Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe
If there’s one irresistible appetizer that never fails to wow a crowd, it’s the Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe. These delightful rolls combine buttery crescent dough with oozy, stretchy mozzarella cheese sticks and zesty pepperoni, all bundled up and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a savory garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan, they capture everything you love about pizza but in a soft, flaky croissant shell. Whether you’re serving them for game day, family movie night, or just craving a gooey cheesy snack, this recipe delivers those comforting Italian American flavors with absolute ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such pure comfort food bliss. Every element of the Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe adds something delicious: the dough crisps and flakes beautifully, mozzarella forms that signature cheese pull, and pepperoni brings spiced, meaty flavor that’s completely craveworthy.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 rolls): The secret shortcut to flaky, golden rolls with no fuss.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks (8): Easy to roll up, they melt into perfect cheesy ribbons inside each roll.
- Pepperoni slices (24): Three per roll adds a punch of salty, spicy flavor in every cheesy bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on top, it creates a luscious, glossy crust and helps seasonings stick.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses each roll with that classic garlic bread aroma.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Lends an herby, pizza-inspired punch to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for even more savory goodness and a beautiful finish.
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping): Adds tangy, tomatoey flavor that takes these over the top.
How to Make Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring things are hot and ready for baking magic. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the rolls come off with zero stick and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Lay Out and Fill the Crescent Dough
Unroll your crescent dough, separating it into eight triangles. Arrange them flat on the baking sheet, widest end nearest you. On each triangle, layer three slices of pepperoni, slightly overlapping to cover the dough—this ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Roll Up
Place a mozzarella cheese stick on the wide end of each triangle. Starting from this end, gently roll up the dough, encasing the cheese and pepperoni, until you reach the tip. The result looks like lovely little croissants—but wait until you bake them!
Step 4: Brush on the Buttery Topping
Whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Using a brush or spoon, generously slather this mixture over the tops of your rolls. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that extra dash of savory goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They’re ready when the dough is beautifully golden and you can see the cheese inside bubbling at the edges. Let them cool for a minute or two so that the cheese won’t burn your tongue, then serve warm.
How to Serve Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish makes everything feel extra special. Sprinkle a touch more Parmesan or finely chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. If you love a little heat, scatter on some red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil for a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
These rolls are crowd-pleasers on their own, but serving them with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping is always a hit. They also pair beautifully with a tangy Caesar salad, crisp veggie sticks, or even a big antipasto platter if you’re feeding a crowd. Think of them as the ultimate pizza night upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, arrange the rolls in a circular “pizza” on a wooden board with marinara sauce in the middle for dunking. Cut each roll in half and skewer with toothpicks for fun, bite-sized appetizers. And if you’re packing school lunches, they tuck perfectly into lunchboxes for an exciting midday treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep any leftover Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe delicious, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Want to stockpile some for later? Simply wrap cooled rolls individually in plastic wrap or foil, then stash in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy cheesy goodness whenever a craving hits!
Reheating
For the best melty texture, reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until warmed through and crisped outside. In a pinch, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though the crust will be softer. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make the Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and store in the fridge. Just bake them off right before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of cheese sticks?
You sure can! Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella on each dough triangle before adding the pepperoni. Just roll up gently, as the shreds can get a little messy, but the flavor is still fantastic.
What if I want them spicier?
For those who love a kick, try using spicy pepperoni or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes onto the pepperoni before rolling up. You could also serve with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for dipping instead of marinara.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely—simply skip the pepperoni or swap it for thin slices of roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. The rolls will still be cheesy, delicious, and crowd-friendly.
My dough keeps tearing. Any tips?
Work gently with the crescent dough and try to keep it as cold as possible until filling and rolling. If a triangle tears, just pinch it back together—once it bakes up, it’ll still look and taste great.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe is just the kind of fun, cheesy treat everyone loves to share, whether it’s family night or a roomful of hungry friends. Give this recipe a try and watch your crowd ask for seconds (and thirds!). Homemade happiness has rarely been this simple or this delicious.
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Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls are a delicious and simple appetizer or snack that combines the flavors of pizza in a convenient crescent roll package.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
Filling:
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 24 slices pepperoni
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional:
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare rolls: Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Place 3 slices of pepperoni on each triangle, slightly overlapping. Lay one mozzarella stick at the wide end of the dough and roll tightly toward the tip.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush mixture over the tops of rolls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use spicy pepperoni or add a few red pepper flakes inside before rolling.
- You can also swap mozzarella sticks for shredded mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
