Pepperoni Rolls

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Introduction

There’s something magical about a good pepperoni roll. The soft, pillowy dough, the gooey cheese, and the savory, slightly crispy pepperoni… it’s like a little slice of heaven in every bite. These rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a party snack, or even a game day treat. Honestly, if you’ve never had one before, you’re in for a real treat!

I first discovered pepperoni rolls when I visited a small bakery in West Virginia (I know, of all places!). They were warm, fresh out of the oven, and just bursting with flavor. It was love at first bite. And since then, I’ve made them a regular feature in my kitchen. They’re one of those recipes that never gets old and is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the best part? They’re so easy to make! You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull these off. Trust me—if I can do it, so can you!

Why You’ll Love These Pepperoni Rolls

• Simple Ingredients: No complicated steps here! The dough uses just a few basic ingredients, and the filling is as easy as rolling up some pepperoni and cheese.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These rolls are great for make-ahead lunches or a quick dinner. You can even freeze them and pop them in the oven whenever the craving hits!
• Kid-Friendly: If you have picky eaters, these are a surefire win. The pepperoni is savory and flavorful, while the cheese adds that delicious gooeyness everyone loves.
• Customizable: You can make these rolls your own by adding different fillings or even trying out various dipping sauces.

I’ll walk you through each step, so you’ll feel confident about making these delicious rolls. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, I’m sure you’ll love how easy and tasty these are. Let’s dive in!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rising time)

Servings: This recipe makes about 12 rolls, perfect for serving a family of 4-6 or for having leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 15g

Ingredients

dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your dough. You can also use bread flour for a slightly denser roll, but all-purpose flour works great.
• 1 teaspoon sugar – Just a little bit to help activate the yeast.
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) – This is what gives the dough its fluffiness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – For flavor!
• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F) – This helps activate the yeast and gets the dough going.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For a soft, tender dough and a slightly crispy crust.

filling:

• 12 slices pepperoni – The heart of the pepperoni roll. You can use turkey or beef pepperoni for a halal version.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Because, well, cheese makes everything better!
• Optional: A pinch of garlic powder, dried oregano, or Italian seasoning to sprinkle on the dough before rolling it up for extra flavor.

brushing:

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted – This gives the rolls a beautiful golden-brown finish when they bake.
• Optional: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough (10 minutes)

First, let’s get the dough going. Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Give it a little stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. You’ll start to see bubbles form on the surface, which means the yeast is doing its job and is ready to go.

Once your yeast mixture is bubbling away, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky—that’s how it should be at this stage!

2. Knead the Dough (5-7 minutes)

Now comes the fun part! Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and start kneading. Push the dough down with your palms, fold it over, and turn it a quarter turn. Keep kneading for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

If you’re new to kneading, don’t stress about it being perfect. The key is just to get the dough soft and stretchy. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much or your dough could turn out too dry.

3. Let the Dough Rise (1 hour)

Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. While the dough is rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You can also prepare your fillings and get everything ready to roll.

4. Roll Out the Dough (5 minutes)

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Then, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this doesn’t need to be an exact science!

5. Add the Filling (5 minutes)

Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients: pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Place the slices of pepperoni evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni.

If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning over the cheese. This is where you can get creative with your flavoring!

6. Roll It Up (2 minutes)

Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, making sure it’s nice and tight as you go. Pinch the ends and seam together to seal the roll, then cut it into 12 even slices using a sharp knife.

7. Prepare for Baking (5 minutes)

Arrange the rolled-up pieces on a greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter and, if you like, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley over the top for an extra touch.

8. Bake the Rolls (20-25 minutes)

Pop your rolls into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling out. Keep an eye on them—they bake quickly, and you don’t want them to get too dark!

Once done, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve These Pepperoni Rolls

These pepperoni rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Dipping Sauces: Pair them with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. You could even try a creamy ranch dressing if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Side Salad: Serve with a fresh arugula or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
• On Their Own: Honestly, these rolls are so flavorful that they can easily stand alone as a snack or dinner on their own.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overwork the Dough: While kneading, try not to overwork the dough. Over-kneading can make the rolls too dense. Keep it soft and fluffy by gently handling the dough.
2. Use Warm Water: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. Too hot, and it’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
3. Bake on a Middle Rack: Bake the rolls on a middle rack for the best even heat distribution. This helps ensure they cook evenly and get that perfect golden brown finish.
4. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the rolls in advance and store them in the fridge. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
5. Freeze for Later: After baking, these rolls freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to reheat.

Recipe Variations

If you want to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of ways to customize your pepperoni rolls:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the pepperoni for a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Add a little feta cheese for an extra flavor boost!
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour if you’re avoiding gluten. Just be sure to add extra moisture, as gluten-free dough can sometimes dry out.
• Spicy Kick: For some heat, add a few sliced jalapeños to the pepperoni or drizzle a little hot sauce on top before baking.
• Cheese Variations: Try adding provolone or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.

Freezing and Storing Pepperoni Rolls

Storage: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they still taste great the next day!

Freezing: After baking, let the rolls cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes! If you’re short on time, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough. Just roll it out and follow the rest of the steps.

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prep them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Just let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

How can I make them halal? Use turkey or beef pepperoni in place of the traditional pork version, and feel free to substitute any non-halal ingredients with your preferred options.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try these pepperoni rolls! They’re the perfect balance of cheesy, crispy, and delicious—what’s not to love? Don’t forget to share your results with me—tag me on Instagram, and I’ll be sure to comment on how amazing they look. Happy cooking!