The simplicity of these Pepperoni Crescent Rolls makes them an instant favorite for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Each roll wraps a melty mozzarella center and savory pepperoni slices in golden, buttery crescent dough, making them wonderfully gooey on the inside and crisp on the outside.
They’re great as finger foods for parties, lunchbox treats, or even a fast dinner option paired with a salad. With only a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. Dip them in marinara, ranch, or even a spicy mustard for a fun twist!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
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24 slices pepperoni
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4 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into thirds
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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Marinara sauce, for dipping
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
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Place 3 slices of pepperoni and 1 piece of mozzarella on the wide end of each triangle.
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Roll up each triangle tightly, enclosing the cheese and pepperoni.
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Place rolls on the baking sheet.
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Brush each roll with melted butter.
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Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese over the tops.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
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Serve warm with marinara dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 8
Pepperoni Crescent Rolls are a classic American finger food that combines convenience, flavor, and comfort in one irresistible bite. Originating from the modern home cook’s need for quick, satisfying snacks and appetizers, this dish has grown in popularity over the years due to its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re planning a party, need a quick after-school snack, or just want a savory bite to go with your movie night, pepperoni crescent rolls have you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These flaky rolls are incredibly easy to make using store-bought crescent roll dough, which saves you from the hassle of making pastry from scratch. With just a few additional ingredients like mozzarella string cheese and pepperoni slices, you get a cheesy, savory snack that feels homemade and comforting.
Beyond their simplicity, what makes these crescent rolls shine is the way the buttery dough crisps up while hugging melty cheese and spicy pepperoni in every bite. Brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Italian seasoning and Parmesan, the flavor is rich, bold, and satisfying.
They’re also ideal for meal prep. Make a batch and store leftovers in the fridge; you can easily reheat them in the oven or air fryer for that same fresh-baked crisp. Plus, kids absolutely love them, and they can even help make them, making this a fun kitchen activity for families.
The Perfect Appetizer or Snack for Every Occasion
Game Day Favorite:
There’s nothing quite like serving hot, cheesy snacks to a hungry crowd on game day. These crescent rolls are perfect to pass around during halftime.
Lunchbox Surprise:
Tuck one or two of these rolls into your kid’s lunchbox. They’re handheld, non-messy, and packed with protein from the cheese and pepperoni.
Holiday Parties & Potlucks:
Serve a platter of these at your next holiday event or potluck. They travel well and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Quick Weeknight Dinner:
Pair these with a side salad and a bowl of tomato soup for a quick and easy dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredient Highlights
Here’s a breakdown of the star ingredients and why they work so well together:
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Refrigerated Crescent Dough: Light, airy, and flaky when baked. It provides a quick shortcut to homemade pastry flavor.
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Pepperoni Slices: Bold, slightly spicy, and perfectly salty, pepperoni gives the rolls their signature pizza flavor.
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Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These melt beautifully and stretch when bitten into, giving that gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
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Garlic Butter: Brushing the tops of the rolls with melted butter infused with garlic and Italian herbs gives an aromatic finish.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps the tops crisp up to golden perfection.
Customization Ideas
One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can customize it to suit different flavor profiles or dietary needs:
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Vegetarian Version: Skip the pepperoni and fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Add Heat: Mix in jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
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Different Cheeses: Try sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack instead of mozzarella for variety.
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Mini Rolls: Cut each crescent triangle in half to make bite-sized party poppers.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
Assemble the rolls, place them on a tray, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing:
You can freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Flash-freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in the air fryer for a quick 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the pastry crisp.
Nutritional Insights
Each Pepperoni Crescent Roll comes in around 210 calories, making it a hearty snack or light meal addition. They’re relatively high in protein due to the cheese and meat but also pack some saturated fat from the dough and dairy, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation if you’re watching fat intake. You can opt for turkey pepperoni and low-fat mozzarella to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas to round out your Pepperoni Crescent Roll experience:
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Dipping Sauces: Marinara is a classic, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or pesto are great options.
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Side Pairings: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or a cup of creamy tomato soup.
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Drinks: They pair well with soda, lemonade, or even a light beer or sparkling wine for adults.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe, which makes it even more approachable:
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Pastry brush (for butter)
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Sharp knife or kitchen scissors (to cut cheese sticks)
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Small bowl (for melted butter mix)
Troubleshooting Tips
Why is my cheese leaking out?
Make sure to wrap the cheese tightly and seal the ends of the dough. You can also freeze the cheese for 10 minutes before rolling to reduce melt spillage.
Why are the rolls getting too brown on top but undercooked inside?
Your oven might be too hot. Use an oven thermometer to verify the actual temperature or try moving the tray to the middle rack and baking slightly longer at a lower temperature.
Conclusion
Pepperoni Crescent Rolls are a timeless favorite for good reason. They’re fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making them a go-to for both novice cooks and experienced foodies. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual family night or serving them at a festive gathering, they never fail to delight. Their flaky texture, cheesy pull, and zesty pepperoni center offer everything we love about comfort food, with a twist of convenience. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for crescent dough again and again, just to recreate the magic.