Cheesy Pizza Roll-Ups Snack

Category: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

Cheesy pizza roll-ups are the perfect blend of gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and savory pepperoni, all wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked until golden brown. Each roll delivers stretchy cheese pulls, herby aroma, and a crisp, buttery crust. Easily customized with sausage, veggies, or alternate cheeses, these roll-ups are ideal for parties or family snacks. Prep is quick using refrigerated dough, and leftovers reheat beautifully. Serve them hot with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing bite, hot out of the oven. Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally irresistible.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 17 Sep 2025 18:20:52 GMT
Cheesy pizza roll-ups snack. Save
Cheesy pizza roll-ups snack. | sarahmeal.com

Cheesy pizza roll-ups bring together everything you love about pizza in a crispy handheld snack that is always a hit at parties or family nights. Flaky golden dough hugs gooey cheese and zesty pepperoni for a pull-apart treat you can serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. With quick prep and simple ingredients you can make them ahead or customize to everyone’s tastes. Around our house these are a movie night and after-school staple and I love how quickly they vanish from the baking pan when friends come over.

I started making these as a way to use up extra pizza toppings and now they have become the most requested snack at every sleepover and game day we host.

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated pizza dough: is the shortcut that brings that classic crust flavor Search packages for dough that feels soft and springs back for best rising
  • Marinara or pizza sauce: layers in tang and keeps the filling moist Choose fresh or jarred sauces with bright tomato flavor
  • Shredded mozzarella: melts to those gooey strings Everyone loves Pull your own from a block if possible for superior melt
  • Shredded cheddar: deepens the flavor and brings a golden color Choose sharp cheddar for added punch
  • Grated Parmesan: packs a savory nuttiness Fresh grated gives a much richer result than canned
  • Sliced pepperoni: brings a spicy bite Look for thin pepperoni so the roll stays tight
  • Olive oil: creates a crispy shiny crust Go for extra virgin if possible for best taste
  • Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: add aroma Seek blends with oregano and basil and take a whiff at the store for the freshest mix
  • Red pepper flakes: add heat Shake lightly for a gentle kick or heavy if you like it spicy
  • Salt: helps balance all the flavors Taste your cheeses beforehand to guide how much you sprinkle
  • Melted butter: adds a rich finish Use unsalted to control overall saltiness
  • Fresh parsley for topping: delivers color and freshness Chop it just before using for best look
  • Extra Parmesan: is the secret high note right before serving Shower generously for maximum flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
Pat out the pizza dough on parchment to a nine by thirteen inch rectangle Make sure it is flat and even so the finished rolls bake up soft inside and crisp on the edges
Spread the Sauce:
Spoon your pizza or marinara sauce evenly over the dough Leave half an inch around the border to keep the sauce from leaking as you roll
Add Cheese and Toppings:
Scatter mozzarella and cheddar evenly then cover with pepperoni slices Make sure every section is filled so each roll gets cheesy pepperoni goodness
Season:
Lightly dust with garlic powder Italian seasoning a pinch of salt and some red pepper flakes if you want heat Doing this now means every bite is infused with flavor
Roll it Up:
Using your fingers roll the dough up tightly from one long edge making sure to keep it even Press the final seam to seal so nothing escapes when baking
Slice:
With a sharp knife slice the log into ten or twelve equal pieces Wipe the blade clean if cheese sticks so cuts stay neat
Arrange and Prep for Baking:
Set each roll up cut side up on your lined baking sheet leaving space to grow Brush tops with olive oil or butter so they turn golden and shiny
Bake:
Slide the sheet into a hot oven and bake for fifteen to eighteen minutes until rolls look golden and cheese is bubbling Watch close for the perfect finish
Finish with Garlic Butter:
Mix melted butter chopped parsley garlic powder and Parmesan together Brush this over rolls immediately out of the oven for that signature sheen and burst of flavor
Serve:
Let them cool two minutes then serve warm with plenty of your favorite dipping sauces The cheese will be perfectly stretchy and the edges satisfyingly crisp
A plate of cheesy pizza roll-ups snack. Save
A plate of cheesy pizza roll-ups snack. | sarahmeal.com

One thing my family never skips is brushing the rolls with that fresh garlic butter sauce The scent draws everyone to the kitchen and my kids always try to sneak the extra cheesy ones off the tray before I can plate them up for company

Storage Tips

Let the roll-ups cool completely before storing Place in a reusable container and refrigerate for up to three days For best results reheat in a toaster oven or skillet which keeps them crisp without drying out the filling

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage mushrooms spinach or even olives to create a roll-up platter for everyone Dairy-free cheeses work for allergy needs and if you like a heartier dough try whole wheat or gluten-free

Serving Suggestions

These shine straight from the oven with classic marinara on the side but ranch dressing and garlic dips work just as well For casual parties serve on a large platter with icons of sauce or for a fun twist make them mini for bite-size appetizers

Cheesy pizza roll-ups snack. Save
Cheesy pizza roll-ups snack. | sarahmeal.com

A Slice of Pizza History

Pizza roll-ups are inspired by both stromboli and classic pizza traditions in Italy and America The roll-up format lets you enjoy all your favorite toppings in a personal sliceable package They are a fun new way to mix up pizza night and get the kids helping in the kitchen

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different cheese types?

Yes! Blend mozzarella, cheddar, or even provolone for a melty, flavorful result. Try smoked varieties for extra depth.

→ How do I keep roll-ups from unrolling while baking?

Seal the edge of the dough tightly and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent unraveling.

→ What are some tasty filling variations?

Try adding cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach for different flavor profiles.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble roll-ups and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking, then cook when ready to serve.

→ What dipping sauces go well with roll-ups?

Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, and creamy Italian dressings are all delicious choices for dipping.

Cheesy Pizza Roll-Ups Snack

Flaky pizza dough wrapped around gooey cheeses and pepperoni. Perfect for parties, weeknight snacks, or kids’ lunches.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Total Duration
33 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Side Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Servings Yield: 6 Portion Size (10–12 roll-ups)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Dough

Ingredient 01 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (approximately 400 g), soft and elastic

→ Sauce

Ingredient 02 120 ml marinara or pizza sauce

→ Cheese

Ingredient 03 120 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
Ingredient 04 60 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Ingredient 05 30 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

→ Toppings

Ingredient 06 60 g pepperoni slices, thinly sliced

→ Seasonings

Ingredient 07 2 ml garlic powder
Ingredient 08 3 ml Italian seasoning blend
Ingredient 09 1 ml red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredient 10 1 ml fine sea salt

→ Finishing

Ingredient 11 25 ml extra virgin olive oil or melted unsalted butter
Ingredient 12 20 g unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient 13 2 g garlic powder
Ingredient 14 8 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Ingredient 15 15 g extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

How to Make It

Instruction 01

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, stretch or roll pizza dough into a 23 x 33 cm rectangle, keeping thickness even and surface smooth for optimal rise.

Instruction 02

Using the back of a spoon, evenly distribute marinara sauce over dough surface, leaving a 1.5 cm border on all edges to prevent leakage during rolling.

Instruction 03

Scatter mozzarella and cheddar evenly across the sauce, then arrange pepperoni slices in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure tidy rolls.

Instruction 04

Lightly sprinkle dough with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of salt for full flavor integration.

Instruction 05

Starting on a long side, tightly roll dough into a log, keeping roll firm and even. Pinch seam to seal, preventing filling from escaping.

Instruction 06

With a sharp knife, cut the log into 10–12 equal pieces, wiping blade between slices for clean cuts.

Instruction 07

Place roll-ups cut-side up on the parchment-lined sheet with space between each. Brush tops generously with olive oil or melted butter for golden finish.

Instruction 08

Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 15–18 minutes, or until roll-ups are golden brown and cheese is bubbling. For deeper color, bake 1–2 minutes longer while monitoring.

Instruction 09

Combine melted butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a portion of grated Parmesan. Immediately brush over hot roll-ups as they come out of the oven.

Instruction 10

Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over roll-ups and serve warm with extra marinara or dipping sauce of choice.

Additional Tips

  1. For advance preparation, assemble roll-ups and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking. Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven for best texture.
  2. Seal dough seam firmly to prevent cheese leakage during baking. Use parchment paper to simplify clean-up and ensure even browning.
  3. Roll-ups can be frozen after baking; reheat directly from frozen to maintain crispness.
  4. Substitute filling ingredients as desired. Try sautéed vegetables or cooked sausage, or opt for dairy-free cheese or alternative dough as needed.

Essential Tools

  • Parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Rolling pin or hands for dough shaping
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Small pastry brush
  • Medium mixing bowl for garlic butter

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and may contain traces of egg and soy depending on dough and cheese selection. Pepperoni contains pork.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 248
  • Fat Content: 11.5 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 27 grams
  • Protein Content: 10.5 grams