Name: Homemade Beef Pepperoni Pizza Rolls - Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12-15 rolls
Ingredients: 1 recipe homemade pizza dough; 2 teaspoons olive oil; ⅔ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought); Italian seasoning or ground basil, to taste; Garlic powder, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 60-65 beef pepperoni slices; ½ cup yellow cornmeal; Extra mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil

Homemade Beef Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are more than just a snack; they’re a warm hug in every bite, a nostalgic trip back to childhood sleepovers and impromptu movie nights. Who doesn’t instantly feel a surge of happy anticipation at the mere mention of pizza? We’ve taken that universally loved flavor profile and transformed it into bite-sized delights, perfect for sharing or hoarding all to yourself. What makes these Homemade Beef Pepperoni Pizza Rolls so utterly irresistible? It’s the magical combination of tender, savory beef pepperoni, melty mozzarella cheese, and a hint of tangy tomato sauce, all lovingly encased in a soft, pillowy dough that bakes up to a perfect golden brown. They’re incredibly satisfying, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning foodies. Get ready to ditch the store-bought versions and experience pizza perfection in a whole new, delightfully portable, way.

Ingredients:

1 recipe homemade pizza dough
2 teaspoons olive oil
⅔ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Italian seasoning or ground basil, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
60-65 pepperoni slices
½ cup yellow cornmeal
Extra mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil

Preparing Your Workspace and Dough

Before we dive into assembling these delightful Homemade Beef Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, let’s get everything ready. Ensure your homemade pizza dough is at room temperature. This is crucial for easy handling and prevents the dough from springing back when you try to roll it out. Lightly flour a clean, flat surface where you’ll be working. You’ll also want to have all your ingredients measured and within easy reach. This will make the assembly process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 1: Rolling Out the Dough and Spreading the Sauce

Take your room-temperature pizza dough and place it on your floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; rustic charm is part of the appeal! Once you have your desired rectangle, it’s time to apply the sauce. Spread the ⅔ cup of pizza sauce evenly across the entire surface of the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border along one of the longer edges. This border will help seal the rolls later. Make sure to spread the sauce thinly and evenly to avoid a soggy center once baked.

Step 2: Seasoning and Adding the Cheese

Now, let’s add some flavor! Sprinkle the Italian seasoning or ground basil and the garlic powder evenly over the pizza sauce. Use your judgment here; I usually add about ½ teaspoon of each, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. The garlic powder adds a wonderful depth, and the Italian herbs bring that classic pizza aroma. Next, evenly distribute the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and seasonings. Ensure the cheese goes all the way to the edges, except for that ½-inch border you left. This melty cheese will be the delicious binder for our pepperoni and dough.

Step 3: Arranging the Pepperoni and Rolling the Dough

This is where the “pepperoni” part of our Homemade Beef Pepperoni Pizza Rolls really comes into play! Carefully arrange the 60-65 pepperoni slices in a single layer over the cheese. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible to ensure every roll gets a good amount of pepperoni. Overlapping them slightly is perfectly fine. Now, for the rolling! Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, begin to tightly roll up the dough, jelly-roll style. As you roll, gently press down to keep the filling contained and to create a compact log. Once you reach the end, use the ½-inch border of sauce-free dough to seal the roll. Pinch this edge firmly to ensure it doesn’t come undone during baking.

Step 4: Slicing and Preparing for Baking

Once your dough is rolled into a log, it’s time to slice it into individual rolls. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the log into approximately 1-inch thick pieces. You should get around 12-15 rolls from this amount of dough. Arrange these sliced rolls cut-side down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For an extra crispy exterior, lightly brush the tops and sides of each roll with the 2 teaspoons of olive oil. This helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a subtle richness.

Step 5: Baking and Finishing Touches

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet with the pizza rolls into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. While the rolls are baking, lightly toast the ½ cup of yellow cornmeal in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant. This step enhances its flavor and texture. Once the pizza rolls are out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the toasted cornmeal over the tops. This adds a delightful crunch and a rustic finish. If you have any extra mozzarella cheese, you can sprinkle a little more on top right after they come out of the oven to create extra gooeyness. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving. These Homemade Beef Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are best enjoyed warm!

Conclusion:

Making Homemade Beef Pepperoni Pizza Rolls from scratch is a truly rewarding experience, and I hope you feel inspired to give this recipe a try. We’ve walked through each step to ensure you can create these delicious, bite-sized flavor bombs in your own kitchen. The combination of savory beef, zesty pepperoni, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough, makes them perfect for any occasion. They are fantastic as an appetizer for parties, a fun family dinner, or even a satisfying snack.

For serving, these pizza rolls are delightful on their own, but they truly shine when accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces. A classic marinara is always a winner, but consider a creamy ranch, a spicy buffalo sauce, or even a garlic aioli for a different flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can swap out the beef for ground chicken or turkey, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions, or even experiment with different cheeses. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to experiment and find your perfect pizza roll combination. Enjoy the process and savor every delicious bite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I make the dough for these Homemade Beef Pepperoni Pizza Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Once it has risen, punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.

Q2: How should I store leftover pizza rolls?

Store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, or reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave.