Need something quick that actually tastes homemade? These Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls are my answer to those nights when everyone’s hungry but I only have 30 minutes to spare. I remember the first time I made these on a particularly hectic Tuesday. My kids had been asking for pizza, but I didn’t want to order out again. I grabbed a tube of crescent dough from the fridge and threw together these little rolls with what I had on hand.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
I always keep refrigerated crescent dough stocked because it makes weeknight cooking so much easier. The quality of your mozzarella really makes a difference here. I recommend using whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor, though mozzarella sticks work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand. Pro tip: let the dough sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before unrolling to prevent tearing.
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 4 mozzarella sticks, halved) – My preference is whole milk mozzarella for maximum gooeyness
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices – I usually use regular-sized slices, but mini pepperoni works great too
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (optional) – In my experience, this adds a restaurant-quality touch
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – I recommend freshly grated for best flavor
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional) – Pro tip: warm it up before serving for the ultimate experience
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend working quickly with crescent dough since it handles best when still cold from the refrigerator. In my experience, this keeps the layers flaky and prevents the dough from becoming too sticky.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
Step 2: Unroll the crescent dough and carefully separate it into 8 individual triangles along the perforated lines. Lay them out on your work surface with the wide end facing you. If the dough tears, simply pinch it back together.
Step 3: Place 3 to 4 pepperoni slices on the wide end of each triangle, then top with either 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese or half a mozzarella stick. Avoid overfilling, as this can cause the cheese to leak during baking. I learned this the hard way after my first batch oozed cheese all over the pan.
Step 4: Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the pointed tip, gently tucking in the sides as you roll to seal the filling inside. You want to create a snug package that keeps everything contained. The dough should overlap slightly at the seam.
Step 5: Place the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Placing them seam-side down prevents them from unrolling during baking. If using, sprinkle Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese over the tops for extra flavor and a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and bubbling cheese. The rolls should feel firm to the touch when you gently press the top, and your kitchen will smell incredible. Let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the molten cheese inside.
Perfect Pairings for Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
These rolls work wonderfully as part of a complete meal when paired with complementary sides that add freshness and nutritional balance.
Simple Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and Italian vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheesy rolls while adding essential vitamins and fiber to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized bring a healthy, colorful component that balances the indulgent main dish perfectly.
Tomato Soup: The classic pairing of tomato and cheese never fails. A warm bowl of tomato soup alongside these rolls creates a comforting dinner that feels like a hug on a busy weeknight. If you’re looking for more soup options, try pairing these with High Protein Butternut Squash Soup for a hearty, nutritious meal.
Caesar Salad: The tangy, creamy dressing and crunchy romaine provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey rolls while keeping the Italian flavor profile consistent throughout your meal.
Garlic Green Beans: Quick-sautéed green beans with garlic add a nutritious, vibrant green element that takes just minutes to prepare and complements the savory flavors beautifully. For more protein-packed dinner ideas, check out this Protein-Packed Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet that pairs wonderfully with a side salad.
Keeping Your Rolls Fresh
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 2 months and bake them straight from frozen, adding just 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
When reheating, skip the microwave if possible. I always reheat these in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore that wonderful crispy exterior while keeping the inside gooey and delicious. Pro tip: tent them loosely with foil if they’re browning too quickly during reheating.
These rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them as appetizers at your next gathering, pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat, or make them the star of a casual dinner party. They also work beautifully for game day snacks when you want something more elevated than standard finger food.
FAQs
Can I use different fillings in these croissant rolls?
Absolutely! While pepperoni and mozzarella is classic, you can substitute cooked sausage, ham, or even vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. Just make sure any additions are pre-cooked and not too wet to prevent soggy rolls.
Why is my cheese leaking out during baking?
This usually happens when the rolls are overfilled or not sealed properly. Make sure to roll tightly from the wide end, tuck in the sides as you go, and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Using slightly less filling also helps prevent leakage.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked and bake directly from frozen, which makes them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles along the perforated lines. If the dough tears, pinch it back together.
- On the wide end of each triangle, place 3 to 4 slices of pepperoni and either 2 tablespoons shredded cheese or half a mozzarella stick.
- Roll the dough tightly from the wide end to the tip, gently tucking in the sides as you go to enclose the filling securely.
- Place rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan over the top if using.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
