Save This hearty Sweet Cherry Pepperoni Pizza Wrap recipe transforms classic pizza flavors into a convenient handheld meal. The unexpected pairing of sweet cherries with savory pepperoni creates a delightful flavor contrast that elevates these wraps beyond ordinary pizza rolls.
I created these wraps during a busy holiday season when my family wanted pizza but I needed something portable for our tree-trimming party. They disappeared faster than any dish I've ever served and have become our go-to for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas: provide the perfect vehicle for all your fillings and crisp up beautifully when baked
- Pizza sauce: creates the classic base flavor use store bought or homemade depending on your preference
- Mozzarella cheese: melts into that stretchy gooey texture we all love from traditional pizza
- Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty salty kick that enhances all the other flavors
- Pepperoni: brings that classic pizza spice and savory richness look for uncured varieties for better flavor
- Sweet cherries: provide an unexpected burst of juiciness that balances the salty pepperoni perfectly
- Red onion: adds a gentle bite and beautiful color contrast
- Fresh basil: brightens the entire wrap with its aromatic finish
- Dried oregano: completes the classic pizza flavor profile
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F or heat a large skillet. Having everything ready makes assembly quick and efficient. Make sure your cherries are pitted and quartered to distribute their sweetness throughout each bite.
- Spread The Base:
- Lay each tortilla flat and spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce in an even layer across the surface. Leave about half an inch around the edges to prevent spillage during rolling. The thin layer works better than thick sauce which can make wraps soggy.
- Add The Cheeses:
- Sprinkle both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce. Dont be tempted to add too much as excess cheese will leak out during cooking. The combination of these two cheeses provides both meltability and flavor depth.
- Layer The Toppings:
- Arrange 6 pepperoni slices on each tortilla followed by scattered cherry quarters and red onion slices. Distribute everything evenly so each bite contains all flavors. The cherries should be well distributed to ensure their sweetness appears throughout.
- Season And Finish:
- Sprinkle each wrap with dried oregano and a light dusting of black pepper. These final seasonings tie all the flavors together and enhance the pizza profile without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Roll With Care:
- Roll each tortilla tightly tucking in the sides as you go. The key is maintaining tension while rolling to keep the filling secure. Place seam side down to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Cook To Golden Perfection:
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp or cook in a skillet turning occasionally until evenly browned. Watch carefully as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly. The exterior should be crisp while the interior remains melty.
Save The cherries are truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered this combination accidentally when I had leftover cherries from a summer dessert and decided to experiment. The way the fruit juices release during cooking creates pockets of sweet tanginess that cut through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni perfectly.
Make-Ahead Options
These pizza wraps can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator wrapped individually in plastic wrap. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining. Simply remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. The texture is actually improved when the ingredients have time to meld together in the refrigerator.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Version: Use fresh cherries at their peak sweetness for the most vibrant flavor. Add fresh herbs like basil and oregano instead of dried. Include summer vegetables like zucchini ribbons or yellow squash. Winter Comfort: Substitute jarred cherries or even cherry preserves thinned with a bit of balsamic vinegar. Add hearty elements like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Increase the cheese for extra richness during colder months.
Kid-Friendly Variations
The beauty of these wraps is how easily they can be customized for picky eaters. Create a wrap station where everyone builds their own combination. Children especially love helping to roll their own creations. Consider cutting finished wraps into pinwheels for smaller appetites or little hands.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens complement the sweet and savory flavors perfectly. For a complete meal add a light vegetable soup on the side. If serving as appetizers slice into 1inch pieces and arrange on a platter with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Save Enjoy these unique and flavorful Sweet Cherry Pepperoni Pizza Wraps for a delightful meal or snack.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?
Yes, try halved grapes or sliced sweet peppers for a similar burst of flavor and sweetness.
- → How do I keep the wraps from unrolling while baking?
Place each wrap seam-side down on the baking sheet, ensuring the seam is underneath to keep them secure.
- → What’s the best way to make them crispier?
Bake until the outside is golden and firm; for extra crunch, finish briefly under a broiler or in a hot skillet.
- → Can these wraps be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate unbaked wraps up to 1 day ahead, then bake or cook just before serving.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives?
Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, or sliced tomatoes to achieve savory richness without meat.