Easy Pepperoni Tortilla Roll Ups

Finding crowd-pleasing appetizers for game days and parties can feel like a never-ending quest. Between juggling different taste preferences and trying to avoid spending hours in the kitchen, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut with the same old chips and dips routine.

That’s why these pepperoni tortilla roll ups have become my go-to party food: they’re quick to put together, can be made ahead of time, and always disappear within minutes of hitting the table – plus, they’re the kind of simple finger food that both kids and adults love.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

For these roll ups, you’ve got several tasty tortilla options that each bring something different to the table. Regular white flour tortillas are the most neutral choice and let the filling flavors shine through, while spinach tortillas add a subtle earthiness and nice color, and sun-dried tomato ones bring an extra punch of Mediterranean flavor. The most important thing is to choose tortillas that are fresh and pliable – if they’re stiff or dry, they’ll crack when you try to roll them up. I recommend warming them slightly in the microwave under a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds to make them extra flexible and easier to work with.

Options for Substitutions

This fun appetizer recipe is super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Cream cheese: If you need a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese – it has less fat but spreads just as well. You could also use whipped cream cheese, though you might need a bit less since it’s fluffier.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt makes a great substitute here – it adds the same tangy taste with extra protein. Just make sure to use plain, full-fat yogurt for the best results.
• Cheese blend: Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact cheese mix – any combination of mozzarella, provolone, or even mild cheddar will work well. Just aim for cheese that melts nicely.
• Pepperoni: You can swap pepperoni with salami, ham, or turkey pepperoni for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using chopped sun-dried tomatoes instead.
• Bell peppers: Any color bell pepper works fine here. You can also try replacing them with chopped roasted red peppers from a jar – just drain them well first.
• Mushrooms: Not a fan of mushrooms? Leave them out or replace with finely chopped black olives or artichoke hearts for a different but equally tasty filling.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making pepperoni roll ups is working with cream cheese that’s not properly softened, which can lead to lumpy filling and torn tortillas – leave it out for at least an hour before starting, or microwave in 10-second bursts until perfectly smooth. Another common mistake is overfilling the tortillas, which makes them difficult to roll and can cause the filling to squeeze out the sides – stick to about 1/2 cup of filling per tortilla and spread it evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. To prevent soggy roll ups, make sure to pat your chopped vegetables dry with paper towels before adding them to the filling, and if making ahead, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to help them hold their shape when sliced. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices – this prevents the filling from getting squished and keeps your presentation looking neat.

What to Serve With Pepperoni Roll Ups?

These pepperoni roll ups are perfect for parties and game day spreads, and they pair really well with a variety of dips and sides! A warm marinara sauce makes an excellent dipping companion, while a crisp garden salad helps balance out the richness of the cream cheese and pepperoni. For a complete party spread, I like to serve these alongside some marinated olives, pickled vegetables, or a bowl of crunchy potato chips. If you’re serving these as a meal rather than an appetizer, they go great with a bowl of tomato soup or a simple Italian-style vegetable soup.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These pepperoni tortilla roll ups are perfect for making ahead! Place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first, then put them in the container – this helps them keep their shape and prevents them from drying out.

Make Ahead: You can prep these roll ups up to 24 hours before serving. Just wrap them tightly and keep them whole (don’t slice yet!) in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then slice them into pinwheels – this makes them easier to cut and helps the filling stay put.

Serve: Once you’ve sliced the roll ups into pinwheels, they’re best enjoyed within 2-3 hours at room temperature. If you’re taking them to a party, keep them chilled in a cooler with ice packs until ready to serve. The cream cheese filling helps everything stick together nicely!

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	120-140 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2800-3200
• Protein: 100-120 g
• Fat: 200-220 g
• Carbohydrates: 220-240 g

Ingredients

For the tortillas:

• 5 10-inch flour tortillas

For the cheese mixture:

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp Italian herbs
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese mix (I use Sargento brand)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for richness)

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 3/4 cup chopped bell peppers (any color, diced small)
• 16 oz sliced pepperoni (Hormel brand works well)

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, begin by mixing the cream cheese until it is smooth.

Add in the garlic, sour cream, cheeses, and Italian seasoning.

Continue to mix until all the ingredients are well combined and create a uniform mixture.

Step 2: Assemble the Tortillas

Take each of the 5 flour tortillas and evenly divide the cheese mixture among them.

Spread the mixture across the entire surface of each tortilla so it’s fully covered.

Add a layer of pepperoni slices over the cheese mixture on each tortilla.

Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients

Sprinkle finely chopped peppers and mushrooms over the pepperoni layer on each tortilla.

Ensure these toppings are distributed evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.

Step 4: Roll and Wrap

Tightly roll each tortilla to encase all the fillings.

Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap securely to maintain its shape and keep it fresh.

Place the wraps in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the rolls to firm up.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

When you are ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and slice each rolled tortilla into pinwheel-style pieces.

Arrange them on a serving platter and enjoy your tasty creation!