Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 13.8 ounce can pizza dough; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 8 oz pepperoni slices; 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese; Marinara sauce, for dipping

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 23 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a savory, cheesy, and downright irresistible snack, you’re going to love this Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe. It’s one of my favorite go-to treats for game day, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Imagine warm, melty mozzarella and zesty pepperoni all wrapped up in buttery, golden dough—then dipped in tangy marinara. Seriously, it’s fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share how you can whip it up yourself!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of what you need, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
Hands-Off Prep: Rolling and baking is straightforward, so it’s fast enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.
Customizable Flavors: From seasoning to cheese types, you can easily make it your own.
Perfect Dipping Pairing: The warm marinara sauce adds just the right tang that balances the gooey goodness inside.

Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara, easy snack ideas, game day appetizer, cheesy pepperoni roll-ups, savory finger food - 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

What makes these Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups so special are the few, but thoughtful, ingredients that come together to create big flavor without fuss. Here’s why each matters:

Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara, easy snack ideas, game day appetizer, cheesy pepperoni roll-ups, savory finger food - 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: Acts as a soft, tender canvas that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Unsalted butter: Brushed on for that rich, golden crust and extra flavor pop.
Italian seasoning: Adds that herby, aromatic boost you want with pepperoni and cheese.
Garlic powder: A kitchen staple that deepens the savory notes without overpowering.
Pepperoni slices: The salty, spicy star of the show that pairs perfectly with melty mozzarella.
Mozzarella cheese: Classic melty texture and mild flavor that binds everything deliciously.
Large egg: Brushed on to give the roll-ups a shiny, golden-brown finish after baking.
Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty kick and added texture.
Marinara sauce: The essential dipping companion—rich, tangy, and just right.

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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.

Make It Your Way

While the classic combo of pepperoni and mozzarella is unbeatable, I love tweaking this recipe to suit my mood or what’s in the fridge. The great thing is, you can easily swap or add ingredients to make these roll-ups truly yours.

Variation: I once swapped out pepperoni for spicy salami and swapped mozzarella for sharp cheddar—turned out amazing with a bit more bite.
Vegetarian twist: Leave out the pepperoni and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to keep it accessible without losing the fun.
Extra cheesy heaven: Try mixing mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a little extra melt and flavor complexity.

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

Step 1: Roll It Out with Confidence

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, and while it warms up, roll your pizza dough onto a piece of parchment paper into about a 10×15 inch rectangle. Parchment paper is key here—it keeps the roll-ups from sticking and makes transferring to the oven a breeze. Don’t stress about perfect edges; a slightly rustic rectangle will do.

Step 2: Brush on That Flavor Bomb

Mix Italian seasoning and garlic powder into the melted butter, then brush about half evenly over your dough. This step adds depth and helps that crust get beautifully golden. Keep the other half of the butter combo handy—you’ll use it later to brush on top after the first bake for a double dose of yum.

Step 3: Layer Up the Goodness

Now, lay your pepperoni slices in an even layer, overlapping a bit if needed—that way every bite is pepperoni-packed. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over, making sure to cover the pepperoni so the cheese melts into every nook and cranny.

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Starting at the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough into a log, making it as tight as you can without squeezing out the filling. Place the roll seam-side down right onto your baking sheet (with the parchment paper—that’s your friend!).

Step 5: Brush, Bake, and Butter Again

Whisk the egg and brush it over the entire roll—this gives it a gorgeous shine and helps it brown evenly. Pop it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully brush on the reserved butter mixture to add another layer of deliciousness, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the roll is golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the roll with grated parmesan cheese and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This rest allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier—cut into roughly 1-inch thick pieces and serve with warm marinara for dipping. Trust me, the marinara is not optional; it elevates the whole thing.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overfill: Resist piling the cheese and pepperoni too thick, or the roll can be tough to roll and unevenly cook.
Use Parchment Paper: I learned the hard way—parchment makes transferring and cleanup effortless.
Reheat Butter: If your butter solidifies before brushing the second time, warm it gently to brush smoothly and evenly.
Slice Warm, Not Hot: Waiting about 10 minutes before slicing keeps the cheese from oozing everywhere but still gooey and delicious.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara, easy snack ideas, game day appetizer, cheesy pepperoni roll-ups, savory finger food - 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 finish these roll-ups with a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan and a light dusting of dried oregano just for that authentic Italian feel. Sometimes fresh basil leaves or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil over the marinara just brightens everything up.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded plate, I serve these with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or some roasted veggies to add a refreshing balance. A bowl of garlic bread or even a light pasta primavera pairs nicely, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Slice the roll-ups thin, arrange them on a large platter garnished with fresh parsley, and place marinara in small bowls for dipping at different spots. I’ve also served these skewered with toothpicks—super fun for finger-food vibes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly wrap leftover roll-ups in plastic wrap, then keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold their flavor beautifully and are great for a quick snack or light meal.

Freezing

These roll-ups freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for some, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to help regain that crispy crust and melty interior. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the dough chewy.

FAQs

Can I make these Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups and keep them wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for prepping in advance and then popping them in the oven when you’re ready.
What if I don’t have pizza dough?

If you don’t have canned pizza dough handy, store-bought fresh dough from your local pizzeria or grocery bakery section works well, too. Alternatively, you can even use crescent roll dough for a slightly lighter texture.
Can I use different cheeses in the Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe?

Definitely! Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to blend in provolone, cheddar, or even a little parmesan inside the roll for extra flavor. Just keep the melting qualities in mind to avoid dryness or greasiness.
How spicy are these pepperoni roll-ups?

That depends on the pepperoni you use. Mild pepperoni gives a subtle kick, whereas spicy or hot varieties pack a punch. You can adjust this to match your heat preference easily.
Is marinara sauce necessary?

While you could enjoy these roll-ups on their own, the marinara sauce provides a crucial balance of tang and moisture, making those bites outstanding. Trust me—it transforms the snack from good to unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply comforting about pulling warm, cheesy, pepperoni-stuffed roll-ups from the oven and dunking them in tangy marinara. This Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups with Marinara Recipe has become a staple in my home, especially when I need a quick crowd-pleaser that’s loved by kids and adults alike. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—they’re fun, simple, and endlessly delicious. So go ahead, grab that pizza dough, get rolling, and treat yourself to some irresistibly cheesy goodness!