
Flaky croissant rolls stuffed with pepperoni and gooey mozzarella were my go-to solution for after-school snacks and game-day bites for years. Just a handful of ingredients and under half an hour brings out that perfect golden crunch with the right mix of cheesy melt and zesty flavor. No one can resist grabbing one hot from the tray
I first made these when my son had friends over unexpectedly and now they get requested for every movie night and party
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough: choose a fresh package for best puff and flake
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: whole milk varieties melt best and stay creamy inside the roll
- Pepperoni slices: look for ones with a little spice for real flavor
- Italian seasoning: optional but adds a great finish especially if it’s a fresh jar
- Quality cheese and dough make a world of difference so pick up the best you can find at your market
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment to keep the rolls from sticking and to make cleaning up a breeze
- Prepare the Dough:
- Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into eight triangles each one will be a roll so try not to stretch the dough too thin
- Fill the Rolls:
- Lay four pepperoni slices at the wide end of each triangle and set a half cheese stick right on top building these layers gives you the perfect cheesy center and just the right bite of pepperoni in every roll
- Shape and Seal:
- Roll each piece from the wide end toward the tip wrapping the cheese and pepperoni tightly inside and tuck the sides a little as you go to help keep all the fillings neatly contained
- Season the Tops:
- If using italian seasoning sprinkle a little over each roll before baking for extra herby aroma and that classic pizzeria vibe
- Bake:
- Transfer the rolls to your lined baking sheet and bake them for ten to twelve minutes until the tops are deep golden and you see some cheese bubbling at the seams
- Cool and Serve:
- Let them rest for a few minutes out of the oven so no one burns their mouth then they are ready to pull apart and dip

The mozzarella is my favorite part because it gets perfectly gooey without oozing out when you tuck the ends right and one time my daughter helped roll them and now it is our together routine before every movie night
Storage Tips
These croissant rolls are best fresh but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days Warm them in the oven at three hundred degrees for five minutes to keep them crisp
You can also freeze unbaked rolls on a tray then store in a freezer bag When ready to eat bake straight from frozen adding an extra three to four minutes to the baking time
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping mozzarella for cheddar or provolone if you want a twist
Use turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni for a lighter version
Add thinly sliced jalapeños or olives inside for a kick or another texture
If you do not have italian seasoning try a sprinkle of dried basil or oregano
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping for a true pizzeria snack
They also make excellent lunch box additions when cooled
For parties I like to pile them up on a big platter with toothpicks alongside a bowl of ranch dressing
Cultural Notes
This snack combines American love for quick crescent rolls with pizza night tradition turning a classic appetizer into a finger food the whole family can share
Baking stuffed rolls like these is a tradition in my house on days when everyone wants pizza but I need something fast
They remind me of midwestern potlucks where crescent dough always turns up filled with everything from chocolate to savory fillings
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes. Cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack also work well for these croissant rolls. Adjust melting time as needed.
- → How do I prevent cheese from leaking out while baking?
Make sure to tuck the dough sides tightly around the cheese and seal any openings before baking.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these rolls?
Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter are delicious options that complement the flavors nicely.
- → Can these be prepared ahead and frozen?
Absolutely! Assemble the unbaked rolls, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag until ready to bake straight from the freezer.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the filling?
Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or extra cheese for a meat-free version.