Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs Recipe

Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, blending the irresistible flavors of pizza into delicate, golden spirals that you can hold in your hand. Imagine buttery puff pastry wrapped around gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and pepperoni, all lifted by robust Italian herbs. These rolls offer a delightful textural contrast: crisp and flaky on the outside, tender and cheesy inside, with herby aromas filling your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or seeking an addictive snack for movie night, this easy, joy-sparking treat will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a few simple but essential ingredients that work together in perfect harmony—each one playing its part to create those iconic layers and flavors that define Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs. Let’s break down how these familiar favorites transform into something spectacular.

• Puff Pastry Sheet (1, thawed): This is your secret to shatteringly crisp layers and unbeatable flakiness—just be sure it’s fully thawed for easy rolling.
• Marinara or Pizza Sauce (½ cup): The tangy base that infuses each bite with classic pizza flavor; opt for a thick sauce so your pastry doesn’t get soggy.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): For that luscious, melty stretch that makes these rolls absolutely irresistible.
• Sliced Pepperoni (½ cup, regular or mini, chopped): Adds bold, savory bite in every swirl—mini pepperoni works especially well for even distribution.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Aromatic herbs like oregano and basil tie all the pizza flavors together beautifully.
• Egg (1, beaten): An egg wash gives a gorgeous sheen and deep golden color to the baked rolls.
• Optional Toppings: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, chopped basil for freshness, and grated Parmesan for extra cheesy depth.

How to Make Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key to ensuring that your Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs emerge crisp and picture-perfect for serving later.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface, then gently roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle roughly 10×12 inches. The even thickness means the pastry will puff up beautifully in the oven, forming distinct, flaky layers.

Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce

Spread the marinara (or pizza) sauce evenly over the pastry, leaving about a half-inch border all around. That barrier keeps the edges crisp and helps prevent any delicious filling from oozing out as they bake.

Step 4: Layer Cheese, Pepperoni, and Herbs

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni pieces and a generous dusting of Italian seasoning. This combo guarantees pockets of melted cheese and pepperoni in every bite of your Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs.

Step 5: Roll and Chill

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the pastry into a log. Pop the rolled pastry into the freezer for about 10 minutes—this quick chill firms everything up, making it much easier to slice clean, even pieces later.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chilled log into 1-inch rolls. Arrange each piece cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for that magical puff and expansion in the oven.

Step 7: Brush and Top

Brush the tops with your beaten egg for a rich, golden finish. If you’d like, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, chopped basil, or a bit of Parmesan for an irresistible flare—these little extras take your Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs straight to gourmet territory.

Step 8: Bake and Enjoy

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until your rolls are deeply golden and bubbling at the edges. Let them cool briefly before diving in (the cheese will be hot and melty!), and prepare yourself for major compliments.

How to Serve Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley instantly brightens your platter of Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs, while a light dusting of Parmesan or red pepper flakes adds an extra layer of flavor and pizzazz. For dipping, a side of warmed marinara brings everything full circle.

Side Dishes

Pair your rolls with a crisp green salad tossed in a punchy Italian vinaigrette, or serve with a simple roasted veggie medley. They’re also fantastic alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup for cozy vibes, making your Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile them up on a rustic wooden board for communal snacking, skewer smaller rolls on toothpicks for party appetizers, or stack them with colorful napkins for a fun picnic spread. However you serve them, these pizza rolls are guaranteed to be the star of the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs completely before transferring them to an airtight container; they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid stacking them if possible to preserve their lovely crisp edges.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled rolls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags once solid. They’ll last up to two months and reheat beautifully—great for grabbing a quick snack or a last-minute lunchbox treat.

Reheating

Pop cold or frozen rolls onto a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 6–10 minutes, until the centers are hot and the pastry is crisp again. Skip the microwave, as it can soften the beautiful flakiness that makes these rolls so special.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese for these rolls?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs, you can swap in provolone, cheddar, or a blend for a fun twist—just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.

Can I prep them in advance?

Yes! Assemble the rolls (before baking), slice, and arrange them on a tray. Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, then bake fresh. This makes entertaining with Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs a total breeze.

What’s the best way to get even slices?

A quick chill in the freezer makes the rolled pastry log firm, so your knife slices cleanly without squishing. Use a sharp, serrated knife for extra precision and beautiful swirls in every roll.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. The Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs are endlessly adaptable to your favorites!

Are puff pastry sheets and crescent roll dough the same?

They’re not quite the same. Puff pastry is flakier and more layered, which gives these pizza rolls their signature texture. If you use crescent roll dough, the result will be softer and more bread-like, but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, stress-free way to bring the flavor and spirit of pizza night into any gathering, Flaky Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Mozzarella and Herbs are absolutely the answer. They’re easy, wildly delicious, and sure to make you a kitchen superstar—so roll up your sleeves and let the fun begin!

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