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### **For the Filling:**
– **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**: This is the go-to cheese for Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups. Its melting quality is perfect for creating gooey, cheesy bites.
– **1/2 cup sliced pepperoni**: Pepperoni is the star ingredient. You can use pre-sliced pepperoni, or slice your own from a larger block.
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**: Adding a bit of Parmesan to the filling enhances the flavor and gives it a nice, savory bite.
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**: Garlic powder adds depth of flavor and complements the pepperoni and cheese perfectly.
– **1/2 teaspoon dried oregano**: A pinch of oregano brings a bit of Italian flair to the dish, and helps enhance the overall flavor.
– **1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes**: For those who like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice.
### **For the Dipping Sauce:**
– **1/2 cup marinara sauce**: A classic pizza dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the pepperoni roll-ups.
– **1 teaspoon Italian seasoning**: A touch of Italian seasoning brings out the flavors in the marinara sauce and adds extra flavor to your dipping experience.
## **Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups**
With the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of cheesy, savory roll-ups.
### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This is the perfect temperature for baking the crescent rolls to golden perfection. Make sure the oven has fully heated before you put the roll-ups in.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough**
Unroll the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough into the individual triangles that are pre-cut in the dough package. You should have **8 triangles** in total. Lay the dough out so that the wide end of the triangle is facing you.
### **Step 3: Add the Filling**
Now it’s time to add the cheesy pepperoni filling to each roll. On each crescent roll triangle, sprinkle about **2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese** near the wide end. Add **2-3 slices of pepperoni** on top of the cheese. Sprinkle a pinch of **grated Parmesan cheese**, **garlic powder**, **dried oregano**, and **crushed red pepper flakes** (if using) on top of the pepperoni to enhance the flavor profile. This mixture will provide a flavorful bite with every mouthful.
### **Step 4: Roll Them Up**
Starting from the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll up the dough, enclosing the cheesy pepperoni filling inside. Be sure to roll tightly to ensure the filling stays inside during baking. Place the rolled-up dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about **1 inch apart**.
### **Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil**
Once all the roll-ups are on the baking sheet, use a pastry brush to lightly brush each roll with a bit of **olive oil**. This will help the rolls bake to a beautiful golden brown and add a touch of richness to the crust.
### **Step 6: Bake the Roll-Ups**
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the roll-ups for **12-15 minutes**, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Once the roll-ups are golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
### **Step 7: Prepare the Dipping Sauce**
While the roll-ups are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine **marinara sauce** and **Italian seasoning**. Warm the sauce on the stove or in the microwave until it’s heated through, then set it aside.
### **Step 8: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the roll-ups have cooled slightly, serve them with the warm marinara dipping sauce on the side. These Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups are best enjoyed immediately while they are warm and gooey.
## **Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups**
– **Use Fresh Ingredients**: For the best flavor, use fresh mozzarella and pepperoni. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the roll-ups a creamy texture.
– **Don’t Overfill**: It’s tempting to load the rolls up with too much cheese or pepperoni, but be careful not to overstuff them. A little filling goes a long way, and overfilling may cause the rolls to burst open while baking.
– **Customize the Filling**: These roll-ups are versatile, so feel free to swap the pepperoni for other types of meat, like sausage, bacon, or even ham. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for an extra layer of flavor.
– **Make It Spicy**: If you like a bit more heat, try adding some **jalapeño slices** or a dash of **hot sauce** to the filling for an extra kick.
– **Use Pizza Dough**: If you prefer a thicker, chewier dough, swap the crescent roll dough for store-bought or homemade pizza dough. This will give the roll-ups a heartier texture.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare these roll-ups ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the refrigerator for up to **24 hours** before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
## **Conclusion**
Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups are the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of pizza and rolls in one convenient and delicious bite. With their flaky, buttery crust, melty cheese, and spicy pepperoni filling, these roll-ups are sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a quick snack, or just craving something cheesy and savory, these
roll-ups will hit the spot.
By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create your own batch of Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to get creative with the fillings and dipping sauces to make these roll-ups your own. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll never go back to traditional pizza again!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start rolling—your taste buds will thank you!
