Game Day Pizza Rolls

The first time I made these pizza rolls, my kitchen smelled exactly like the local pizzeria we ordered from every Friday growing up. That combination of bubbling cheese and pepperoni hitting hot dough is pure magic. I had three friends over for a football game and they disappeared before kickoff even happened.

Last Super Bowl Sunday, I made a double batch and honestly should have tripled them. My brother-in-law stood by the counter the entire time, claiming he was just quality control testing. By halftime, the only evidence was a few stray crumbs and a very satisfied crowd.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Skip the homemade dough stress and let the store-bought stuff shine here, it rolls out beautifully and bakes up golden
• Shredded mozzarella and cheddar: The mozzarella gives you that classic cheese pull while cheddar adds a sharp, tangy depth that cuts through the richness
• Beef pepperoni slices: Chopping them into smaller pieces means every single bite gets that perfect pepperoni punch
• Pizza sauce: Spread it thin so your dough doesnt get soggy, and save extra for dunking because that is non-negotiable
• Olive oil and Parmesan topping: This brush and sprinkle creates that gorgeous golden, salty crust that makes these look like they came from a bakery

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is practically nothing

Roll out the dough:

On a lightly floured surface, stretch that pizza dough into a rough 12x8-inch rectangle, working gently so it doesnt fight back

Layer the good stuff:

Spread pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a half-inch border, then pile on both cheeses, chopped pepperoni, oregano, and garlic powder

Roll it up tight:

Start from a long edge and roll the dough into a log like youre making cinnamon rolls, then pinch the seam shut to keep all that cheese inside where it belongs

Make the magic happen:

Slice the log into 16 equal pieces, arrange them cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning

Bake until golden:

Pop them in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes until they are bubbling and gloriously golden brown

Dive in:

Let them cool just long enough so you dont burn your fingers, then serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side

Save

My niece now requests these for every family gathering instead of ordering pizza, which is honestly the best compliment I could ask for. Watching her face light up when she pulls apart that first cheesy roll is better than any restaurant review.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble these rolls completely, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Add about 3 to 4 extra minutes to the baking time since they will be cold going into the oven.

Freezing Instructions

After slicing the log, place the individual rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 22 to 25 minutes, no thawing needed.

Serving Suggestions

These pizza rolls are fantastic on their own but become a whole spread when paired with some garlic knots, a simple green salad, or even some chicken wings. Set up a little dipping station with extra pizza sauce, maybe some ranch for the daring, and watch them disappear.

• Warm your dipping sauce slightly so it coats each bite perfectly
• Sprinkle fresh parsley over the baked rolls for a pop of color
• These reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes if you somehow have leftovers

Save

Theres something about pulling apart a warm, cheesy pizza roll that just makes people happy. Hope these become your new game day tradition.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough works best for these rolls?

Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for a soft, easy-to-roll base, but homemade dough can also be used for a fresher taste.

→ Can I substitute beef pepperoni with other meats?

Absolutely, turkey pepperoni, regular pepperoni, or cooked sausage can be used for variations in flavor.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

Ensure to leave a small border on the dough when spreading sauce and seal the rolls tightly to keep moisture inside while baking.

→ What sides pair well with these pizza rolls?

Serve warm with extra pizza sauce, and consider pairing with crisp veggies or a light salad for balance.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate the rolls before baking, then bake fresh when ready to serve.