Pepperoni Cheese Croissant Rolls

These Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls combine flaky crescent dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella sticks and savory pepperoni for an irresistible appetizer or snack. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner, these easy-to-make rolls deliver pizza flavor in a hand-held package. I discovered this recipe while looking for crowd-pleasing appetizers and was amazed at how these simple ingredients created such a crave-worthy treat.

Last weekend, I made these for a casual get-together, and they disappeared within minutes. The secret? The egg wash and herb topping that creates a beautifully golden, flavorful crust while the cheese inside melts to perfection.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Crescent Rolls: Pillsbury brand works perfectly with its reliable texture and flavor
• Mozzarella Sticks: String cheese variety holds its shape while melting beautifully
• Pepperoni: Regular or mini size both work well; turkey pepperoni is a leaner option
• Herb Blend: The garlic powder, oregano, and basil create authentic pizza flavor
• Egg Wash: Creates a golden, glossy finish that's visually appealing

The magic happens when the flaky crescent dough bakes around the cheese, which melts just enough to be gooey without completely oozing out, creating the perfect cheese-pull with every bite.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures the crescent dough gets flaky and golden while allowing enough time for the cheese to melt properly without bursting through the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, oregano, and basil. This herb blend will be sprinkled on top of the rolls for that authentic pizza flavor. You can adjust the proportions based on your preference for certain herbs.

Step 3: Beat the Egg

In another small bowl, beat one egg until well combined. This will be brushed over the rolls before baking to create a beautiful golden, glossy finish.

Step 4: Cut the Cheese Sticks

Cut each mozzarella cheese stick in half crosswise to create 16 shorter pieces. This size fits perfectly within the crescent roll and ensures proper cheese-to-bread ratio.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles along the perforated lines. Starting at the wide end of each triangle, place a half cheese stick and 3-4 pepperoni slices (depending on size) on top of the dough. Roll the dough toward the pointed end, completely enclosing the cheese and pepperoni. Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.

Step 6: Roll Into Shape

Place the rolls on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll to allow for expansion during baking. Position them with the pointed end tucked underneath to keep them from unraveling.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Brush each roll generously with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with the herb seasoning mixture. This not only adds flavor but creates a beautiful presentation.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the dough is completely cooked through. The cheese should be fully melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Allow the rolls to cool for just 2-3 minutes before serving. They're best enjoyed while still warm when the cheese is at its most stretchy and gooey. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best experience.

Pin it

I learned the importance of properly sealing the edges after my first attempt when I had several cheese explosions in the oven. Taking that extra moment to pinch the dough closed makes all the difference in the final presentation.

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

These cheesy croissant rolls exemplify economical entertaining, costing about $0.80 per roll when ingredients are purchased at regular prices. Watch for sales on crescent rolls and cheese sticks to reduce costs further. For a complete budget-friendly spread, serve alongside homemade popcorn and a simple vegetable tray. When hosting larger gatherings, these substantial appetizers help stretch your budget while satisfying guests more effectively than costly meat and cheese platters.

Pin it

Family-Friendly Adaptations

For households with varying tastes, this recipe offers simple customization. Set up an assembly line where family members can add their preferred fillings before rolling. Picky eaters might prefer cheese-only versions, while more adventurous eaters can add sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This interactive preparation makes dinner fun for children while ensuring everyone gets exactly what they like. My nephew who 'hates vegetables' happily adds spinach to his when he gets to assemble it himself.

Seasonal Serving Suggestions

This versatile base recipe welcomes seasonal produce throughout the year. Summer brings opportunities for fresh corn salad or watermelon. Fall calls for roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts. Winter versions incorporate hearty root vegetables. Spring welcomes asparagus or fresh green salads. The adaptability keeps this dish exciting year-round while making use of what's available.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

For busy households, this recipe shines as a prepare-ahead solution. Mix and shape the raw rolls up to 24 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. For longer storage, form the raw mixture into a loaf, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Chef's Essential Tips

• For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan into the herb blend
• Toast the rolls in a dry pan before using for added crispiness
• Add a pinch of cayenne to the herb blend for a spicy kick
• For a firmer texture that slices more cleanly, refrigerate the cooked rolls for 30 minutes before cutting
• Check the temperature earlier if using a dark metal pan as they conduct heat faster

I discovered these refinements over many iterations of this dish - particularly the Parmesan addition, which adds remarkable depth to the flavor profile without being identifiable as Parmesan.

This simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe has become my reliable go-to when I need a satisfying appetizer that disappears as quickly as you can serve it. The combination of familiar flavors in a fun, hand-held package creates something greater than the sum of its parts - an appetizer that feels indulgent while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

Pin it

This Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls recipe proves that impressive, crowd-pleasing appetizers don't require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients - just a few smart shortcuts and the willingness to have fun with familiar flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Brush with egg wash just before baking.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes! Freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for pepperoni to make these vegetarian?

Try using sun-dried tomatoes, olive slices, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version that still has great flavor.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Cheddar, pepper jack, or string cheese all work well. Just make sure to use cheese that melts nicely.

→ What else can I serve besides marinara sauce?

Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or pesto make excellent alternative dipping options.