INTRODUCTION
Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls are a quick and warm snack. They take easy store-bought crescent dough and turn it into a small, melty pizza roll. Kids and adults like them. You can make them in less than 30 minutes. If you like simple baked rolls like cottage cheese cinnamon rolls, you will enjoy these savory croissant bites too.
These rolls work for a fast weeknight snack, a game day plate, or a simple party tray. The dough is soft and lightly crisp. The cheese pulls when you bite. Pepperoni gives a familiar pizza taste. You do not need special skills. You can change a few things to match what you have at home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast. You use one can of crescent dough and a few common ingredients. The steps are short and clear. You do not need to make dough from scratch. You only roll, bake, and serve.
You will love the taste. The roll has melted mozzarella and spicy pepperoni. The outside gets golden and a little flaky. The inside stays soft. You can dip the roll in marinara sauce for more flavor.
You will love how flexible this recipe is. You can add herbs, swap cheeses, or add more toppings. You can make them for a quick lunch or a fun snack for kids. For more easy cheesy snacks, try a different small bite idea like cheesy Parmesan and mozzarella bites to pair with your meal.
HOW TO MAKE Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
This section explains how to make the rolls in a simple way. Read the short steps and follow them. You can prepare the ingredients first to make the process fast.
Start by setting a clean work surface and gathering your ingredients. Unroll the crescent dough and work with one triangle at a time. Place the pepperoni and a piece of mozzarella on the wide end. Roll the dough tight to the tip. Make sure the filling stays inside. Place the rolls on a baking sheet with space between each roll. Add any seasonings on top and bake until golden.
If you want a small change, you can use thin slices of provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella. You can also use mini pepperoni or chopped slices to fit the dough size. If you like a more savory top, sprinkle garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking. For a related savory bake that uses egg and pepperoni, you may like the idea behind these pepperoni pizza cottage cheese egg muffins as another quick option.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl (for seasoning)
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
- Plate or cooling rack
These items are simple and usually in most kitchens. A rolling pin is not needed. The crescent dough is already soft. Use a timer to avoid overbaking.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or 4 mozzarella sticks (halved), 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (optional), 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional), Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. On the wide end of each triangle, place 3–4 slices of pepperoni and a piece of mozzarella. Roll the dough tightly from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan over the top, if using. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Follow these short tips while you bake:
- Do not overfill each triangle. Too much filling can make the dough open while baking.
- Place rolls with the tip side down so they do not unroll.
- Bake until you see a golden brown top. This shows the dough is cooked and the cheese inside will be melted.
If you want extra crust crisp, brush a light coat of melted butter on top before baking. For a seasoned top, mix a little garlic powder with the butter.
HOW TO SERVE Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
Serve the rolls warm right from the oven. Place them on a plate with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce. The sauce adds a nice tomato flavor that goes with the cheese and pepperoni.
You can also serve them with a simple salad. A green salad with a light dressing balances the rich, cheesy roll. For a party, place the rolls on a large tray and add extra bowls of dips like ranch, garlic mayo, or pesto.
If you want to make a meal from them, pair two rolls with a cup of soup. This makes a quick lunch that both kids and adults will enjoy. For snack ideas that go with rolls, try mixing fruits like apple slices or grapes on the side. If you like sweet-salty combinations, read about different roll ideas such as red velvet cinnamon rolls for dessert after your savory meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warm and crisp. You can also reheat in a toaster oven.
To freeze, place cooled rolls on a tray and freeze until firm. Then move them into a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden.
Do not freeze with sauce on the side if you plan to heat in the microwave. Sauce thaws differently and may make the roll soggy. Keep sauce in a small container and heat separately.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Marinara sauce in a small bowl for dipping.
- Garlic butter brushed over warm rolls.
- Side salad with light vinaigrette.
- Fresh cut veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices.
- Fruit like apple slices to balance the savory taste.
For party trays, arrange the rolls on a long platter with bowls of two or three dips. Add toothpicks so guests can pick rolls easily. You can also cut each roll in half to offer bite-size pieces. If you need more snack ideas that match this style, check a light snack recipe to plan the rest of your plate.
Try a sweet roll to serve after these savory bites if you want a full course with dessert.
VARIATIONS
- Add a small spoon of pizza sauce inside each roll before adding the cheese for a saucier bite.
- Use pepperoni and sliced bell peppers or small mushroom pieces for different textures.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
- Add cooked and crumbled sausage with the pepperoni for a meatier roll.
- For a vegetarian option, use roasted red pepper strips or sun-dried tomatoes instead of pepperoni.
If you like breakfast-style flavors, add a small piece of cooked bacon or a thin layer of scrambled egg. You can also brush the top with an egg wash for a shiny finish and then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese.
For more creative small-bite ideas that are easy and cheesy, see this fun example of small savory bites to inspire new versions that pair well with these rolls: cheesy Parmesan mozzarella bites.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated crescent dough?
A: Yes. Use a soft pizza or croissant dough. Roll the dough into triangles similar in size to the store dough. Watch baking time; homemade dough may need more time to bake.
Q: Can I make these ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Roll them and place on a tray covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Bake when you are ready. For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then move to a bag when firm.
Q: Can I use slices of mozzarella instead of shredded cheese?
A: Yes. Use small pieces or half a mozzarella stick so the roll seals well and the cheese melts inside. Too much shredded cheese near the seam can leak out.
Q: Are these safe to eat if I do not cook the pepperoni?
A: Yes. Store-bought pepperoni is cured and safe to eat without cooking. You still must bake the dough so it cooks through and the cheese melts.
Q: Can I make these spicy?
A: Yes. Add crushed red pepper flakes inside or on top, or use spicy pepperoni for more heat.
Q: How can I tell when they are done?
A: They are done when the top is golden brown and the dough looks baked. The cheese will be melted inside. If the top browns too fast, lower the oven by 10–15°F and bake a little longer.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
- Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and cover with plastic wrap. Keep in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Bake as the recipe says when you are ready.
- For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls. Freeze them on a flat tray until firm, then move to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes. Check the center to make sure the cheese melts and the dough cooks.
- You can also make the rolls the night before and reheat in the oven. Wrap them well and place in an airtight container. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
These tips help you plan for busy days and still serve a fresh and warm snack or meal.
Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
- On the wide end of each triangle, place 3–4 slices of pepperoni and a piece of mozzarella.
- Roll the dough tightly from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan over the top, if using.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.