Looking for a cute and romantic appetizer or snack for this Valentine’s Day? Well, look no further than these delicious pepperoni pizza roses! I make them in the air fryer (though the oven works as well) for a savory flower-shaped treat that you can eat – no vase required!
What Are Pepperoni Pizza Roses?
Pepperoni pizza roses are a creative and romantic twist on traditional pizza, as they’re designed to resemble blooming roses! They are made by layering pepperoni slices, cheese, and dough into a rolled-up shape, which, when baked, mimics the appearance of a rosebud.
These bite-sized appetizers are both delicious and fun, making them a popular choice for parties, romantic dinners, or holidays like Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day!
I make mine in the air fryer since it’s faster than the oven, but you can also bake them if preferred. Either way, you’ll need a muffin tray (or individual silicone muffin cups) to help them hold their shape.
These pizza roses can be served with marinara or garlic dipping sauce and make an excellent appetizer, snack, or even part of a larger meal. Plus, since they taste like pizza, they’re both kid and adult friendly, so they’re suitable for a variety of different occasions!
Katie’s tip
For more great seasonally-themed options, check out my Pizza Pumpkins (for fall and Halloween) or Christmas Tree Pizza Bites!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients Needed
- 8-ounce can refrigerated crescent dough (use the sheet style)
- 72 slices pepperoni (about 5 ounces)
- 6 slices mozzarella, cut into 4 strips each (square is best)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- For the dough, you can use regular crescent rolls and pinch the seams together if preferred (separate into 4 rectangles, pinch, then cut into 3 strips each). You can also use pizza dough or puff pastry if preferred (cooking times can vary slightly)
- Instead of mozzarella slices you can use about 1 cup of shredded, but I find it harder to work with, so I use slices instead
- Feel free to garnish with some fresh basil leaves and/or parsley if desired
- Other good dipping sauce options include garlic butter, hot honey, or ranch, depending what you like!
Equipment Notes
You’ll need a muffin tin or individual silicone muffin cups that fit in your air fryer for this recipe. I also line mine with paper liners to make for easier display and eating, but you need the more rigid cups to help the pizza roses keep their shape.
If you are making it in the oven instead, you’ll just need a muffin tray, and individual liners if desired.
Step By Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. If you don’t have a defined preheat setting, just set it to temperature and let it run 3-5 minutes. This helps the bottoms cook more evenly since we don’t flip the roses
- Roll out your crescent dough. Cut it widthwise into two equal sections (use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter), then cut each of those sections into 6 approximately 1” wide strips each
- Lay a dough strip down on a flat work surface, then spread a thin layer of pizza sauce (about 1 tsp) evenly across it
- Top the sauce with two strips of mozzarella cheese, then place 6 slices of pepperoni slightly overlapping over top of that (the top halves of the pepperoni slices should stick out above the top of the dough). Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over top of the pepperoni
- Start at one end of the dough and roll it into a roll (with the dough on the outside and the pepperoni on the inside) to create the rose shape
- Set the rolled dough into your paper liners and then place in the muffin cups (or you can spray your muffin cups with nonstick spray and add the rolls directly to them)
- Place the filled muffin cups into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between them (cook in batches if needed for very small units)
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for about 7-8 minutes, until the top is browned and crispy, and the dough is cooked through (about 190°F if you have a thermometer to check the dough)
- Cool slightly, then remove from the muffin pan, and serve warm with extra sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Alternative Oven Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F
- Place the pizza roses into a muffin tin, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown
What to Serve With Pizza Roses
Pizza roses are versatile appetizers that pair well with a variety of sides, dips, and beverages to make a complete meal if you want! Here are some great options to serve alongside them:
Dips and Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing for a warm and tangy complement
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and flavorful, perfect for dipping
- Garlic Butter: Adds a rich, indulgent touch
- Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick of heat
Salads
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing balance the richness of the pizza roses!
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a light and refreshing option
- Greek Salad: Olives, feta, and cucumbers offer a Mediterranean-inspired pairing
Sides
- Garlic Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce!
- Mozzarella Sticks: A cheesy, indulgent side to complement the roses
- Vegetable Platter: Carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes with a ranch or hummus dip balance the richness
Beverages
- Italian Sodas: Sweet and bubbly, they pair wonderfully with savory pizza roses
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the pizza flavors
- Beer: A light lager or a hoppy IPA pairs well with the pepperoni and cheese
- Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Refreshing non-alcoholic options to cleanse the palate
- Italian Inspired Cocktails. Try a Limoncello French 75 or Sweet Cherry Italian Margarita for the perfect alcoholic pairings!
Desserts
- Tiramisu: Adds a sweet, Italian-themed ending to the meal. My Tiramisu Mug Cake is perfect for 1-2 people!
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Light and indulgent without being too heavy. Make Microwave Chocolate Covered Strawberries for an easy recipe!
- Cannoli: Complements the Italian inspiration of the pizza roses
- Apple Roses: Made with puff pastry and apple butter, these are the perfect “flower” pairing
Recipe FAQs
Is It Better To Cook Pizza Rolls In The Oven Or Air Fryer?
Both methods work well, but the air fryer is often preferred for its speed and ability to create a crispier texture. Cooking pizza rolls in the oven provides a softer, evenly baked result, while the air fryer delivers a golden, slightly crunchy finish in less time.
The choice depends on your preference and the equipment available.
Can You Use Aluminum Foil For Pizza Roses?
You still need a muffin tin to help preserve shape, but aluminum foil can be used when making pizza roses. Lining your muffin tin with foil helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Alternatively, you can use parchment paper or lightly grease the tin with oil or nonstick spray to achieve similar results.
How Do I Know When Pizza Roses Are Done?
Pizza roses are done when the dough is golden brown, the cheese is fully melted, and the pepperoni edges are crisp. This usually takes about 12–15 minutes in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) or approximately 7–8 minutes in an air fryer set to the same temperature.
Air fryer pizza roses will usually be more brown than oven baked ones. Use a thermometer or toothpick to check that the center of the dough is cooked through before serving.
Tips For the Best Pizza Roses
- Pizza roses tend to expand up more so than outwards as they cook. If yours go a little too high, gently push them down as soon as you remove them from the oven or air fryer to restore them to a more muffin-like shape
- The air fryer will brown the pepperoni more than the oven (though it can vary based on the location of your heating element). Make sure to start with the lower end of the cooking time and adjust in small increments to keep them from burning!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or zippered bag in the fridge for 3-4 days
- To reheat pizza roses, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, until warmed through (or stick them in the oven for 7-8 minutes)
More Air Fryer Pizza Recipes
- Air Fryer Pizza Chicken
- Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Final Thoughts
These easy pizza roses are made with just a few simple ingredients for a fun and festive treat. Serve them for Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or any special occasion where you want to jazz up your ordinary pepperoni pizza or pizza rolls for a delicious appetizer!
Enjoy them on their own with a side of sauce for dipping, or add a side salad and make a meal out of these pizza bites – the choice is yours! They’re kid friendly and adult approved, and the rose-petal look of the finished product makes them great for date night.
For more great air fryer pizza creations, check out all of my Air Fryer Pizza Recipes for some tasty inspiration!
Pizza Roses With Crescent Dough (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Sharp knife (or pizza cutter)
- Silicone muffin cups (or a small muffin tin that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
- 8 ounce can refrigerated crescent dough (sheet preferred)
- 72 slices pepperoni (about 5 ounces)
- 6 slices square mozzarella (cut into 4 strips each)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. If you don’t have a preheat setting, set the temperature and let it run 3-5 minutes
- Roll out your crescent dough. Cut it widthwise into two equal sections, then cut each of those sections into 6 strips each (approximately 1” wide)8 ounce can refrigerated crescent dough
- Lay a dough strip down on a flat work surface, then spread a thin layer of pizza sauce (about 1 tsp) evenly across it¼ cup pizza sauce
- Top the sauce with two strips of mozzarella cheese, then place 6 slices of pepperoni slightly overlapping over top of that (the top halves of the pepperoni slices should stick out above the top of the dough). Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over top of the pepperoni72 slices pepperoni, 6 slices square mozzarella, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Start at one end of the dough and roll it into a roll (with the dough on the outside and the pepperoni on the inside) to create the rose shape. Then, set the rolled dough into your paper liners and then place in the muffin cups (or spray your muffin cups with nonstick spray and add the rolls directly to them)
- Place the filled muffin cups into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between them (cook in batches if needed for very small units)
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for about 7-8 minutes, until the top is browned and crispy, and the dough is cooked through
- Cool slightly, then remove from the muffin pan, and serve warm with extra sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F
- Place the pizza roses into a muffin tin, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown
Notes
- Dough substitution options include regular crescent rolls (pinch the seams together) – separate into 4 rectangles, pinch, then cut into 3 strips each). You can also use pizza dough or puff pastry if preferred (cooking times can vary slightly)
- Instead of mozzarella slices you can use about 1 cup of shredded cheese instead
- Other good dipping sauce options include garlic butter, hot honey, or ranch
- Pizza roses expand up more than out as they cook. If needed, gently push them down as soon as you remove them from the oven or air fryer to restore them to a more muffin-like shape
- The air fryer will brown the pepperoni more than the oven (though it can vary based on the location of your heating element). Check often to prevent burning
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
