There are plenty of pizza-inspired recipes out there, but these Cheesy Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls bring something special to the table. They combine everything people love about pizza—melted cheese, bold seasoning, soft dough, and savory toppings—into warm, bite-sized rolls that pull apart effortlessly. They’re fun to make, crowd-friendly, and perfect for everything from game nights to family dinners.

This updated version focuses on soft, fluffy rolls with gooey centers and a lightly crisped top. The dough is enriched for extra softness, and the filling is customizable—use mozzarella and pepperoni, load it with veggies, or turn it into a supreme-style pull-apart skillet. These rolls bake beautifully, hold their shape well, and stay soft even after reheating.

Whether you’re looking for a shareable appetizer or a creative way to serve pizza without stretching dough into a full crust, this recipe delivers every time.

Why These Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls Are So Popular

1. The perfect party appetizer

Guests love foods they can grab quickly. These rolls come apart easily and stay soft and warm longer than regular pizza slices.

2. Comfort-food flavor in bite-size form

Every roll is stuffed with melted cheese and seasoned filling—like miniature stuffed-crust bites.

3. Fully customizable

Choose classic pepperoni, go vegetarian, or mix in your favorite toppings.

4. Make ahead friendly

Shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight, or freeze for fast weeknight baking.

5. Family-friendly

Kids love helping shape the rolls, and adults love dipping them in warm pizza sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 2 teaspoons instant or active-dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 ¾ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour), plus extra as needed

For the Filling

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup chopped pepperoni
• Optional add-ins: cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, black olives

For the Topping

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup chopped pepperoni
• Optional: sautéed green pepper + olives for supreme style

Garlic Herb Butter

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Serving

• Warm pizza sauce
• Fresh basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.

1. Activate the Yeast
   Mix yeast and sugar with warm milk. Let rest 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
   Add butter, egg, salt, garlic, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup flour. Add remaining flour gradually. Knead 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled.
4. Shape the Rolls
   Punch down dough. Divide into 20–24 pieces. Flatten each piece and add mozzarella and pepperoni. Seal tightly into balls. Arrange in a greased skillet or baking dish.
5. Second Rise
   Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
6. Bake Safely
   Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes. Add topping cheese and pepperoni, tent with foil, and bake 12–15 minutes, or until golden and the center of the rolls reach 195°F (90°C).
7. Finish & Serve
   Brush with garlic herb butter. Rest 5 minutes before serving with warm pizza sauce.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with pizza sauce, marinara, or garlic butter dip
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables
• Add fresh basil, parsley, or red pepper flakes before serving
• Use as a party appetizer or movie-night snack
• Great with soups like tomato soup or chicken noodle

Storage

• Store rolls in an airtight container
• Keep refrigerated for up to 3–4 days
• For best texture, reheat instead of eating cold

Reheating

• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes
• Air Fryer: 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes
• Microwave: Heat briefly in 10–15 second intervals (softens crust)

Always reheat until warmed through; times vary depending on equipment.

Tips for Best Results

• Warm tortillas/dough slightly before shaping to prevent cracking
• Seal each roll tightly to keep cheese from leaking
• Space rolls evenly for even baking
• Tent with foil during baking to prevent top over-browning
• Brush with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor

Variations

• Vegetarian: mozzarella + peppers + olives + spinach
• Supreme: sausage, onions, peppers, olives
• Margherita: fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato slices (blotted dry)
• Spicy: pepper jack + jalapeños
• Extra Cheesy: add provolone or cheddar to the filling

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling → causes rolls to burst
• Skipping egg wash → edges won’t seal properly
• Using cold dough → cracks and tears while shaping
• Adding wet vegetables → leads to soggy centers
• Not cutting steam vents → rolls puff unevenly
• Removing too early → cheese needs a brief rest to set

FAQ

1. Can I make these rolls without a mixer?

Yes. Mix with a wooden spoon, then knead by hand for 8–10 minutes.

2. What’s the best flour to use?

Bread flour gives a chewier texture. All-purpose works fine for softer rolls.

3. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, but the homemade dough gives a fluffier, richer texture.

4. How do I make them vegetarian?

Skip the pepperoni and add more cheese or use veggie toppings.

5. Can these rolls be frozen?

Yes — freeze shaped, unbaked rolls. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.

6. What cheese melts best?

Whole-milk mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the classic pizza stretch.

7. Why did my rolls bake unevenly?

Your oven rack may be too high. Keep them on the lower third.

8. How can I prevent dough from being too sticky?

Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not wet.

9. Can I add sauce inside the rolls?

No — it makes them leak. Serve sauce on the side.

10. Why is the bottom too dark?

Avoid dark metal pans; use light aluminum or ceramic.

11. How do I reheat these rolls?

Air Fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
Oven: 300°F for 10 minutes
Microwave makes them soft but less crisp.

12. Can I prepare them the day before?

Yes. Refrigerate shaped rolls up to 15 hours, then rise at room temp 1–2 hours.

Conclusion

These Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls are the kind of recipe everyone gravitates toward—warm, soft, cheesy, and easy to share. Each roll is filled with gooey mozzarella and savory toppings, making them a fun twist on classic pizza. They’re great for parties, weeknight dinners, movie nights, and any time you want something comforting without a complicated process. The dough stays tender, the centers stay melty, and the rolls reheat beautifully when you need leftovers. Keep this recipe on hand for gatherings or last-minute cravings; it’s reliable, customizable, and always a crowd favorite.

Recipe card

Cheesy Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls
Author: Isaac Blogger
Course: Appetizer / Snack
Cuisine: American–Italian
Method: Baking
Yield: 20–24 rolls

Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.

Ingredients:
Dough:
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tbsp sugar
¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 ¾ cups bread flour (or all-purpose)

Filling:
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup chopped pepperoni

Topping:
½ cup mozzarella
¼ cup chopped pepperoni

Garlic Butter:
2 tbsp melted butter
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Mix yeast, sugar, and warm milk; rest 5–10 minutes.
2. Add butter, egg, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and flour. Knead 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled.
4. Divide dough into 20–24 balls. Add mozzarella and pepperoni to each and seal.
5. Arrange in a greased skillet or baking pan. Rise 30–45 minutes.
6. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes.
7. Add topping cheese and pepperoni, tent with foil, and bake 12–15 minutes more, or until golden and rolls reach an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
8. Brush with garlic herb butter and rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition (Approx. per roll):
Calories: ~145
Values vary by brands and portion sizes.