Pepperoni Pizza Scrolls

There’s something magical about the smell of warm dough rising in the oven, mingling with the rich scent of tomato sauce and bubbling cheese. These pepperoni pizza scrolls bring that magic straight to your kitchen. Soft, cheesy, and loaded with bold pepperoni flavor, they’re like a personal pizza rolled into the perfect grab-and-go treat. Whether it’s game day, lunch boxes, or just a cozy evening snack, these scrolls never disappoint.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a simple craving for pizza on a day when I didn’t want to fuss with delivery or wait on dough to rise. What started as a quick fix using store-bought dough turned into a household favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that sneaks its way into weekly routines. We’d bake a batch on Sunday, and by Monday afternoon, only a few would be left. That’s how irresistible they are.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pizza scrolls have their roots in Australia and New Zealand, where they’re a common bakery item, often spotted alongside sausage rolls and meat pies. They take inspiration from Italian pizza but adapt it into a fun, spiraled shape that’s easier to hold and perfect for snacking. It’s pizza’s cheeky little cousin that knows how to party.

Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Pizza Scrolls

Let’s dive into why these scrolls are the real deal:

Versatile: Serve them hot, cold, as a snack, or a meal. They fit into just about any situation.

Budget-Friendly: A handful of everyday ingredients turns into something truly satisfying without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: Using pre-made dough keeps things fuss-free and fast.

Customizable: Swap toppings to suit your crowd—think veggie, Hawaiian, or even a breakfast version.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, everyone devours these. They’re practically built for sharing.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them ahead and reheat as needed for that just-baked magic.

Great for Leftovers: They keep beautifully in the fridge and make a delicious next-day snack.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want bakery-style perfection at home? Here’s how:

• Use room-temperature dough: Cold dough resists rolling. Let it sit out for 30 minutes to soften.
• Don’t overload the filling: A light hand with sauce and cheese helps the scrolls keep their shape.
• Slice with unflavored dental floss: It’s cleaner and keeps the spirals intact.
• Line your baking tray with parchment: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Brush with garlic butter before baking: Adds golden color and irresistible aroma.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a lot—just the essentials to make magic happen.

• Rolling Pin: For evenly spreading the dough.
• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: To slice the scrolls cleanly.
• Baking Tray: Lined with parchment for easy removal.
• Pastry Brush: Optional, but perfect for adding that glossy finish.
• Mixing Bowl: For stirring together your fillings.

Ingredients in Pepperoni Pizza Scrolls

Every bite is a cozy swirl of gooey, crispy, savory goodness. Here’s what you need to bring it all together:

1. Refrigerated Pizza Dough: 1 sheet (about 400g) – Acts as the fluffy, golden base for our scrolls.
2. Tomato Pizza Sauce: 1/2 cup – Brings rich, tangy depth and classic pizza flavor.
3. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups – Melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza pull.
4. Pepperoni Slices: 100g – Adds bold, savory, slightly spicy bursts in every bite.
5. Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – Layers in herby flavor that makes it taste like pizza heaven.
6. Olive Oil or Melted Butter (optional): 1 tablespoon – Brushed on top for golden color and richness.
7. Grated Parmesan (optional): 2 tablespoons – A sprinkle on top for an extra cheesy crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Flexibility is your friend here.

Pizza Dough: Puff pastry or crescent roll dough.
Tomato Sauce: Marinara or crushed tomatoes with a pinch of salt and oregano.
Mozzarella: Any good melting cheese like cheddar or provolone.
Pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni, salami, or leave it out for a veggie version.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or skip it altogether.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mozzarella Cheese: Known for its superb melting quality, mozzarella is what gives that stringy, stretchy, pizza-style indulgence that keeps us coming back for more.

Pepperoni: A spiced cured meat that crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding that iconic smoky-salty kick.

Instructions for Making Pepperoni Pizza Scrolls

This is where the fun begins. Rolling, slicing, and baking fills your kitchen with the smell of pizza dreams coming true.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lightly grease the parchment paper or brush with olive oil if desired.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Spread the tomato sauce mixture evenly. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Top with pepperoni slices. Gently roll it up from the long edge into a tight log.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Slice into 1-inch rounds and place them spiral side up on your tray. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Brush with melted butter or olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan right after baking, if using.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let them cool slightly before serving. Best eaten warm but still delicious at room temp.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These scrolls strike the perfect balance between crisp edges and a soft, chewy center. The cheese melts into every crevice while the pepperoni crisps on top, giving you bites that are creamy, salty, spicy, and a little sweet from the tomato sauce. That golden, buttery finish seals the deal.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few little nudges to make everything even easier:

• Use parchment for mess-free baking.
• Let the scrolls cool 5 minutes before lifting—they firm up and hold together better.
• Add a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want a spicy kick.

What to Avoid

Little mistakes can mess with the magic, but here’s how to avoid them:

• Overfilling with sauce: Too much makes them soggy and hard to roll.
• Cutting with a dull knife: You’ll squish the roll instead of slicing cleanly.
• Underbaking: The centers won’t cook through. Make sure they’re golden and puffed.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 scrolls
Calories per serving: 180

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These are fantastic for prepping ahead. Roll and slice the scrolls, then store them in the fridge up to a day before baking. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F or pop in the air fryer for a crisp finish. They also freeze beautifully—just thaw and warm before serving.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Scrolls

Pile them high on a serving board with marinara for dipping. They’re great with a fresh side salad, some olives, or even a bowl of soup. For parties, serve them with a variety of dips—garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy ketchup.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn yesterday’s scrolls into today’s lunch in no time:

• Slice and toast in a pan for crispy pizza bites.
• Cut into chunks and toss into a salad with balsamic glaze.
• Reheat and stuff into a crusty roll for a pizza sandwich.

Additional Tips

• Let the dough sit at room temp for easier handling.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with fillings.
• Always bake on the center rack for even heat.

Make It a Showstopper

After baking, drizzle with garlic butter or sprinkle with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve on a wooden board with dipping sauces for a rustic, crowd-pleasing look.

Variations to Try

• Veggie Delight: Add sliced olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Hawaiian Style: Swap pepperoni for ham and toss in pineapple tidbits.
• Breakfast Scrolls: Scramble some eggs, add bacon bits and cheddar.
• Spicy Kick: Use jalapeños and hot sauce in the filling.
• Cheesy Overload: Add cream cheese or ricotta for a creamy center.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, just make sure it’s rolled thin and smooth before adding fillings.

2. Can these be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza dough from the store or make your own.

3. How do I keep them from unrolling?

Roll tightly, don’t overfill, and place them snug on the tray.

4. Can I use puff pastry instead?

Yes, they’ll be flakier and puffier but still delicious.

5. What dipping sauces go best?

Marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or even a spicy mayo.

6. How do I freeze them?

Freeze after baking. Let them cool, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.

7. Can I prep them ahead?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh.

8. Are they good cold?

Totally. Great for lunch boxes or road trips.

9. How thick should I slice them?

About 1 inch thick is perfect for even baking.

10. Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes. Just skip the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies.

Conclusion

These pepperoni pizza scrolls are the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly fun to customize. Whether you’re baking with kids, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself, trust me, they’re worth every bite.

Print