Game Day Pizza Rolls

The Super Bowl party was already in full swing when I pulled these from the oven, that golden cheese aroma cutting through the room like a whistle. My brother-in-law reached for one tentatively, then proceeded to eat four before halftime even started, mumbling something about these being dangerous around his diet. Now every gathering involves a quiet questioning of when the pizza rolls are coming out of the oven.

I discovered the magic of beef pepperoni entirely by accident when the regular pepperoni was sold out at the grocery store last minute. The slightly different spice profile and texture won me over instantly, and now I actually prefer it for these rolls. There is something satisfying about how the beef version crisps up in the oven without getting too greasy.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Skip the hassle of making dough from scratch, but let it come to room temperature for easier rolling
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic melt that gives these their signature stretch
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp tang that cuts through the richness
• Beef pepperoni slices: Chopped small so every bite gets that zesty kick
• Pizza sauce: Use a thicker sauce to prevent soggy centers
• Dried oregano: Brings that familiar pizza parlor aroma
• Garlic powder: Layers in savory depth without fresh garlic prep work
• Olive oil: Helps the topping achieve that beautiful golden finish
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Creates a salty, umami-rich crust on top
• Dried Italian seasoning: The final aromatic flourish that makes them irresistible

Instructions

Get the oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Roll out the dough:

On a lightly floured surface, stretch the dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle, working from the center outward

Layer on the flavor:

Spread sauce evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border so the filling does not spill out

Add the cheeses and pepperoni:

Scatter both cheeses across the surface, then sprinkle with chopped pepperoni, oregano, and garlic powder

Roll it tight:

Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam firmly to seal

Slice and arrange:

Cut the log into 16 equal pieces and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet

Add the finishing touches:

Brush each roll with olive oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning

Bake until golden:

Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops are browned and the cheese is bubbling

Serve warm:

Let them cool for just a few minutes before serving with extra pizza sauce on the side

Save

My niece asked if we could have pizza rolls for her birthday dinner instead of cake, and honestly, I kind of respected the choice. These have become our celebration food for everything from good report cards to Friday movie nights, always served with that same small bowl of extra sauce for dipping.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble the entire log, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Slice just before baking for the freshest results.

Freezing Instructions

After slicing, place the rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

These pair beautifully with a simple green salad to balance the richness, or serve them alongside other finger foods like wings and mozzarella sticks for a full spread.

• Warm the dipping sauce slightly for the best experience
• Have napkins ready because cheese pulls can get messy
• These reheat surprisingly well the next day

Save

Watch them disappear faster than you thought possible, and keep the recipe handy because someone will absolutely ask for it.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough works best for these rolls?

Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for easy rolling and a tender, flaky texture once baked.

→ Can I substitute the beef pepperoni with other meats?

Yes, turkey pepperoni or cooked sausage make excellent alternatives, adding different flavor notes.

→ What cheese combination is used in the filling?

Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses provide a melty, rich texture that complements the pepperoni.

→ How should the rolls be baked for best results?

Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F until golden brown and bubbling, about 18-20 minutes.

→ Are there any seasoning tips to enhance flavor?

A sprinkle of dried oregano, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on top adds aromatic and savory depth.

→ How can I add extra veggies to these rolls?

Sautéed bell peppers or onions can be added to the filling for additional flavor and texture.