Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe

Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls are an irresistible, quick-to-make snack or meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants with the savory flavors of mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Whether you’re preparing an appetizer for a party or making a cozy family dinner, these croissant rolls will be a hit! The best part is they’re so easy to make, and the combination of gooey cheese and savory pepperoni wrapped in warm croissant dough is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: These croissant rolls are simple to assemble and bake. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious dish.
2. Crowd-Pleasing: Mozzarella, pepperoni, and croissants — what’s not to love? This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
3. Customizable: You can adjust the filling by adding vegetables, switching up the cheese, or using a different type of meat to suit your taste.
4. Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish alongside a salad or soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Croissant Dough

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the croissant dough bakes evenly and achieves a golden, flaky texture.
2. Unroll the Dough
   • Open the can of refrigerated croissant dough and carefully unroll it onto a flat surface. If your dough is pre-cut into triangles, great! If not, you can cut the dough into 8 even triangles.
3. Prepare Your Work Surface
   • Lay a piece of parchment paper on your baking sheet. This will prevent the croissants from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Assemble the Croissant Rolls

1. Add the Filling
   • Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 tablespoon) in the wide end of each dough triangle.
   • Add 3–4 pieces of chopped pepperoni on top of the cheese.
   • Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the filling for extra flavor, if desired.
2. Roll the Croissants
   • Carefully roll each croissant, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the narrow tip. Try to roll tightly so the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.
3. Place on the Baking Sheet
   • Once the croissants are rolled, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 3: Bake the Croissants

1. Brush with Olive Oil
   • Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the croissants with olive oil. This will help them bake to a beautiful golden-brown color.
2. Bake
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

1. Mix the Sauce
   • While the croissants are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the marinara sauce with the chopped fresh basil. Stir well to mix.
2. Heat the Sauce
   • Heat the sauce in the microwave for 30–40 seconds, or warm it on the stove over low heat until it’s at your desired temperature.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Cool Slightly
   • Once the croissants are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two before serving. This will help avoid burns from the melted cheese.
2. Serve with Sauce
   • Serve the Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls warm with your marinara dipping sauce on the side.
3. Garnish (Optional)
   • For a fresh touch, sprinkle additional chopped basil or grated Parmesan cheese on top of the croissants before serving.

Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls

1. Don’t Overfill
   • Avoid overstuffing the croissants with cheese or pepperoni. This could cause the filling to spill out while baking, creating a mess.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
   • Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and creates a gooey, cheesy inside. If using pre-shredded cheese, ensure it’s labeled as “for melting” to achieve the best result.
3. Try Different Meats
   • While pepperoni is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other meats like cooked sausage, ham, or even bacon.
4. Use Homemade Dough
   • If you prefer homemade croissant dough, you can make your own or use pizza dough for a slightly different texture.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Version
   • Skip the pepperoni and add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
2. Spicy Kick
   • Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them over the croissants before baking for an extra spicy kick.
3. Cheese Lovers
   • Double the amount of mozzarella cheese or add other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan for a more indulgent treat.
4. Garlic Butter
   • After baking, brush the croissants with a garlic butter mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Combine melted butter with garlic powder and parsley for a delicious finish.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover croissant rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the baked croissants individually by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
• Microwave: Microwave on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful, as the croissants may lose their crispy texture in the microwave.

Why This Recipe Works

The flaky, buttery croissant dough provides a perfect base for the gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni. The rolls bake up golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and cheesy on the inside. The addition of marinara sauce adds a delicious tangy contrast, making this dish a crowd favorite every time.

Conclusion

These Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls are perfect for a quick snack, game day treat, or easy weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that everyone will rave about. The combination of warm, gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and flaky croissant dough will satisfy all your cravings and leave you coming back for more. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce, and watch them disappear in minutes!

Yield: 8

Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls Recipe

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Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls are an irresistible, quick-to-make snack or meal that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants with the savory flavors of mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Whether you're preparing an appetizer for a party or making a cozy family dinner, these croissant rolls will be a hit! The best part is they’re so easy to make, and the combination of gooey cheese and savory pepperoni wrapped in warm croissant dough is simply irresistible.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated croissant dough
• 16 slices pepperoni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Step 2: Prepare the Croissant Dough
   Open the can of croissant dough and unroll it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   Separate the dough into individual triangles, following the lines in the dough.
   
3. Step 3: Add the Filling
   Place 2 slices of pepperoni on each dough triangle, laying them along the wide end.
   Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni.
   Optionally, you can sprinkle a little oregano and garlic powder for extra flavor.
   
4. Step 4: Roll Up the Croissants
   Starting from the wide end, roll up each croissant triangle tightly to form a crescent shape, encasing the cheese and pepperoni inside.
   
5. Step 5: Bake the Croissants
   Brush the top of each croissant with olive oil for a golden, crisp finish.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
   
6. Step 6: Serve
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
   Serve the mozzarella pepperoni croissant rolls warm, with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

• Customization: You can substitute pepperoni with other meats like ham, sausage, or bacon for different flavor variations.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them when ready to serve.