PEPPERONI ROLLS

Introduction

There’s something so comforting about a pepperoni roll. I’m not talking about the kind of snack you just grab out of a bag. I’m talking about a homemade, soft, pillowy roll with warm, gooey cheese and pepperoni tucked inside. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness that hits just the right spot.

I first discovered pepperoni rolls on a visit to a small town in West Virginia, where they are a local staple. The town was buzzing with excitement as everyone shared their take on these delicious, doughy treats. Ever since, I’ve been hooked. I’ve tried making them at home, tweaking the recipe to perfection, and now they’ve become a regular in our family meals. These rolls are perfect for everything from a quick lunch to a game day snack or even as a fun dinner idea. The beauty of them lies in how simple they are. It’s just dough, pepperoni, cheese, and a little butter to give them a golden, crispy finish.

What’s even better is that they’re incredibly easy to make and customize. If you’re like me, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and fridge. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a little comfort food to enjoy, these pepperoni rolls are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So, why should you make these pepperoni rolls? Here are a few reasons:

• Super Easy to Make: If you can roll dough, you can make these! They come together in no time, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find.
• Family-Friendly: Whether you have kids who love pizza or a bunch of adults craving comfort food, these pepperoni rolls are a crowd-pleaser. The combination of pepperoni, cheese, and soft bread is a universal hit.
• Customizable: Want to switch things up? You can add veggies like bell peppers or onions, or swap out the pepperoni for sausage or turkey bacon. You can also experiment with different kinds of cheese—mozzarella, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These rolls are great for making ahead of time. You can freeze them, store them in the fridge, and even reheat them easily for a quick snack or meal.

The flavor and texture are what make this recipe special. The dough is soft, the cheese is melty, and the pepperoni crisps up just a little, adding that irresistible bite. They’re warm, filling, and totally satisfying.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (30 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 pepperoni rolls, perfect for a family meal or sharing with friends.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious pepperoni rolls:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough. All-purpose flour works best for that soft, chewy texture.
• 1 packet active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: To feed the yeast and help it activate.
• 1 teaspoon salt: For flavor.
• 3/4 cup warm water: Helps activate the yeast and gives the dough the right consistency.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps it stay soft.
• 1 1/2 cups pepperoni slices: The star of the show! These will add that savory, delicious flavor we all love.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that ties everything together.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on top for a golden, crispy finish and extra flavor.
• Optional: garlic powder or Italian seasoning: For added flavor in the dough or as a topping.

The beauty of these rolls is that they use everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items—just good, simple ingredients that come together perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your own homemade pepperoni rolls. The process is pretty straightforward, but I’ll break it down step-by-step to ensure you feel confident along the way.

1. Activate the Yeast:
   Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F) with the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water, and stir gently to combine. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy. This step ensures that your dough will rise properly.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once your yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour. Add the olive oil and mix everything together until it forms a dough. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until it’s soft and stretchy.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Don’t worry if it takes a little longer—it’s all about letting the dough rise to the perfect fluffy texture.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   While your dough is rising, get your filling ready. Slice the pepperoni into smaller pieces if they’re large, and shred your mozzarella cheese if it’s not pre-shredded. You want the cheese to melt evenly inside the rolls, so keep it in a consistent size.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
   Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll it into a rectangle about 12 inches by 18 inches. Use a rolling pin to make sure it’s evenly spread. You don’t need to be exact here, just get it to a size that will allow you to roll everything up easily.
6. Assemble the Rolls:
   Now comes the fun part! Brush the dough with a thin layer of melted butter (this helps everything stick together). Then, spread an even layer of pepperoni slices over the dough, leaving about an inch from the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the pepperoni, making sure it covers everything.
7. Roll It Up:
   Starting at one of the long edges of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up into a log. Keep it as tight as you can, but don’t worry if it’s a little loose. Pinch the edges to seal them and prevent any cheese from leaking out.
8. Cut Into Rolls:
   Once your dough is rolled up, use a sharp knife to slice it into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one so they don’t stick together as they bake.
9. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pepperoni rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If you like an extra crispy top, you can brush a little more melted butter over the rolls halfway through baking.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Once your rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve

These pepperoni rolls are great on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them:

• With marinara sauce: Dip them into a warm bowl of marinara sauce for extra flavor.
• With a side salad: Pair these rolls with a crisp, fresh salad to balance out the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
• As an appetizer: Perfect for game day, parties, or as a fun snack while watching a movie.
• With garlic butter: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these rolls with a side of garlic butter for dipping!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your pepperoni rolls turn out perfectly:

1. Use Warm Water: Make sure the water is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it properly.
2. Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load the rolls up with as much pepperoni and cheese as possible, too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open as they bake. Keep it balanced!
3. Let the Dough Rise Properly: Be patient with the rising process. It may take longer than you think, but the dough needs that time to get light and fluffy.
4. Brush with Butter: Brushing the rolls with butter before and after baking gives them a golden, deliciously crispy finish.
5. Experiment with Fillings: You can add extras like olives, bell peppers, or even a little spicy mustard to switch things up. Play around and make them your own!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, absolutely! While pepperoni is traditional, you can substitute it with other types of meat such as sausage, salami, or even turkey bacon. You can also experiment with grilled chicken or even veggies for a vegetarian version. Just make sure any meat you use is thinly sliced or pre-cooked to ensure it cooks properly inside the roll.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can! If you’d like to prepare the dough in advance, simply follow the instructions for mixing and kneading it, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to make the rolls, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

3. Can I freeze the pepperoni rolls?

Definitely! These rolls freeze wonderfully. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and then heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze the rolls before baking and bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?

If you don’t have mozzarella on hand, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack. For a spicier version, try pepper jack cheese. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt at different rates, so your rolls may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious.

5. How can I make the rolls extra crispy?

To get an extra crispy crust, you can brush the rolls with butter before baking and again after they come out of the oven. Additionally, you can bake them on a baking stone or a preheated baking sheet to get a crispier bottom. If you like, you can sprinkle the top of the rolls with a little bit of Parmesan cheese or garlic powder for added flavor and crunch.

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Conclusion

Pepperoni rolls are the kind of recipe that brings people together—whether it’s for a casual meal, a party snack, or just because you’re craving something delicious. With their soft dough, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni, these rolls are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. They’re easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you prefer a little extra spice, or want to try different cheeses or fillings, there’s no wrong way to make these rolls. And the best part? They’re just as delicious the next day, making them perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, skip the takeout and make these homemade pepperoni rolls instead. You’ll be amazed at how simple yet satisfying they are. Enjoy them with your loved ones, and I promise they’ll be gone before you know it!