Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe
I can’t wait to share this Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe with you because it’s seriously one of those easy, crowd-pleasing snacks that you’ll find yourself making again and again. The combination of melty mozzarella and savory pepperoni wrapped in golden, buttery crescent dough hits all the right comfort food notes — perfect for game day, casual dinners, or even a fun appetizer when friends come over.
What I love most is how quick this recipe is. You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull off these rolls, and the Italian seasoning adds just the right hint of herby goodness. Plus, having that marinara sauce for dipping? It really elevates the whole experience and makes these rolls feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe is simple but essential for that perfect balance of flavor and texture. With just a few staples from your fridge and pantry, you’re all set to make an irresistible snack.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is your easy shortcut to flaky, buttery pastry without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese or mozzarella sticks: Go with fresh mozzarella sticks for bigger cheesy pockets or shredded for more even melty coverage inside each roll.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic pizza topping flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese and buttery dough.
- Italian seasoning (optional): Sprinkling this on top adds a lovely herby aroma and extra flavor kick you’ll notice when biting in.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish when sprinkled on top before baking.
- Marinara sauce (optional): For dipping, bringing that classic pizza vibe to every bite.
Variations
This Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe is pretty flexible, so I always encourage you to put your spin on it to make it your own. I’ve swapped out mozzarella for different cheeses and spiced things up depending on the occasion.
- Add red pepper flakes: If you like a little heat, I sprinkle some inside each roll before baking — it gives a delightful spicy surprise without overpowering.
- Cheese swap: Try cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy flavor profile. I once made a cheddar version for a weekend brunch and it was a hit!
- Vegetarian option: Leave out the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach with mozzarella for a veggie-packed treat.
- Gluten-free twist: You can use gluten-free crescent dough brands if you’re avoiding gluten, just check baking times as it may vary slightly.
How to Make Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dough
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this helps the rolls bake evenly and prevents sticking. Unroll your crescent dough and gently separate it into 8 triangles. Pro tip: Sometimes the dough sticks together; just take your time peeling each piece apart carefully so you don’t tear it.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
On the wide end of each triangle, place 3 to 4 pepperoni slices and either a piece of mozzarella stick or a small handful of shredded mozzarella. Don’t overload the fillings or the rolls might burst open during baking. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, tucking in the sides slightly if needed so the cheese and pepperoni stay enclosed inside.
Step 3: Season and Bake
If using, sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of your rolls — this little extra step adds such a lovely herby and cheesy crust. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re puffed up, golden brown, and the cheese is melted inside. Keep an eye on them after the 12-minute mark so they don’t over brown.
How to Serve Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I love serving these rolls simply with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping — it really completes that pizza-inspired flavor combo. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top right before serving adds a beautiful touch. Sometimes I even drizzle a little garlic butter over the top for an extra savory pop.
Side Dishes
Pair these croissant rolls with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the cheesy richness. I also like serving them alongside a bowl of tomato soup or roasted veggies for a more wholesome meal. They’re perfect finger food for parties or a quick snack to share with family.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls on a platter with alternating colors of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and small bowls of different dipping sauces like pesto or spicy arrabbiata. You can also cut the rolls in half diagonally for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for cocktail parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whenever I have leftovers (if they last that long!), I pop the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 2 days without losing their delicious texture. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
One of my favorite hacks is to prepare the Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe ahead of time and freeze them unbaked on a sheet pan. Once frozen solid, transfer them to freezer bags. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. This makes last-minute hosting stress-free!
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I reheat the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes instead of microwaving. This keeps the croissant dough crispy and melty inside without turning rubbery. It’s best to add the marinara sauce after reheating for dipping.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade crescent dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While store-bought refrigerated crescent dough saves time, using homemade dough will give you more control over texture and flavor. Just make sure to roll the dough into triangles of similar size to ensure even baking.
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What’s the best cheese to use in Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe?
Mozzarella is classic for its stringy melt and mild flavor, which pairs perfectly with pepperoni. However, mixing in cheeses like provolone, mozzarella sticks, or even cheddar can add interesting flavor twists — just choose cheeses that melt well.
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Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the croissant rolls and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them straight from the fridge increasing baking time by a couple of minutes until golden and melted.
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How do I prevent cheese from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly and tuck in the sides slightly around the filling. Avoid overfilling with cheese and pepperoni so the dough seals properly during baking.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy, delicious, and so versatile. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—they’re perfect anytime you’re craving that cozy, cheesy, savory bite without lots of fuss. Next time you want a quick snack or a fun appetizer, just grab your crescent dough and whip up a batch—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 croissant rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls are a deliciously easy appetizer or snack featuring flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni slices. Baked until golden and sprinkled with Italian seasoning and Parmesan, they pair perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it carefully into 8 individual triangles, which will form the base for your rolls.
- Add Fillings: Place 3 to 4 slices of pepperoni and a piece of mozzarella cheese on the wide end of each dough triangle, ensuring a good balance of flavors in every bite.
- Roll Up: Starting at the wide end, roll the dough tightly toward the tip, fully enclosing the pepperoni and cheese inside to create neat rolls.
- Season and Cheese: Optionally sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of each rolled croissant to boost flavor and add a savory crust.
- Bake: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the croissant rolls warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the cheesy, savory experience.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes inside each roll before baking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or provolone cheese for different flavor variations.
- Make ahead by prepping and assembling the rolls, then refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To reheat, bake the rolls at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through.
Keywords: mozzarella pepperoni croissant rolls, crescent roll appetizer, pepperoni croissants, cheesy pepperoni rolls, easy party snack
