If you’re a fan of melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and that classic Italian flavor combo, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Dipping Recipe. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that feels fancy but comes together in a flash—and trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them on repeat for game days, casual dinners, or quick snacks. Soft, buttery dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, paired with a tangy marinara? Yes, please!

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Easy Weeknight Win: Uses store-bought pizza dough to save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The Italian seasoning and garlic butter add layers of savory goodness that complement the pepperoni and cheese brilliantly.
Fun, Shareable Snack: Rolls slice up into bite-sized portions perfect for gatherings or lunchboxes.
Marinara on the Side: The warm, tangy sauce ties it all together, making every bite irresistible.

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara, pepperoni roll appetizer, cheesy Italian snack, easy pizza dough snacks, savory party finger foods - 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

Each ingredient plays a key role—simple but impactful! The pizza dough gives you that soft, pillowy base without the fuss of homemade dough, and the combo of melted butter infused with Italian seasoning and garlic powder gives a subtle, buttery aroma. Pepperoni and mozzarella are classic for a reason—they bring that gooey cheesy, meaty goodness we crave. Plus, a quick egg wash creates that gorgeous golden crust, and parmesan on top adds an extra touch of savory depth.

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara, pepperoni roll appetizer, cheesy Italian snack, easy pizza dough snacks, savory party finger foods - 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: Use refrigerated dough for convenience and consistent texture. Let it come to room temp before rolling for easier shaping.
Unsalted butter: Melting and mixing it with Italian herbs gives a buttery, herbaceous flavor without overpowering.
Italian seasoning: This mix adds that perfect blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to make the rolls taste authentically Italian.
Garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic flavor without burning or sharpness that fresh garlic can sometimes bring.
Pepperoni slices: My favorite is classic spicy pepperoni for a little heat, but milder versions work beautifully too.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better and gives that ooey-gooey texture you want in every bite.
Large egg: The egg wash helps the rolls brown up nicely, giving a beautiful sheen and texture.
Grated parmesan cheese: A savory finish that adds a sharp, cheesy kick after baking.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara—warm and flavorful for dipping.

📝

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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own by swapping cheeses or playing with seasonings—and I encourage you to do the same! These cheesy pepperoni rolls are so versatile; whether you like things a little spicier or want to sneak in some veggies, it’s all fair game.

Variation: I’ve sometimes added sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes inside for a subtle heat boost without taking away from the classic flavor.
Cheese swaps: Provolone or smoked mozzarella can add a fun twist if you want a different cheese vibe.
Herb alternatives: Fresh basil or rosemary brushed with the butter here and there can elevate that flavor to another level.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and stuff with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful vegetarian version I sometimes make.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Dipping Recipe

Step 1: Roll Out the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, roll your pizza dough out on a piece of parchment paper into roughly a 10×15 inch rectangle. I find doing this on parchment makes transferring it to the tray a breeze later on, plus it keeps clean-up easy.

Step 2: Brush with Garlic Herb Butter

Mix up your melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Brush about half of that flavorful butter evenly over your rolled-out dough—this step gives the rolls a lovely aroma and stops the dough from drying while baking. Keep the rest for later!

Step 3: Layer on the Pepperoni and Cheese

Time for the fun part. Place your pepperoni slices in an even layer across the dough—don’t be shy about them overlapping a bit, you want every bite to have some meaty goodness. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top to ensure a melty, cheesy center.

Step 4: Roll and Prep for Baking

Starting from one long side, roll the dough up tightly like you’re making a jelly roll, keeping the seam side down on the parchment. This helps keep everything sealed inside. I like to tuck the edges a bit so nothing leaks out during baking.

Step 5: Egg Wash and First Bake

Whisk your egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top and sides of your log. This makes the crust golden and glossy—trust me, it’s worth the extra step. Pop it onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until it starts to turn golden.

Step 6: Butter Brush and Finish Baking

Reheat the remaining butter if it’s cooled and brush it all over the roll. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, till it’s a deep golden brown and piping hot inside. This added butter layer ensures a rich, flavorful crust and extra tenderness.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top, and let your cheesy pepperoni roll cool for about 10 minutes—this helps keep all that melty cheese from oozing out when you slice. Cut into 1-inch thick slices and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Trust me, every dip is better than the last!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Dipping Recipe

Room Temperature Dough: Always let the dough sit at room temp for 20 minutes before rolling to prevent tearing and make it easier to handle.
Roll Tight but Gentle: Rolling tightly holds the filling inside but don’t squish the dough too much or it’ll get dense.
Butter Reheat Trick: Warm your leftover butter slightly before brushing to help it soak in smoothly and evenly.
Don’t Skip Cooling: Let the roll cool for 10 minutes before slicing to keep the cheese from spilling out and maintain neat slices.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Dipping Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara, pepperoni roll appetizer, cheesy Italian snack, easy pizza dough snacks, savory party finger foods - 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 often sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves on top when serving—it adds a fresh, herby pop and makes the rolls look extra inviting. Sometimes, a little extra parmesan on the side is great for those who want more cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these pepperoni rolls with a simple green salad or crunchy coleslaw to brighten up all that cheesy richness. Roasted veggies or a cup of soup also complement them beautifully for a filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the sliced rolls in a spiral on a large platter with the marinara sauce in the middle for dipping—super easy to grab and share. You can also serve them alongside a charcuterie board for a fun Italian-inspired appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their softness surprisingly well, especially when reheated properly.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. After slicing, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When I do this, they stay fresh for up to 2 months—perfect for making batches ahead of time for quick snacks.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. I avoid microwaving because it can make the dough a bit soggy, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick 30-second zap plus oven finish works too.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch and even more flavor, just make sure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness and size (about 10×15 inches) to keep the baking time consistent. Let the dough rest and rise properly before rolling for the best texture.
What other meats or fillings can I use in these cheesy pepperoni rolls?

Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies like sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Just make sure any fillings are not too wet to avoid soggy dough.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?

Brushing the rolls with garlic herb butter before and during baking helps keep them moist. Also, avoid overbaking—aim for just golden brown and hot through.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough alternative. Keep in mind that baking time and texture may vary slightly depending on the dough’s ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Dipping Recipe isn’t just a snack or meal; it’s a little bundle of comfort and joy that’s easy to make and impossible not to love. I’ve made these countless times for friends, family, and yes, sometimes just for myself—they’re that good. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and enjoy the smiles when everyone digs in. Trust me, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again!