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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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