Beyond jalapeños, try: Spicy capicola instead of pepperoni1 tsp cayenne in the doughHot honey glaze (1 tbsp honey + ½ tsp chili flakes)

Pepperoni Bread Roll Recipe: Irresistibly Cheesy Delight!

Name: Pepperoni Bread Roll
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For Dough:; 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp sugar; 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup warm water (110°F); 2 tbsp olive oil; OR 1 lb refrigerated pizza dough (thawed); For Filling:; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; 40-50 pepperoni slices (about 6 oz); For Topping:; 3 tbsp melted butter; 1 minced garlic clove; ½ tsp flaky sea salt

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Need a no-fail party snack? My pepperoni bread rolls—inspired by my vintage teacup collection (because good food deserves pretty presentation!)—are the answer. As a Farmers’ Market volunteer and coastal cottage cook, I’ve tweaked this recipe for years, balancing crispy edges with gooey cheese. Pepperoni bread rolls disappeared fastest at last summer’s beach yoga potluck—even Sunny the golden retriever begged for a bite! Whether you’re binge-watching baking shows or feeding hungry kids after soccer, this recipe works. Let’s roll!

Table of Contents

The Essential Pepperoni Bread Roll Ingredients

Let’s cut to the chase—great pepperoni bread rolls start with the right ingredients. Whether you’re a homemade dough warrior or a store-bought shortcut savant, I’ve got you covered. After testing this recipe everywhere from my coastal cottage kitchen to a crowded Farmers’ Market booth, here’s what you really need for those golden, cheesy spirals.

Dough Decisions: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Homemade dough (my Italian grandmother’s legacy):

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp sugar
1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (110°F)
2 tbsp olive oil

Pro tip: Let the dough rise near a sunny window—my cat Pepper always “supervises” this step. It should double in size in about an hour.

Store-bought hacks:

1 lb refrigerated pizza dough (thawed)
Crescent roll sheets (unrolled) for flaky layers
Frozen bread dough (thawed overnight)

Prefer no-fuss, pantry-friendly options? You might also enjoy this cornbread recipe with no flour, which uses simple ingredients for bold flavor.

Here’s the hack: If using store-bought, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Stubborn dough? My kids Lily and Oliver “help” by rolling it out with a mismatched bowl (floral apron optional).

Cheese Choices: Mozzarella, Provolone, or Spicy Swaps

The glue that holds your pepperoni bread roll together? Cheese, and lots of it. For 8 rolls, you’ll need:

Classic: 2 cups shredded mozzarella (the meltiest!)
Bold: 1½ cups provolone + ½ cup grated Parmesan (my husband Jake’s favorite)
Spicy: 1 cup pepper Jack + 1 cup mozzarella

But wait—there’s more! For extra stretch, toss cheese with 1 tsp cornstarch. Learned this trick during my Le Cordon Bleu days, and it’s a game-changer.

If you’re into breads that blur the line between dessert and breakfast, you’ll also love this cinnamon donut bread recipe—perfectly sweet, soft, and coated in sugary goodness.

Pepperoni Bread Roll Ingredients — Pepperoni Bread Roll Recipe: Irresistibly Cheesy Delight! 6

Step-by-Step Pepperoni Bread Roll Assembly

How to Roll Dough Without Leaky Filling (With Photos!)

Prep: Roll dough into a 12×16″ rectangle on a floured surface (or your countertop—I’ve used my cottage’s vintage butcher block for years).
Layer:
- Cheese first (1½ cups), leaving a 1″ border
- 40-50 pepperoni slices (about 6 oz)
Roll: Start from the long side, tucking tightly. Seal the edge with a dab of water.

Pro tip: Use dental floss to slice rolls cleanly—no squished spirals!

Garlic Butter Glaze or Spicy Kick? Topping Variations

Garlic Butter (my weakness):

3 tbsp melted butter
1 minced garlic clove
½ tsp flaky sea salt (remember my obsession?)

Spicy Upgrade:

Swap butter for 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp chili flakes

Brush on before baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F—or if you’re air frying, see Part 2 for crispier magic.

Baking Your Pepperoni Bread Rolls to Perfection

Nothing beats the moment your pepperoni bread rolls emerge golden and bubbling from the oven. After burning my fair share of batches (including that infamous 2018 Thanksgiving turkey incident), I’ve perfected the baking process. Whether you’re using your oven or air fryer, here’s how to nail it every time.

Oven vs. Air Fryer: Crispy Results Every Time

Oven Method (My Go-To for Parties):

Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
Bake for 18-22 minutes on parchment-lined sheet
Rotate pan halfway for even browning

Pro tip: Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any cheese drips – learned this after cleaning my oven three times in one week!

Air Fryer Hack (For Crispy Lovers):

Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes
Work in batches (don’t overcrowd!)
Spritz with oil for extra crunch

Here’s the hack: My air fryer pepperoni bread rolls became legendary at last summer’s beach yoga potluck. Even Sunny the golden retriever sat extra close to the fryer!

How to Tell When Your Rolls Are Done

Use these foolproof signs:

Color: Deep golden brown (like my vintage teacups)
Sound: Hollow when tapped (about 200°F internal temp)
Cheese: Visible bubbling but not burning

Meanwhile, if edges darken too fast, tent with foil. My twins Lily and Rose call this the “blanket trick” – it saved many batches during our Family Pizza Fridays!

Serving & Dipping Your Pepperoni Bread Rolls

Best Dipping Sauces: Marinara, Ranch, or Garlic Butter

Classic Trio (Serves 8-10):

1 cup warm marinara (my Italian grandmother’s recipe)
½ cup ranch (Jake’s guilty pleasure)
¼ cup garlic butter (with that flaky sea salt we love)

But wait—there’s more! For game day, try:

Spicy arrabbiata (add 1 tsp chili flakes)
Cool cucumber-dill yogurt (my Farmers’ Market twist)

Party Prep: Freezing and Reheating Tips

Make-Ahead Magic:

Freeze unbaked: Wrap tightly (up to 3 months)
Bake frozen: Add 5-7 minutes to oven time
Reheat: 350°F for 8 minutes (crispier than microwave!)

Pro tip: Slice before freezing – perfect for when Oliver’s soccer team shows up hungry! These easy appetizer rolls have saved me more times than I can count.

Hosting a holiday brunch or need a unique loaf for gifting? This sourdough cranberry bread brings tangy, festive flair to any table.

Got extra bread after making rolls? Turn leftovers into dessert with this comforting eggless bread pudding recipe—rich, easy, and family-approved.

Next-Level Pepperoni Bread Roll Variations

Ready to take your pepperoni bread rolls from great to extraordinary? After years of testing recipes in my coastal cottage kitchen (and plenty of “help” from my golden retriever Sunny), I’ve discovered some game-changing twists. These variations will make your stuffed pepperoni bread the talk of any gathering!

Add-Ins: Peppers, Jalapeños, or Caramelized Onions

The Veggie Upgrade (Serves 8):

½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
¼ cup pickled jalapeños (drained)
⅓ cup caramelized onions (my Farmers’ Market secret)

Pro tip: Sauté veggies first to remove excess moisture – learned this after one too many soggy bottoms! Layer them between the pepperoni for perfect distribution.

Spicy Lover’s Version:

1-2 fresh jalapeños, sliced thin
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp hot honey drizzle

Here’s the hack: Wear gloves when handling jalapeños! I learned this the hard way during my infamous 2018 kitchen disaster when I rubbed my eyes after chopping.

Breakfast Version: Egg-Stuffed Rolls

Transform your pepperoni bread rolls into morning magic with:

6 scrambled eggs (lightly cooked)
½ cup cooked crumbled sausage
¼ cup shredded cheddar

But wait—there’s more! For fluffier eggs:

Whisk with 1 tbsp milk
Cook until just set (they’ll finish in the oven)
Cool slightly before rolling

Perfect for those rushed mornings when I’m trying to get Lily and Rose to school on time!

Craving more breakfast-style breads? Don’t miss this cottage cheese cinnamon roll bread—a creamy, cinnamon-laced dream for brunch lovers.

FAQs – Pepperoni Bread Roll Questions Answered

Can I use crescent dough?

Absolutely! Unroll 2 cans (16 oz total) crescent dough sheets and press seams together. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. My kids love helping with this version during our Family Pizza Fridays.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Three foolproof methods:

Preheat your baking sheetUse parchment paperDon’t over-sauce (if adding marinara inside)

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute with:

1 lb gluten-free pizza doughOr gluten-free crescent dough

Note: GF dough may need extra rolling flour (I use my mismatched colorful bowls for this!)

Spicy version ideas?

Beyond jalapeños, try:

Spicy capicola instead of pepperoni1 tsp cayenne in the doughHot honey glaze (1 tbsp honey + ½ tsp chili flakes)

Best cheese for extra stretch?

My Le Cordon Bleu instructors swore by:

Whole milk mozzarella (not pre-shredded)1:1 mix of mozzarella and provolone½ tsp cornstarch per cup of cheese (prevents separation)