Name: Pizza Pull Apart Rolls with Cheese, Pepperoni, and Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star; 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar; 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk; 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend; 2 and 3/4 cups (360g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; 1 and 1/2 cups (135g) shredded melting cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pepperoni (or more cheese); 1/2 cup (45g) shredded melting cheese; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pepperoni (or more cheese); optional: 4 ounces (113g) uncooked ground Italian sausage; optional: 1/3 cup (50g) chopped green pepper; optional: 2 Tablespoons (20g) sliced black olives; 2 Tablespoons (28g) butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; optional, for serving: pizza sauce, chopped fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of pizza but crave a fun and shareable twist, these Pizza Pull Apart Rolls with Cheese, Pepperoni, and Garlic Herb Butter Recipe are going to be your new best friend. Picture soft, buttery yeast rolls bursting with melty cheese and savory pepperoni inside, all topped with more cheese and pepperoni, then brushed with a fragrant garlic herb butter. Every pull reveals gooey, cheesy goodness and that irresistible garlic-kissed aroma, making it impossible not to keep reaching for one more. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or just an indulgent snack that feels like a warm hug from your favorite pizzeria.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view shows a white marbled surface with scattered baking ingredients for a recipe. In the center is a large clear glass bowl filled with white flour. Above it, slightly to the left, is a white packet of platinum baking yeast and a small silver bowl with a white powder. To the top right, there is a clear measuring cup with a milky white liquid inside. Around the flour, there are small clear glass bowls with different spices, one containing yellow powder and another filled with green herbs. At the bottom left, a white cup holds sliced red pepperoni and shredded pale yellow cheese. To the bottom right, there is a single whole brown egg and a small glass bowl with melted butter. The composition is clean, organized, with a balanced color palette focused on white, red, and earthy tones photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these pull apart rolls comes down to a handful of simple yet super important ingredients. Each one adds to the perfect balance of soft texture, rich flavor, and that classic pizza taste we all love. From the yeast that gives the dough rise, to the Italian seasoning that brings in those herbaceous notes, every element plays its part.

Platinum Yeast from Red Star: Ensures a reliable, fluffy rise for perfectly soft rolls every time.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast while adding a subtle sweetness to the dough.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to make the dough tender and flavorful.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the dough for buttery softness and brushed on top for that irresistible finish.
Large egg: Helps bind the dough and improve its structure.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory garlic flavor that’s key to the overall taste.
Italian seasoning blend: Brings classic pizza herbs like oregano and basil to every bite.
Bread flour: Provides the perfect gluten structure for soft yet sturdy rolls.
Shredded melting cheese: Melts gloriously inside the rolls and on top for ooey-gooey goodness.
Chopped pepperoni: Adds a delicious, salty, and slightly spicy pizza staple inside and on top.
Optional toppings (Italian sausage, green pepper, black olives): Customize the rolls for even more pizza flavor and variety.
Garlic herb butter: The final luscious brush to make the rolls shine with flavor and a buttery finish.
Optional for serving (pizza sauce, fresh basil, red pepper flakes): Perfect for dipping and adding extra pizzazz when ready to eat.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pizza Pull Apart Rolls with Cheese, Pepperoni, and Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Dough

Start by activating the Platinum Yeast in warm milk combined with a bit of sugar. This bubbling mixture is the heart of the dough’s rise and will ensure your rolls end up light and fluffy. Once the yeast is foamy, mix in melted butter, egg, and seasonings for flavor. Slowly incorporate the bread flour until a soft dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this step—kneading develops the gluten that gives you that perfect chewy texture we love in rolls.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. This patient waiting is where the dough develops its airy structure and subtle flavor complexity—skip or shorten this and your rolls won’t be quite as irresistibly tender.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Once risen, punch down your dough gently and roll it out into a rectangle. Layer the shredded cheese and chopped pepperoni evenly across the dough. Then, roll up the dough jelly-roll style and slice it into 20 to 24 pieces. These little spirals will be the perfect cheesy, pepperoni-filled centers of each roll—this is the part that makes the recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Second Rise and Optional Toppings

Arrange your rolled pieces in a greased pan, leaving enough room to puff up. Let them rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 40 minutes. Before baking, sprinkle the tops with extra cheese, pepperoni, and your choice of Italian sausage, green peppers, or olives for that all-around pizza vibe.

Step 5: Bake and Brush with Garlic Herb Butter

Bake the rolls in a preheated oven until golden and bubbly, typically around 35 minutes. The final step is brushing them generously with garlic herb butter—this melt-in-your-mouth coating delivers a savory, buttery finish that elevates every bite and makes your kitchen smell incredible.

How to Serve Pizza Pull Apart Rolls with Cheese, Pepperoni, and Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

A black cast iron skillet filled with about fifteen round, golden-brown bread rolls, each slightly touching the next, forming a tight cluster. The rolls are soft and shiny on top with a light crust. Shredded white cheese is scattered generously over the rolls, some melting slightly. A woman's hand is pulling one roll gently upwards from the cluster. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving adds freshness and a subtle kick to each roll. These simple touches brighten the rich flavors and invite everyone to customize their experience.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a light, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance all the richness. A bowl of classic marinara or your favorite pizza sauce makes a perfect dipper, offering a saucy contrast that keeps every bite exciting and flavorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual get-together, serve the rolls on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces and toppings like sliced olives, jalapeños, or even drizzles of balsamic glaze. You could even thread smaller rolls onto skewers for fun pizza roll kabobs that are sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Pizza Pull Apart Rolls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out. Reheat gently to bring back that fresh-baked feeling.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked shaped rolls after the second rise by wrapping the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, storing for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This is a game-changer for prepping ahead of time or meal planning.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warm and the cheese is melty again. Cover with foil if the tops brown too quickly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfectly soft yet slightly crusty texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While shredded mozzarella or a mozzarella blend works best for melting and flavor, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little extra zing.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

All-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly less chewy and structured. You might need a little less or more to get the right dough consistency since all-purpose flour has less protein.

Can I make these rolls without pepperoni?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of pepperoni or want a vegetarian option, just fill the rolls with cheese and add some finely chopped vegetables or olives instead. The garlic herb butter topping keeps them flavorful either way.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The first rise should take about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size. The second rise, once shaped, will take around 40 minutes. Both rises are essential for that perfect pull apart texture.

Can I prepare the garlic herb butter in advance?

Definitely. The garlic herb butter can be mixed several hours or even a day before and stored in the fridge. Just warm it gently before brushing it onto the hot rolls to keep the flavors bright and buttery.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Pull Apart Rolls with Cheese, Pepperoni, and Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that feels like a little celebration every time you bake it. The combination of soft yeast rolls, gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and that heavenly garlic butter glaze is just unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch your family or friends dive into these warm, cheesy rolls – they’re truly a slice of homemade happiness. Give yourself the gift of this delicious experience and enjoy every gooey, buttery bite!

Pizza Pull Apart Rolls with Cheese, Pepperoni, and Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need