive to you so that you can make me all the delicious things! Love these cute little bites!
Um, PLEASE DO!!!! Thank you Justine!
These look awesome!! I wouldn’t worry about that kid, I’m sure he had the time of his life and it makes for a great story!!
Hahaha yes he has a great story for sure. Thanks for letting me off the hook easy Malinda LOL!
How fun! These look so perfect for game day!
Thanks for stopping by Des!
How fun! I am loving these! Perfect for game day :)
Thanks so much Des!!!