Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls

Flaky mozzarella pepperoni croissant rolls are pure comfort food tucked into buttery layers With simple ingredients and minimal prep you get a mouthwatering lunch or snack that vanishes almost as soon as they hit the table The gooey cheese melds with spicy pepperoni inside perfectly golden pastry for an addictive treat that is as easy to make as it is to devour

Ingredients

• Croissant dough: look for dough that feels cold and puffed in the package fresh dough bakes up much flakier than dough close to expiration
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded meltier mozzarella gives better stretch use a block and grate for best texture
• Pepperoni slices: classic and zesty I do a sniff test for freshest aroma you can swap turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
• Butter: melted helps the tops get that golden finish pick unsalted for more control over saltiness
• Garlic powder: adds that craveable pizzeria flavor choose aromatic garlic powder for depth
• Dried oregano: classic Italian herb that brightens up the filling you want leaves that are dark and fragrant
• Dried basil: another layer of herby flavor look for green rather than brown basil for freshness

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Sheet:

Set your oven to 375 degrees and get your baking sheet ready with either parchment paper or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking

Shape the Dough Triangles:

Gently roll out the croissant dough and pull apart each triangle without tearing for even rolls

Prep the Cheese and Pepperoni:

Set aside a bowl of shredded cheese and slice the pepperoni into halves for perfect distribution inside the rolls

Mix the Garlic Butter:

Melt the butter until just liquid then stir in garlic powder oregano and basil to infuse it with fragrant spices

Brush on the Flavored Butter:

Coat each dough triangle with plenty of the butter mixture so every bite tastes herbaceous

Add Pepperoni and Cheese:

Arrange a few pieces of pepperoni and a generous mound of mozzarella at the wide end of each dough triangle

Roll Up:

Start at the wide end and snugly roll each triangle so the fillings stay tucked inside pinching the ends if cheese wants to escape

Arrange and Final Brush:

Line up the rolled croissants on your baking sheet with a little gap between each then brush the remaining butter mixture over the top

Bake to Perfection:

Slide into the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the tips are deeply golden and cheese is melting out the sides

Let Cool and Serve:

Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before you try to take a bite the cheese is molten at first

Pin it

There is something nostalgic about the way melty mozzarella and pepperoni aroma fill my kitchen It always reminds me of those family movie nights when everyone would eagerly grab a warm roll before even sitting down

Storage Tips

Let extras cool thoroughly then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days They reheat beautifully in a 300 degree oven for about six minutes which revives the crisp and melts the cheese all over again For longer storage wrap tightly and freeze up to one month just defrost and reheat before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage thin sliced ham or even roasted vegetables like mushrooms and peppers For a cheese twist try fontina or a low moisture mozzarella which holds up well during baking If you want a spicy hit sprinkle a little red pepper flakes inside before rolling up

Serving Suggestions

These are great on their own or next to a vibrant salad Marinara or ranch on the side for dipping makes them taste even more like pizza bites Serve warm as a quick lunch or cut into smaller pieces for an easy appetizer tray at parties

Cultural Context

Wrapped and filled breads like these have roots in many European cuisines The Italian American spin with mozzarella and pepperoni turns it into a crowd favorite inspired by classic pizza flavors My own family loves a big basket of these alongside soup on chilly days

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Roll the dough tightly and seal the ends as best as possible to help keep the filling inside during baking.

→ Can I use different meats or fillings?

Absolutely! Try salami, ham, or vegetarian options like mushrooms or spinach for a unique twist.

→ What’s the best way to get a golden top?

Brushing the croissants with melted butter before baking ensures a rich color and adds extra flavor.

→ Can these be prepped in advance?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the rolls, then bake when ready to serve for best texture.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Allow them to cool fully, then keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

→ Can I freeze these croissant rolls?

Yes, freeze after baking for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in a warm oven to restore crispness.