Irresistible Homemade Pepperoni Rolls Recipe for Bread Lovers

Warm, golden-brown rolls stuffed with crispy pepperoni have a magical way of making taste buds dance with excitement.

These delectable pepperoni rolls combine comfort and flavor in every single bite.

The aroma of melted cheese and spicy pepperoni fills the kitchen with irresistible temptation.

Soft dough wraps around crispy, slightly charred pepperoni slices that deliver a punch of savory goodness.

Each roll promises a delightful experience that transforms a simple snack into a memorable treat.

West Virginia’s beloved handheld favorite comes to life with this straightforward yet mouthwatering recipe.

Steps To Bake Pepperoni Rolls

• Create Soft Dough

Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. The key is blending these dry ingredients evenly to create a perfect foundation for your pepperoni rolls.

• Develop Dough Texture

Pour warm water and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir and knead until the ingredients transform into a smooth, cohesive dough. Work the mixture with your hands, feeling the texture change beneath your fingers.

• Shape and Rest Dough

Transfer the dough to a clean surface dusted with flour. Gently knead for several minutes, watching it become elastic and supple. Then place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a soft cloth.

• Allow Dough to Rise

Let the dough sit in a warm spot for about an hour. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, causing the dough to expand and become wonderfully puffy. The dough will roughly double in size, signaling it’s ready for the next stage.

Smart Tips For Pepperoni Rolls

• Dough Perfection Tricks: Ensure water is precisely lukewarm (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or plant-based pepperoni alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Spice Level Control: Mix mild and spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes to adjust heat according to personal preference.

Serving Pepperoni Rolls Right

• Cozy Comfort Platter: Serve these warm pepperoni rolls alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, creating a comforting appetizer or snack that feels like a warm hug.
• Hearty Lunch Companion: Pair the rolls with a crisp green salad or a light tomato soup to transform them into a satisfying midday meal that's both filling and delightful.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Arrange the pepperoni rolls on a large wooden board with some sliced olives, pickles, and a quick garlic aioli for a crowd-friendly spread perfect for watching sports or hosting friends.
• Party Presentation Trick: Cut the rolls into smaller bite-sized pieces and secure with toothpicks for an easy-to-grab appetizer that works wonderfully at potlucks or casual gatherings.

Best Way To Store Pepperoni Rolls

• Fresh Batch Technique: Prepare pepperoni rolls just before serving for maximum flavor and texture, ensuring crispy edges and soft interiors.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store completed rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm refrigerated rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original crispness and revive their delicious taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, where they can remain fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and briefly warm in oven before enjoying.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes Into Pepperoni Rolls

• Flour: Provides structure and forms the foundation of the soft, pillowy rolls with a delicate texture.
• Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory filling.
• Yeast: Creates magical rising action and develops rich, complex bread flavors.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and controls yeast fermentation for perfect dough consistency.

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps blend ingredients smoothly, creating a perfect dough environment.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture, creates tender crumb, and introduces a subtle fruity undertone to the rolls.

• Additional Flour (for surface): Prevents sticky dough and ensures smooth kneading process without clumping.

Tools For Making Pepperoni Rolls

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and kneading dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for flour, sugar, and salt.
• Dough hook or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients until a dough forms.
• Clean work surface: Floured area for kneading soft, elastic dough.
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap: Covers dough during rising period to keep moisture locked in.
• Baking sheet or pizza stone: Perfect for baking pepperoni rolls to golden perfection.

Crispy Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

West Virginia’s legendary pepperoni rolls combine simple bread dough with spicy pepperoni for a hearty handheld snack. Miners and workers have enjoyed this comforting classic for generations, making it a beloved regional specialty you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 150 g (5 oz) pepperoni slices
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 ¼ tsps active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Whisk flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients to create a uniform base for the dough.
2. Liquid Integration: Pour warm water and olive oil into the dry mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms, incorporating all ingredients into a cohesive mass.
3. Kneading and Development: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes, working the gluten to develop a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when gently pressed.
4. Fermentation Stage: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
5. Shaping and Final Proofing: Punch down the risen dough, shape into desired form, and allow a final rise until puffy and expanded, preparing it for baking or further preparation.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Keep dough slightly tacky but not overly wet; excess moisture can make rolls heavy and dense.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading consistently for 8-10 minutes, creating smooth elasticity that helps rolls rise beautifully.
• Temperature Control: Use warm (not hot) liquid around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, ensuring proper fermentation and rise.
• Pepperoni Placement: Slice pepperoni thin and distribute evenly to prevent grease pooling and ensure balanced flavor in each bite.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg