Loaded Roll-Up Loaf: A Cheesy, Savory Showstopper Perfect for Any Table

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Loaded Roll-Up Loaf is everything you want in a comforting, shareable dish—warm, savory, cheesy, and endlessly customizable. Imagine soft dough rolled up with layers of meats, cheeses, and flavorful add-ins, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of recipe that works beautifully as a party appetizer, a casual dinner, or even a picnic-friendly main dish. What sets this loaf apart is how adaptable it is; you can mix and match fillings based on what you have on hand. I once tried making a version using plant-based mozzarella, and the loaf still baked up gorgeously melty and flavorful. Whether sliced warm from the oven or served at room temperature, it remains delightfully satisfying. If you love recipes that impress visually yet require simple steps, this loaded roll-up loaf will quickly become a favorite.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough
This forms the base of the loaf, offering structure and softness while being easy to roll and shape.

Shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts into a stretchy, creamy layer that holds the filling together.

Shredded cheddar cheese
Adds sharpness and depth, balancing the mildness of the mozzarella.

Cooked bacon or ham
Provides savory richness and a smoky note that complements the cheeses beautifully.

Pepperoni slices
Introduce classic pizzeria-style flavor and a bit of spice.

Baby spinach
Adds freshness and a pop of color without overpowering the richness.

Cream cheese
Creates a silky base layer that keeps the filling cohesive and enhances texture.

Garlic powder
Boosts aroma and adds a subtle savory accent.

Italian seasoning
Brings herbs that unify all the flavors in the loaf.

Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that elevate the overall taste.

Olive oil or melted butter
Brushed on top for golden color and enhanced flavor during baking.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin, even layer of softened cream cheese over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper across the surface to season the filling.

Layer the meats next—scatter cooked bacon or ham evenly, followed by pepperoni slices. Add the baby spinach, then top generously with shredded mozzarella and cheddar. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking the filling as you go to prevent gaps. Pinch the seam closed and place the loaf seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the top with olive oil or melted butter. For an added finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning or grated cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaf turns golden brown and the cheese begins to bubble slightly at the edges. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the filling set and ensures cleaner cuts. Serve warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes 25–30 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes of cooling before slicing.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, allowing the crust to crisp slightly again. For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly; reheat from thawed for best texture.

Variations and Customizations

Italian Sub Roll-Up

Fill with salami, capicola, provolone, and banana peppers for an Italian deli–inspired twist.

Chicken Alfredo Roll-Up

Use shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, and spinach for a creamy, pasta-like variation.

Veggie Supreme

Load the loaf with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, and mozzarella for a hearty vegetarian version.

Buffalo Chicken Roll-Up

Combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Breakfast Roll-Up

Use scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar, and green onions for a morning-friendly loaf.

Pesto and Mozzarella

Spread pesto instead of cream cheese and fill with mozzarella and tomatoes.

Meat Lovers’

Pack the loaf with bacon, sausage, ham, pepperoni, and extra cheese for a rich, indulgent option.

Spinach-Artichoke

Use a spinach-artichoke dip–style filling for a creamy, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Mediterranean Roll-Up

Try feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach with olive oil and herbs.

Taco Roll-Up

Fill with seasoned ground beef, cheddar, peppers, and serve with salsa for dipping.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?

What dipping sauces pair best with this loaf?

Can I make the loaf ahead of time?

How do I prevent the loaf from unrolling during baking?

Can I freeze the assembled loaf before baking?

Can I use different cheeses?

Why is my loaf soggy at the bottom?

Can I omit the meat for a vegetarian version?

Should I add sauce inside the loaf?

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Conclusion

A Loaded Roll-Up Loaf is a satisfying, customizable recipe that suits weeknight dinners, gatherings, or any event where you want something hearty and impressive. Its versatility allows endless combinations of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, while the simple technique ensures consistently delicious results. Whether you keep it classic or explore creative variations, this loaf delivers warm, cheesy comfort in every slice—a dependable favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

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