Irresistible Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs
Get ready to fall in love with Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs, a delightful appetizer or snack that’s perfectly golden, irresistibly cheesy, and bursting with savory flavor in every bite. These pizza rolls combine a flaky, buttery crust with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and fresh herbs, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a party or craving something comforting at home, this recipe delivers pure pizza satisfaction in a convenient, hand-held form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Instant crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves the classic combo of pepperoni and mozzarella in a fun, portable roll.
- Buttery, flaky crust: The golden layers are crisp yet tender, adding an addictive texture contrast to the melty cheese filling.
- Simple ingredients: You’ll mostly find staples in your pantry, making this recipe incredibly easy and accessible.
- Versatile and customizable: Perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick lunch—everyone can enjoy.
- Herbaceous twist: Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic punch that elevates the classic pizza flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is essential—offering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to create a truly mouthwatering result.
- Puff pastry sheets: These create the signature flaky, buttery crust that’s light and irresistible.
- Pepperoni slices: For a spicy and savory punch, choose your favorite thinly sliced pepperoni.
- Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded or sliced fresh mozzarella for gooey, melty deliciousness inside.
- Fresh herbs: Basil, oregano, or parsley add fresh, vibrant notes that complement the pepperoni perfectly.
- Tomato sauce or pizza sauce: A simple spread adds moisture and that classic pizza flavor foundation.
- Egg wash: Brushed on for a beautifully golden finish and shiny crust.
- Olive oil (optional): Enhances herb flavor when drizzled lightly before baking.
Variations for Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs are incredibly adaptable, so you can experiment with different ingredients based on what you love or have on hand.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a meatless delight.
- Cheese blends: Add sharp cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for extra flavor layers.
- Spicy upgrade: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a subtle kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free puff pastry sheets to keep it light for sensitive diets.
- Herb swaps: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, or chives to discover your favorite fresh herb flavor combo.
How to Make Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs
Step 1: Prepare the puff pastry
Thaw your puff pastry sheets according to package instructions so they’re pliable but still chilled. This helps keep the layers intact during baking, ensuring that perfect flaky texture.
Step 2: Add the tomato sauce
Lightly spread a thin, even layer of tomato or pizza sauce over each puff pastry sheet, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges to seal the rolls properly.
Step 3: Layer the fillings
Scatter pepperoni slices evenly over the sauce, then add shredded mozzarella cheese. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs to infuse that fragrant, fresh taste throughout every bite.
Step 4: Roll and slice
Carefully roll up the puff pastry sheet, starting from one edge, into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into even-sized pieces—about 1 to 1½ inches thick for perfect bite-sized rolls.
Step 5: Egg wash and bake
Place the rolls cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or until puffed and deeply golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly before serving so the cheese sets just enough to avoid burning your mouth. Then dig in and savor the flaky, cheesy goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs
- Keep puff pastry cold: Work quickly and keep the dough chilled to maintain those flaky, buttery layers.
- Don’t overload fillings: A thinner, even spread of sauce, pepperoni, and cheese prevents sogginess and ensures even baking.
- Use fresh herbs: Adding herbs right before rolling locks their flavor in without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Brush with egg wash thoroughly: This guarantees a shiny, appetizing golden crust every time.
- Let them cool: Waiting a few minutes after baking helps the cheese stabilize for perfect bites.
How to Serve Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or red chili flakes on top for an extra flavor boost, or add a bit of chopped fresh basil to brighten the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these pizza rolls with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette or a tangy marinara dipping sauce to complement the cheesy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls on a large wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or pesto for a fun, sharable appetizer spread that delights any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the flaky crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked pizza rolls on a tray before freezing solid, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to revive the crispness and melt the cheese once again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides great meltiness, you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan to add unique flavors and textures to your pizza rolls.
Is puff pastry the only option for the crust?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flakiness, but you can experiment with crescent roll dough or even homemade pizza dough for a different style of roll.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the pepperoni with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Be sure to use a thin layer of sauce and don’t overload the fillings. Also, ensure the puff pastry is cool and bake until fully golden and crisp.
What’s the best way to serve Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs for parties?
Serve them warm on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter to keep guests happily munching.
Final Thoughts
Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs offer the perfect combination of buttery, flaky crust and melty, flavorful fillings that everyone will adore. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy night in or sharing with friends at a gathering, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to snack. Give it a try and watch these golden, cheesy rolls disappear fast!
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PrintFlaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs
Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella & Herbs are a perfect blend of buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and fresh herbs. These golden, cheesy hand-held rolls make an irresistible appetizer or snack, ideal for parties, quick lunches, or comforting bites at home. With simple pantry staples and easy preparation, they offer a versatile, flavorful twist on classic pizza flavors in a portable form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 rolls
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free puff pastry is used)
Ingredients
Crust
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed according to package instructions)
Fillings
- Pepperoni slices (thinly sliced, amount as desired)
- Mozzarella cheese (fresh, shredded or sliced, about 1 to 1 ½ cups)
- Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley, chopped, about 2 tablespoons)
- Tomato sauce or pizza sauce (about ¼ cup per pastry sheet)
Finishing
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg)
- Olive oil (optional, a light drizzle to enhance herb flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the puff pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions so they’re pliable but still chilled. This ensures the layers remain intact for a flaky texture when baked.
- Add the tomato sauce: Spread a thin, even layer of tomato or pizza sauce over each puff pastry sheet, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges to seal the rolls properly.
- Layer the fillings: Evenly scatter pepperoni slices over the sauce, then add shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top to infuse a fresh, aromatic taste.
- Roll and slice: Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the puff pastry sheet into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice into evenly sized pieces about 1 to 1½ inches thick for perfect bite-sized rolls.
- Egg wash and bake: Place the rolls cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or until puffed and deeply golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly before serving so the cheese sets enough to avoid burning your mouth. Then serve warm and savor the flaky, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold while working to maintain flaky, buttery layers.
- Use a thin, even spread of sauce and do not overload fillings to prevent sogginess.
- Add fresh herbs right before rolling to lock in their flavor without overpowering the taste.
- Brush thoroughly with egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
- Let the rolls cool a few minutes after baking to stabilize the cheese for perfect bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pepperoni pizza rolls, mozzarella pizza rolls, flaky pizza rolls, appetizer, snack, party food, puff pastry pizza