The Easiest, Most Scrumptious Pepperoni Rolls Recipe Ever

Hidden in the heart of west virginia, these delectable pepperoni rolls have a rich culinary history that sparks instant curiosity.

Coal miners once cherished these portable snacks during long underground shifts.

Local bakeries and home kitchens perfected this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe over generations.

Soft, pillowy bread envelops spicy, savory pepperoni in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

The combination of tender dough and zesty meat creates a handheld delight you won’t be able to resist.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and regional pride.

West virginia’s beloved street food is about to become your new favorite quick meal.

Grab a napkin and get ready to experience a true taste of appalachian tradition.

Why Pepperoni Rolls Are Always A Hit

• Whip Up Quickly: This pepperoni roll recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients that most home cooks already have in their pantry.
• Minimal Time Investment: From start to finish, these rolls can be prepared in under two hours, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute snack cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Pepperoni rolls are a beloved West Virginia classic that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a delicious handheld meal that's easy to pack for lunches or picnics.
• No-Fuss Preparation: With simple kneading and rising steps, this recipe allows even novice bakers to create delectable homemade rolls without complicated techniques or specialized equipment.

Pepperoni Rolls Ingredient Breakdown

• Flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and texture for the pepperoni rolls.
• Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps combine the dry ingredients into a smooth dough.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and contributes to a soft, tender bread texture.

• Damp Cloth: Used to cover the dough during rising, preventing the surface from drying out.
• Floured Surface: Prevents the dough from sticking while kneading and shaping.

How To Bake Pepperoni Rolls Step By Step

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Yeast
• Salt

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly blended and create a smooth base for your pepperoni rolls.

Step 2: Create Dough Magic

Pour in warm water and olive oil into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir and mix with enthusiasm until a soft, sticky dough begins to form. Don’t worry about perfection – just keep mixing until everything comes together.

Step 3: Knead Your Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll up your sleeves and start kneading! Push, fold, and turn the dough with your hands. Continue this rhythmic process for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and feels silky to the touch.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise

Grab a clean bowl and lightly coat it with olive oil. Place your kneaded dough inside and cover with a damp kitchen towel. Find a warm, cozy spot in your kitchen and let the dough rest and expand. Give it about an hour or until it doubles in size, transforming into a puffy, promising ball of potential deliciousness.

Pepperoni Rolls Tips You Should Know

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure warm water is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, guaranteeing a fluffy, soft dough.
• Knead with Technique: Press and fold dough rhythmically, developing gluten for a stretchy, tender texture that creates those signature pepperoni roll layers.
• Temperature Matters: Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F to help it expand evenly and develop rich, complex flavors.
• Master Dough Consistency: Add flour gradually while kneading to prevent a dry or sticky texture, aiming for a smooth, slightly tacky surface that springs back when touched.
• Enhance Flavor Potential: Consider adding garlic powder or dried Italian herbs to the dough for an extra burst of savory goodness in your pepperoni rolls.

Store Pepperoni Rolls With Ease

• Preserve your pepperoni rolls by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate the rolls for extended freshness, keeping them good for 4-5 days when sealed tightly in a storage container.
• Freeze individual rolls wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for maximum longevity – they'll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their warm, soft texture and bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Easy Sides For Pepperoni Rolls

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A bold Chianti or Sangiovese perfectly complements the spicy pepperoni, cutting through the richness and enhancing the savory flavors of the rolls.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: A light, tangy mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the hearty, meaty pepperoni rolls, balancing the meal's richness.
• Match with Craft Beer: An amber ale or hoppy IPA offers a malty, slightly bitter counterpoint to the spicy, fatty pepperoni, creating a delightful taste experience that elevates the entire dish.
• Add Zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce with herbs and garlic provides an extra layer of flavor, allowing diners to customize each bite with a punch of traditional Italian-inspired taste.

Tasty Twists On Pepperoni Rolls

• Cheese Lover's Roll: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan inside the dough before rolling, creating a gooey cheese-filled pepperoni variation that melts in your mouth.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix diced jalapeños and a dash of chili powder into the dough, then layer pepperoni with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick that adds extra zest.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Knead dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme directly into the dough, enhancing the pepperoni's rich flavor with aromatic Mediterranean notes.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace traditional pepperoni with salami, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, transforming the roll into a Mediterranean-inspired treat with tangy complexity.

Pepperoni Rolls FAQs

• What makes pepperoni rolls a West Virginia specialty?

Pepperoni rolls originated in West Virginia’s coal mining regions as an easy, portable lunch for miners who needed a convenient, hearty meal underground.

• Can I use different types of pepperoni in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can choose between stick pepperoni or pre-sliced pepperoni, depending on your preference and the texture you want in your rolls.

• Do I need any special equipment to make pepperoni rolls?

No special equipment is required. A standard mixing bowl, baking sheet, and basic kitchen tools are all you need to create these delicious rolls.

• Are pepperoni rolls typically served hot or cold?

Pepperoni rolls are delicious both warm and at room temperature, making them perfect for packed lunches, picnics, or quick snacks.

Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

West Virginia’s beloved Pepperoni Rolls deliver hearty comfort straight from Appalachian kitchens. Mountain State bakers craft these golden bread pockets with spicy pepperoni and warm, inviting flavors you’ll crave after one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 150 grams (5 ounces) pepperoni slices

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten

Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a foundation for the dough with careful precision.
2. Introduce warm liquid and olive oil into the dry mixture, gently folding and stirring until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges.
3. Transfer the developing dough onto a generously floured work surface, engaging in a rhythmic kneading process that transforms the initial ingredients into a smooth, supple texture with consistent elasticity.
4. Tenderly nestle the prepared dough into a lightly lubricated container, draping a damp cloth over the top to create a nurturing environment for fermentation and rising.
5. Allow the dough to undergo a transformative resting period, gradually expanding and developing complex flavors as it doubles in volume, signaling its readiness for the next culinary stage.

Notes

• Swap bread flour for all-purpose flour to create a more tender, softer roll texture that melts in your mouth.
• Consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the dough for an extra flavor boost that elevates the classic pepperoni roll.
• Use lukewarm water between 105-115°F to activate the yeast perfectly without killing its rising potential, ensuring a fluffy, light result.
• Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven to help it rise faster and more consistently, creating better volume and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg