Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are made with pastry dough, then filled with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni. This homemade pizza rolls recipe is so tasty, and it makes a great game day appetizer. Just roll them up, bake them in the oven, and serve!

overhead view of pepperoni pizza rolls on parchment paper next to a small cup of marinara sauce.

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What’s in Pizza Pinwheels?

These pizza pinwheels are made with puff pastry dough and baked to perfection. This homemade pizza rolls recipe is so tasty, and it makes a great game day appetizer.

  • Pastry Dough: We use pre-made puff pastry dough (like crescent roll dough) for our pizza rolls recipe. I prefer it over regular pizza dough, and it gives these pinwheels a delicious texture.
  • Marinara: You can use this homemade marinara sauce recipe, or any marinara sauce you like (homemade or store-bought).
  • Pepperoni: I recommend using mini pepperonis so that they’re easy to stuff in, but you could also chop up regular-size pepperonis.
  • Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for the filling.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle the fresh-from-the-oven rolls with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil!

Variations on this Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

One thing I love about these pizza pinwheels is how easy it is to change them up with different ingredients and flavors. You can stuff them with any and all of your favorite pizza toppings, and get as creative as you like.

Try leaving out the pepperonis to make plain cheese. You could also add another type of cheese to spice things up. Use sausage instead of pepperoni. Italian sausage or chorizo would be delicious! Make veggie-filled pizza rolls, by adding diced vegetables to the filling. Try bell peppers, olives, or red onion. Or, mix in your favorite herbs, like oregano, rosemary, or red pepper flakes.

step by step photos for how to make pepperoni pizza rolls.
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How long do pizza rolls keep in the fridge?

Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container or resealable storage bag. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can you eat pizza pinwheels cold?

Yes, these are pretty tasty cold too! However, you should bake them first in order to cook the dough. But then you can eat them straight out of the fridge as you please.

Can you make these in the microwave?

These are best if baked fully in the oven. But you can reheat them in the microwave before eating.

How long does it take to cook pizza rolls in the oven?

These will take about 20 minutes to bake at 350°F.

Can I make pizza pinwheels ahead of time?

These are best baked and served right away, but you can definitely make them ahead of time if needed. You can prep the pepperoni pizza rolls by filling the dough with ingredients and rolling it up. Wrap it in foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the pizza pinwheels as instructed, then keep them in the refrigerator and just reheat to serve.

Can you freeze homemade pizza rolls?

Absolutely! After baking, let them cool to room temperature. Then, freeze for one hour on a parchment-lined baking sheet so that they don’t stick together as they freeze. Move them to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months.

close up of pepperoni pizza rolls.

How to Store and Reheat Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls

Store leftover pepperoni pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through.

How to Freeze Crescent Roll Pizza Pinwheels

One of the great things about pizza rolls is the convenience of being able to pull them out of the freezer for a quick meal or snack. And you can freeze this homemade version too! Make a double batch so you have plenty on hand.

After baking the pinwheels, let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, spread them out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1-2 hours, until solid. This will keep them from sticking together as they freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the final bake time.

What to Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups

These pepperoni pizza rolls are such a fun appetizer, snack, or quick lunch. I keep things simple when I serve these. Just sprinkle them with a little Parmesan and fresh basil, then serve with some dipping sauce. Use marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or any favorite dip.

These make a great kid-friendly lunch too, and pair well with homemade pizza bagels. They’ll be asking for these every week!

a hand dipping a pepperoni pizza roll into a small metal cup full of marinara sauce.
Recipe Card

Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

4.25 from 8 votes
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 16 pinwheels
Author: Becky Hardin
featured pepperoni pizza rolls.
Pastry dough is stuffed with cheese, marinara, and pepperonis to make these stuffed pepperoni pinwheels.
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Equipment

Ingredients 

Optional Garnishes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Roll out the pastry dough onto a piece of aluminum foil set on a flat work surface.
    8 ounces puff pastry dough
  • Pinch together any seams of the dough that are coming apart. You want one sheet of dough. (This is a drawback to using puff pastry dough. I tried this recipe with pizza dough and it did not work nearly as well, the rolls grew apart. I recommend using the puff pastry dough and just pinching together any seams that are open)
  • Spread marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch on each side.
    ¼ cup marinara sauce
    sauce spread over rolled out pizza roll dough.
  • Cover marinara with cheese and pepperonis. Don't overstuff. Less is more when you roll the dough.
    1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup mini pepperonis
    sauce, cheese, and pepperoni spread over rolled out dough.
  • Roll the dough length-wise (the long edge), creating one long roll.
    sauce, cheese, and pepperoni on dough being rolled into a log.
  • Fold the foil around the tube of dough and place in freezer for 20-40 minutes. This is optional but will help the roll keep its shape as you cut it later.
    pepperoni pizza roll log.
  • Take the dough out of the freezer and cut into ¾-inch rolls. I used a bread knife and that worked well.
    sliced pepperoni pizza roll log with 2 pinwheels facing up.
  • Place cut rolls onto a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray.
    16 pepperoni pizza rolls on a lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
    Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Chopped fresh basil

Video

Becky’s Tips

Recipe adapted from the amazing site, I Heart Nap Time!
  • Leave a gap at the edge of the pastry when you add the marinara to allow for spread.
  • Don’t be tempted to go overboard with the fillings, as the pastry can rip.
  • Allow time to thaw your puff pastry to room temperature before using.
  • Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.
Storage: Store pepperoni pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving: 1pinwheelCalories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 147mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 88IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

More Rolled Up Appetizers We Love

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.25 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)
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31 Comments
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Justine | Cooking and Beer
Justine | Cooking and Beer
September 10, 2015 2:17 pm

I’ve decided that I need to hop in a car and drive to you so that you can make me all the delicious things! Love these cute little bites!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 10, 2015 10:29 pm

Um, PLEASE DO!!!! Thank you Justine!

Malinda @ Countryside Cravings
Malinda @ Countryside Cravings
September 10, 2015 12:25 pm

These look awesome!! I wouldn’t worry about that kid, I’m sure he had the time of his life and it makes for a great story!!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 10, 2015 10:31 pm

Hahaha yes he has a great story for sure. Thanks for letting me off the hook easy Malinda LOL!

Des @ Life's Ambrosia
Des @ Life's Ambrosia
September 9, 2015 11:10 pm

How fun! These look so perfect for game day!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 10, 2015 10:31 pm

Thanks for stopping by Des!

Des @ Life's Ambrosia
Des @ Life's Ambrosia
September 9, 2015 11:09 pm

How fun! I am loving these! Perfect for game day :)

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 10, 2015 10:32 pm

Thanks so much Des!!!

Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
September 9, 2015 11:02 pm

These look wonderful and I can’t believe you got some poor kid arrested. But you know, it’s probably the biggest story of his college life.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 10, 2015 10:32 pm

Hahahahaa. I know. He definitely has a great story on his hands!!! Thanks so much for stopping by Michelle!!

Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
September 9, 2015 8:56 pm

Ok, ya’ll are the cutest! Totally love that pic of you guys! And these pizza rolls… girl.. they are speaking to my tummy!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 9, 2015 9:25 pm

Thanks Krista!!!

Yesenia
Yesenia
September 9, 2015 7:31 pm

These look like masterpieces. Just wondering if you think they would freeze well? Would love to have them on hand for after school treats ?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 9, 2015 8:03 pm
Reply to  Yesenia

You know, I haven’t tried that, but I think they would work well!! You could just microwave them on defrost for about a minute and then heat up. They’re also pretty darn good cold…just like cold pizza!! Hope you and your kids love them!

Kristyn
Kristyn
September 9, 2015 4:35 pm

These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls look SO good!! I have a feeling they would be a hit at ANY get together!! :D

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 9, 2015 4:51 pm
Reply to  Kristyn

Thank you so much Kristyn!!

Katerina @ Diethood
Katerina @ Diethood
September 9, 2015 10:26 am

HOTTIES!! I love it! And how cool that you got a college kid arrested?!? MY heroes! haha :-D

My football nights need these pizza rolls! Do I have to share?!?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 9, 2015 3:26 pm

I think about that poor baby-faced college kid sometimes LOL!!! He was like “should I, should I???” and I was like “YES GO!!!!!” and watched him run straight into custody HA!!!

Thanks girl! Can’t wait to see you in Denver!!

Tonia from TheGunnySack
Tonia from TheGunnySack
September 9, 2015 9:23 am

It’ still breakfast time and now I’m craving pepperoni pizza rolls! These would be a great after school snack as well.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 9, 2015 3:27 pm

Thanks Tonia!!! I appreciate you stopping by!