This easy pepperoni pizza roses recipe made with sourdough pizza dough is a fun and practical idea for kids’ lunches, Valentine’s Day, and other special occasions.
I made these pepperoni pizza roses using my sourdough pizza dough recipe for the girls’ lunch, and they were a big hit. They’re easy to portion, filling, and warm really well, which makes them practical for homeschooling days when we’re home for lunch. I make extra because they reheat nicely and are just as good the next day.
Since each pizza rose is rolled with dough, cheese, and pepperoni, they tend to be more filling and higher in protein than a regular pizza slice. That makes them a great option for kids’ lunches.
With Valentine’s Day coming up, these sourdough pizza roses also make a fun and festive treat for loved ones. You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat when needed, or serve them fresh from the oven for a Valentine’s Day lunch or dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Roses
• Easy to prep ahead
• Perfect for kids’ lunches
• Reheat nicely for quick meals
• A simple way to use sourdough pizza dough
• Fun alternative to regular pizza slices
Ingredients for pizza roses:
- Prepared pizza dough
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Pepperoni slices
- Olive oil for greasing
Optional additions
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil
- Marinara for dipping
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Roses
Prep your pan
Grease a muffin tin well with olive oil or line with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Roll out the dough
Roll your sourdough pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the thickness fairly even so the roses bake evenly.
Cut into strips
Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into long strips, about 1½ inch wide. The length will depend on how big your rectangle is.
Add the fillings to each strip
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce down the center of the strip. Don’t use too much or it will squeeze out while rolling.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
- Lay pepperoni slices along the top edge of the strip, overlapping them slightly like shingles. Let about half of each pepperoni hang over the edge of the dough. This overhang is what creates the rose petal look.
Roll into a rose
Starting at one end, roll the strip up gently into a spiral. Keep it snug enough to hold its shape, but not so tight that the pepperoni can’t flare out at the top.
Place in the muffin tin and adjust
Set the rose into a muffin cup with the pepperoni side up. If any pepperoni petals are tucked in, gently fan them outward with your fingers so the top looks more like a rose.
Bake
Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the tops are lightly golden brown.
Let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing.
FAQ’S:
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
You can use puff pastry, but the result will be different. Puff pastry bakes lighter and flakier and won’t hold the rose shape as firmly as pizza dough.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These easy pizza roses can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven until warmed through. They also taste great served fresh the same day.
Can I use a different pizza dough recipe?
Yes. Just roll the dough thin and cut it into wide strips so it holds the shape.
Can I use crescent dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, crescent dough can be used for pizza roses if you want a softer, lighter texture. The flavor and structure will be different from pizza dough, but it works well for baking in a muffin pan.
How do I know when the pizza roses are done baking?
The pizza roses are done when the dough is fully cooked and the tops are golden brown. If the tops of the pepperoni edges start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with a sheet of tinfoil for the remaining bake time.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
The Best Thin Crust Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe
Homemade Deep Dish Pizza Pie with Sourdough Crust
Easy Sourdough Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
pin for later
Pepperoni Pizza Roses Recipe (Made with Sourdough)
Equipment
- 1 Muffin tin
- 1 Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
Ingredients for pizza roses:
- Prepared pizza dough
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese shredded
- Pepperoni slices
- Olive oil for greasing
Optional additions
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil
- Marinara for dipping
Instructions
Prep your pan
- Grease a muffin tin well with olive oil or line with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Roll out the dough
- Roll your sourdough pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the thickness fairly even so the roses bake evenly.
Cut into strips
- Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into long strips, about 1½ inch wide. The length will depend on how big your rectangle is.
Add the fillings to each strip
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce down the center of the strip. Don’t use too much or it will squeeze out while rolling.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
- Lay pepperoni slices along the top edge of the strip, overlapping them slightly like shingles. Let about half of each pepperoni hang over the edge of the dough. This overhang is what creates the rose petal look.
Roll into a rose
- Starting at one end, roll the strip up gently into a spiral. Keep it snug enough to hold its shape, but not so tight that the pepperoni can’t flare out at the top.
Place in the muffin tin and adjust
- Set the rose into a muffin cup with the pepperoni side up. If any pepperoni petals are tucked in, gently fan them outward with your fingers so the top looks more like a rose.
Bake
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing.
These are both beautiful and delicious!