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This flaky, cheesy mozzarella pepperoni croissant roll recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat. The combination of gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni wrapped in buttery croissant dough creates the perfect party appetizer or quick snack that disappears within minutes at any gathering.
I first made these rolls for my nephew's birthday party as a last minute addition when I realized I needed more appetizers. They were such a hit that they've become my go to recipe whenever I need something quick that will please everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 package crescent roll dough (8 rolls): The refrigerated dough provides the perfect flaky texture without any effort
- 4 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut in half): Choose whole milk mozzarella sticks for the best meltability
- 32 slices pepperoni: Look for a quality pepperoni with good spice level for best flavor
- Italian seasoning (for garnish): Adds visual appeal and a hint of herbal flavor to the exterior
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Allow about 10 minutes for the oven to reach proper temperature while you assemble the rolls.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Carefully unroll the crescent dough package and separate along the perforations to create 8 triangular pieces. Lay them flat on a clean work surface with the wide end facing you. Handle gently to avoid tearing the dough.
- Add the Filling:
- Place 4 pepperoni slices slightly overlapping on the wide end of each triangle. Position half a mozzarella stick on top of the pepperoni. The placement is crucial here as it ensures every bite contains the perfect ratio of cheese and pepperoni.
- Roll the Crescents:
- Starting from the wide end where the fillings sit, roll the dough toward the pointed tip. As you roll, tuck in the sides of the dough to completely seal the cheese inside. This step is critical to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Season and Prepare:
- Sprinkle a light dusting of Italian seasoning over the tops of each roll. This not only adds flavor but gives them a professional bakery appearance. Arrange the rolls on your prepared baking sheet with at least an inch between each one.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully toward the end as they can go from golden to overdone quickly. They should be evenly golden brown with slightly puffed dough.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 3 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the molten cheese inside to set slightly while keeping the rolls warm and appetizing.
My family particularly loves the contrast between the crispy exterior and the gooey cheese center. I remember serving these at a holiday gathering where my mother in law who rarely compliments my cooking asked for the recipe before leaving. Now that's success!
Make Ahead Options
These croissant rolls can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply prepare as directed but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time since the rolls will be cold. This makes them perfect for party prep when you want to minimize last minute cooking.
Perfect Pairings
Serve these pepperoni rolls with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza flavors. For a more substantial meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. They also complement soup beautifully, especially tomato or minestrone varieties, creating a satisfying lunch or light dinner option.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you find cheese leaking during baking, your rolls might not be sealed properly. Double check that the edges are firmly pinched closed before baking. Another common issue is underbaking. The rolls should be completely golden brown to ensure the dough is fully cooked inside. If the tops are browning too quickly but the dough still seems raw, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
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Enjoy the delicious simplicity of these pepperoni croissant rolls at your next gathering—they're guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry can be used as an alternative, but it might be slightly less soft and more flaky than crescent dough.
- → What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with fillings like ham, turkey, cream cheese, or even spinach for a twist on the classic combination.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Bake fresh for best results.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from melting out?
Make sure to tuck the sides of the dough securely around the cheese and roll tightly to keep it contained during baking.
- → What dipping sauces go well with this dish?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter are all excellent options for dipping.