Name: Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 package pizza dough (Store-bought or homemade; ensure it's at room temperature.); 1 cup sliced pepperoni (Can substitute with turkey or vegan pepperoni.); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Whole milk mozzarella is recommended for maximum meltiness.); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Dried oregano or basil can be used as substitutes.); 1 tablespoon olive oil (For brushing to achieve a golden crust.); as needed Marinara sauce (For dipping; use jarred or homemade.)

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The Coziest Nights Call for Homemade Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

I don’t know about you, but some of my happiest memories start with a bubbling pan of comfort food and a house full of laughter. One stormy Friday, with rain pattering the windows and that unmistakable chill creeping in, my family and I decided to have a “make-your-own pizza night.” Mozzarella ended up everywhere, several giggles later—and thanks to a bit of creativity (and a shortage of pizza pans)—we whipped up our very first batch of stuffed pepperoni pizza sticks. They were gooey, cheesy, and so easy I wondered why I hadn’t tried them sooner! If you’re craving an easy pizza appetizer or a fun kid-friendly dinner, these pizza sticks are about to become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Adore These Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Let me just gush for a minute, because these babies absolutely steal the show every time I make them. Here’s why I know you’ll love this stuffed pepperoni pizza sticks recipe as much as I do:

Super Simple: No special skills required—if you can roll dough and pile on cheese, you’re halfway there! (This is what “easy pizza appetizer” dreams are made of.)
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids devour them, adults rave about them, and even picky eaters come back for seconds. It’s impossible to eat just one.
Total Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, just a little bit crispy, and dunked in marinara. These homemade pizza sticks deliver all the classic pizza flavors in a cozy, hand-held package.
Fun to Make: Pizza night becomes an interactive family event. Everyone loves stuffing their own and sneaking a few extra pepperonis.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

No need to hunt down hard-to-find ingredients—here’s what you’ll need to make these easy homemade pizza sticks:

1 package pizza dough – Store-bought keeps it simple, but if you have a homemade dough recipe you love, use that! Just make sure it’s at room temperature so it’s easy to roll.
1 cup sliced pepperoni – Classic is my go-to, but feel free to use turkey or vegan pepperoni (for a little smoky kick!).
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – I like whole milk mozzarella for maximum meltiness. Pre-shredded is convenient, but grating your own really pays off in gooey factor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds that herby, pizza-parlor aroma (dried oregano or basil work in a pinch).
1 tablespoon olive oil – For brushing the tops, which makes the crust golden and irresistible.
Marinara sauce, for dipping – Jarred or homemade, but don’t skip it! (It’s what takes this from good to oh wow.)

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Heading into the kitchen? Here’s how to make pizza sticks that are crispy on the outside, cheesy within, and practically begging to be dipped:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). I always do this first so it’s hot and ready (nothing worse than waiting on a preheat when you’re hungry!).
Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the pizza dough. If it shrinks back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
Cut Into Rectangles: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into rectangles—about 4×6 inches. Imperfect shapes? Even better, in my book.
Add Filling: Layer a few slices of pepperoni and a healthy sprinkle of mozzarella right in the center of each rectangle.
Sprinkle Italian Seasoning: This is your secret flavor weapon! A little goes a long way.
Fold and Seal: Fold each dough rectangle over the filling, pinching and tucking the sides so no cheese escapes. (Press the edges with a fork for a fun pattern!)
Get Baking: Arrange the sticks on a greased baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd—they’ll bake up crispier if they have breathing room.
Oil for Gold: Brush the tops with olive oil for a glossy finish (and truly crave-worthy crust).
Bake: Pop into the oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese inside is gooey.
Serve with Marinara: Serve warm, with a bowl of marinara for dunking. Watch them disappear!

My Secret Tips and Tricks for Pizza Sticks Success

Over lots of batches (and plenty of snacking “research”), I’ve picked up a few trusted tips for getting these homemade pizza sticks just right:

Roll your dough evenly—thick enough to hold all the cheesy goodness but not so thick that it overwhelms the filling. About ¼ inch is perfect.
Don’t overfill! As tempting as it is to load them up, a modest heap of pepperoni and cheese will prevent leaks (and help them bake evenly).
Brush with garlic-infused olive oil for an Italian restaurant vibe.
Let the pizza sticks cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. The cheese sets up just enough so you won’t burn your mouth (trust me on this one).
For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone if you have one.

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

One of my favorite things about these pizza sticks? They’re endlessly customizable! If you want to put a twist on the classic stuffed pepperoni pizza sticks, try these ideas:

Veggie Lovers: Swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian pizza stick.
Cheese Explosion: Mix in sharp cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for extra cheesy goodness.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough (lots of great brands out now!) for a celiac-friendly pizza appetizer.
Spicy: Layer in sliced jalapeños or hot soppressata for a kick.
Mini Pizza Sticks: Cut the dough smaller for bite-sized snacks—perfect for parties or lunchboxes.

How to Serve and Store Your Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Fresh out of the oven, these pepperoni pizza sticks are absolute perfection—cheesy, chewy, and ready for dipping. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Serve them right away with warm marinara or ranch (for a fun pizza night spread).
Leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes, or warm in the air fryer for a quick, crispy fix. (Microwaving works in a pinch, though the crust will be softer.)

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks Answered

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
You totally can! Crescent dough makes for a buttery, flaky twist on the classic pizza stick—just be gentle when sealing the edges.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese from leaking out?
Don’t overstuff, and be sure to seal the edges well (a little water helps the dough stick). If some cheese escapes and gets crispy—it’s still delicious!

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them up to a day ahead and keep in the fridge. Bake fresh for ultimate gooeyness, or reheat as described above.

Can I freeze pizza sticks?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. When you’re ready, reheat at 350°F until thawed and hot.

What other dipping sauces work?
Aside from marinara, try garlic butter, ranch, or even buffalo sauce for an extra punch (these homemade pizza sticks love company!).

Honestly, I could go on and on about these stuffed pepperoni pizza sticks—they’ve brought a little extra magic to so many ordinary nights at our house. If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Snap a photo, tag me, and let’s keep the pizza party going. Happy, cozy snacking!

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