Irresistible Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls: Your New Favorite!

Ingredients for Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough (two 8-ounce cans): The essential base for flaky rolls. A quick shortcut for beginner-friendly, delicious Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls.
• Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (1½ cups, shredded): This star ingredient provides the gooey, cheesy core. Shred your own for better melt and delicious flavor.
• Sliced pepperoni (4 ounces, about 80 slices): Adds savory, slightly spicy flavor. A crucial component for classic pepperoni croissant rolls. Choose thin-sliced for even distribution.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushing with butter ensures golden-brown perfection and a rich, tender crust. Use good quality butter for superior flavor.
• Large egg (1): Whisked with water for an egg wash, it creates a beautiful, glossy finish on your rolls. Don’t skip this!
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, for dusting): A light dusting prevents sticking, making the dough easier to handle. Just a small amount is needed.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top, it adds a salty, umami kick and extra crispiness. A fantastic flavor builder for these rolls.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor throughout the rolls, complementing the pepperoni and cheese. Don’t use garlic salt.
• Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that enhances the “pizza” vibe. It’s an important flavor foundation for these savory treats.
• Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the flavors and brings out the best in the cheese and pepperoni. Essential for a well-rounded taste.
• Black pepper (⅛ teaspoon, freshly ground): Adds a subtle warmth and a touch of peppery zest. Always use freshly ground for maximum impact.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Provides a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness as a garnish. Elevates the presentation beautifully.
• Marinara sauce (1 cup, for dipping): The perfect accompaniment, offering a tangy, savory counterpoint to the rich rolls. Warm it slightly before serving.

How to Make Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls

Prep Oven & Dough:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unroll both cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface, separating them into triangles.

Mix Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Assemble Rolls:

Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end towards the narrow tip, forming delicious Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls.

Egg Wash & Bake:

In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with the melted unsalted butter to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of your rolls. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Cool & Garnish:

Let the baked Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set. Garnish them with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve Warm:

Serve these irresistible Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls warm. They are absolutely delicious on their own, but pairing them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping makes them extra special. Enjoy!

How to Store Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls

To store leftover Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t do what I did and leave them out too long; they’ll become soggy and could spoil. Always look for any off smells or visible mold before consuming.

For make-ahead, prepare the filling mixture a day in advance, keeping it covered and refrigerated. Assemble and bake the rolls fresh for the best flaky texture. To reheat baked rolls, use an oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm, avoiding the microwave to retain crispness.

What to Serve with Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls

Serve these delightful Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls warm for the ultimate experience. They are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a vibrant marinara sauce for dipping truly enhances their flavor. For gatherings, arrange them beautifully on a platter. Enjoy them with a light green salad or a crisp sparkling cider.

My favorite way to serve them is fresh from the oven, when the pastry is flakiest and mozzarella is perfectly gooey. I always pair them with warm marinara for dipping. It’s the ideal comforting snack to enjoy, truly irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese in these Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls?

No, I recommend sticking to low-moisture part-skim mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella contains too much water, making your rolls soggy and causing the cheese to melt out excessively. This specific cheese ensures the perfect gooey, non-soggy melt every time.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from melting out of my Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls?

Avoid overfilling your crescent rolls. A careful, controlled spoonful of filling prevents the gooey cheese from inevitably melting out during baking, which I learned the hard way. Also, chilling assembled rolls for 15 minutes before baking helps prevent meltdowns.

→ How long can I store leftover Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls after baking?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. I once left them out too long, and they became soggy and spoiled quickly. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to restore crispness, not the microwave.

→ Can I make these Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls ahead of time or freeze them?

You can definitely prep the filling a day ahead, keeping it refrigerated. For best results and flaky texture, assemble and bake the rolls fresh. Freezing unbaked rolls isn’t recommended as it affects the dough’s texture. Reheat baked frozen rolls in the oven until warm, avoiding sogginess.

→ What if I need to make more or fewer Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls?

Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up or down. Simply adjust the quantities of crescent rolls, filling ingredients, and egg wash proportionally. The cooking time should remain similar, but watch them closely. If doubling, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even baking.