Delicious Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer and Snack

Craving a quick, satisfying bite that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these irresistible Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups! Imagine flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around savory pepperoni and gooey mozzarella cheese, all brushed with a delectable garlic butter topping and baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for an easy appetizer, a fun after-school snack, or a delightful addition to any party spread.

Why You’ll Love These Pepperoni Roll-Ups

As a fan of delicious finger foods and side dishes, I can confidently say these pepperoni roll-ups hit all the right notes. They embody everything I love about potlucks – getting a taste of lots of amazing things in one small, convenient package. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for involving kids in the kitchen, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable. The simple combination of ingredients transforms into a warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious snack that everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning foodies, will adore. Expect this dish to become a frequent request in your home!

Always love the recipes you share – this one was a winner AGAIN!
– Nancy

What Are Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups?

At their core, Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups are a simplified, homemade version of a pizza roll, elevated by the tender, buttery embrace of crescent dough. Each roll-up starts with a triangle of pre-made crescent dough, eliminating the need for complex pastry work. Inside, you’ll find a delightful duo of classic pizza toppings: zesty pepperoni and creamy mozzarella cheese sticks. The magic truly happens when these ingredients are rolled up, baked, and then crowned with a savory garlic butter and Italian seasoning blend. The result is a golden-brown exterior, a warm, soft interior, and an incredibly satisfying melty cheese pull with every bite. They’re essentially miniature pizza pockets, designed for effortless enjoyment.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Roll-Ups

The beauty of these pepperoni roll-ups lies in their simplicity, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate flavor and texture:

• Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: These are the foundation of our roll-ups, providing a flaky, buttery, and incredibly convenient base. They bake up beautifully golden and tender.
• Pepperoni: The star of the show, offering a salty, slightly spicy, and deeply savory flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese. Using quality pepperoni can make a noticeable difference.
• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These are a secret weapon for gooey, contained cheese. They melt perfectly within the roll-ups, creating that satisfying cheese pull without oozing excessively.
• Salted Butter: Melted butter is brushed over the roll-ups before baking, adding richness, promoting a beautiful golden crust, and acting as a binder for the seasonings.
• Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that imparts classic pizza parlor flavor, enhancing the overall savory profile.
• Garlic Salt: This adds a punch of savory garlic and saltiness, complementing the Italian seasoning and boosting the flavor of the butter crust.
• Pizza Sauce: While optional, warmed pizza sauce is the ideal dipping companion, bringing a tangy, sweet, and herby counterpoint to the rich roll-ups.

Choosing good quality ingredients, especially for the pepperoni and cheese, will elevate the taste of your roll-ups. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite brands!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pepperoni Roll-Ups

Making these delicious pepperoni roll-ups is a straightforward process that yields impressive results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and cheesy bites:

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with nonstick aluminum foil or parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. Unroll the Dough: Carefully separate the refrigerated crescent roll dough into 8 individual triangles. Lay them flat on your clean work surface.
3. Layer the Fillings: On the wider, long edge of each crescent triangle, layer about 2 slices of pepperoni (or more if you prefer a meatier roll-up).
4. Add the Cheese: Place a piece of mozzarella string cheese (cut in half from a full stick) on top of the pepperoni, along the long edge of each triangle.
5. Season Generously: Lightly sprinkle Italian Seasoning over the pepperoni and cheese on each crescent triangle. This infuses the filling with aromatic herbs.



6. Roll Them Up: Starting from the long, wider edge, carefully roll up each crescent dough triangle towards the pointed tip, encasing the pepperoni and cheese. Gently tuck in the sides as you roll to help seal the filling inside.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled-up crescent pepperoni rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking and expansion.
8. Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Brush each roll-up generously with the melted butter. This step is key for a golden crust and extra flavor.
9. Final Seasoning: Sprinkle the tops of the buttered roll-ups with a little more Italian Seasoning and a pinch of garlic salt. This creates a delicious, savory crust.



10. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed up and beautifully golden brown.



11. Serve Warm: Allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This makes them easier to handle and prevents the cheese from being too hot. Serve with warmed pizza sauce for dipping.



Customizing Your Crescent Roll-Ups: Endless Variations

One of the best things about these crescent roll-ups is how incredibly versatile they are! While the classic pepperoni and mozzarella combination is always a winner, you can easily customize them to suit different tastes or use up ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to unleash your creativity with these suggestions:

• Meats: Experiment with other cooked and crumbled sausage, finely diced ham, turkey pepperoni, salami, or even pre-cooked bacon bits. For a little kick, try spicy pepperoni or a pinch of red pepper flakes inside.
• Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, Colby Jack, a spicy pepper jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Grated Parmesan or Romano can also be sprinkled in for extra flavor.
• Veggies: Finely chopped bell peppers, onions (sautéed first for best flavor and texture), mushrooms, black olives, or even a few spinach leaves can be added. Just make sure vegetables are finely diced and any excess moisture is removed to prevent sogginess.
• Seasonings: Beyond Italian seasoning and garlic salt, consider a sprinkle of oregano, basil, onion powder, or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. You could even create a “buffalo chicken” version with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese.
• Sweet Variations: While this recipe is savory, the crescent roll dough is a blank canvas. For a dessert, consider fillings like cream cheese and fruit, chocolate and marshmallow, or cinnamon sugar.

Serving Suggestions & Dipping Delights

These Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when served with a complementary dipping sauce. Warmed pizza sauce is the traditional and highly recommended pairing, offering a tangy counterpoint to the savory rolls. However, don’t limit yourself! Consider serving them with:

• Marinara Sauce: A classic choice, similar to pizza sauce but often with a slightly chunkier texture.
• Ranch Dressing: A creamy and cool dip that offers a delicious contrast, especially if you enjoy ranch with your pizza.
• Garlic Parmesan Dip: A homemade or store-bought dip that amplifies the garlicky notes.
• Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce: For those who love a little heat, a spicy tomato sauce can add an exciting kick.
• Pesto: A fresh and herbaceous option that adds a gourmet touch.

These roll-ups are perfect for almost any occasion. They make an excellent appetizer for game day parties, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. They’re also a hit with kids as an after-school snack or a fun, deconstructed lunch. You can even serve them as a light dinner alongside a fresh salad.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

These pepperoni roll-ups are wonderfully convenient for meal prep or party planning. Here’s how to handle them:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the roll-ups completely, including brushing with butter and seasoning, and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
• Storage: Leftover baked roll-ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, allow baked roll-ups to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated roll-ups in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. Frozen roll-ups can be reheated directly from the freezer in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and golden. An air fryer also works great for reheating, restoring that desirable crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats and cheeses?

Absolutely! The beauty of these roll-ups is their adaptability. You can easily substitute cooked and crumbled sausage, finely diced salami, or even ham for the pepperoni. For cheese, feel free to use provolone, cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend of your favorite Italian cheeses. Experiment with what you have on hand or what your family enjoys most!

Can pepperoni roll-ups be made in an air fryer?

Yes, they can! The air fryer is a fantastic option for getting extra crispy roll-ups. To cook in an air fryer, follow the recipe directions to prepare the roll-ups. Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes. It’s important to check them around the 6-minute mark to monitor browning and prevent burning. You may need to cook in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. The tops should be a beautiful golden brown when done.

Can puff pastry be substituted for crescent roll dough?

While you technically could use puff pastry, the texture would be completely different from crescent rolls. Puff pastry will result in a much flakier, crispier, and lighter roll-up, which can be delicious in its own right, but it won’t have the soft, buttery chewiness of crescent dough. If you’re looking for an alternative that’s closer to the original concept, pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) would be a more suitable substitute, creating a chewier, bread-like texture.

What kind of crescent rolls should I use?

Any standard refrigerated crescent roll dough from brands like Pillsbury or store-brand equivalents will work perfectly. The classic crescent roll dough is ideal for its buttery flavor and flaky texture. Avoid using puff pastry or pizza dough if you want the traditional crescent roll experience, as their textures are quite different.

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?

The key to keeping the cheese inside is proper rolling. Make sure to place the cheese stick along the wider edge of the crescent dough, and as you roll it up, gently tuck in the sides of the dough to create a good seal. Don’t overfill the roll-ups, as too much filling can make sealing difficult. A good seal ensures the cheese melts beautifully inside rather than escaping onto the baking sheet.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

• Cream Cheese Salsa Rollups
• Pepperoni Pizza Cups
• Disney World Pepperoni Spring Rolls
• Easy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
• Easy Pizza Pasta
• Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bread
• Easy Toasted Ravioli
• West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls
• Homemade Spaghettios

Pepperoni Roll-Ups

These Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups are crescent rolls stuffed with mozzarella cheese sticks, pepperoni and topped with garlic butter!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 ounce tube refrigerated crescent rolls
• 16 slices pepperoni, cut in half
• 4 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half
• 2 Tablespoons melted salted butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• warmed pizza sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with nonstick aluminum foil.
2. Separate crescent roll dough into 8 triangles.
3. Place 8 pepperoni slices (cut in half) on each triangle.
4. Then place a piece of string cheese (cut in half) on the long edge of each triangle.
5. Sprinkle each piece with Italian Seasoning.
6. Starting with the long edge, roll up dough and tuck in sides.
7. Place seam side down, 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
8. Brush each roll with melted butter.
9. Sprinkle tops with Italian Seasoning and a little garlic salt.
10. Bake at 375F degrees for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Video

Notes

• If you want more gooey cheese and pepperoni, try making these with half a stick of mozzarella (instead of just a quartered piece) and add another slice or two of pepperoni to each one.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 664mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Originally published: April 2013
Updated & republished: June 2019

Edited to add: The original post had a book giveaway. That giveaway has now ended.