This easy recipe for homemade Pepperoni Rolls yields fluffy, tender rolls bursting with the classic combination of melted mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni. They are the ultimate snack, appetizer, or quick meal, perfect for any occasion!
Experience West Virginia’s Iconic Pepperoni Rolls: An Easy Homemade Recipe
If you’ve ever traveled through the beautiful mountains of West Virginia, or even the bordering regions of Virginia where their culinary influence extends, chances are you’ve encountered the legendary Pepperoni Roll. More than just a snack, these delightful rolls are a deeply ingrained part of Appalachian culture, born from the resourcefulness of Italian immigrant coal miners in the early 20th century. They needed a hearty, portable, and non-perishable lunch that could withstand the demanding conditions of the mines. The solution? Simple bread dough wrapped around sticks or slices of pepperoni.
While the original version was often just bread and pepperoni, the evolution of this beloved treat now frequently includes a generous helping of gooey mozzarella cheese, creating an irresistible blend of soft, doughy bread, melted cheese, and flavorful pepperoni. My take on this regional classic makes it incredibly simple for anyone to recreate this iconic snack right at home. Forget the elaborate preparations; with a few readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy these warm, savory rolls, especially when paired with a side of zesty marinara sauce for dipping!
“These are just like my Momma made! She always added cheese in hers even though a lot of folks may not have & I think that’s why everyone preferred hers over others. She was 92 when she passed away and these were her specialty! Proud to be a West Virginian and of the Italian descendants who came here and created these. Thank you! These were excellent and so easy to make!”
– Judy
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperoni Rolls
Why don’t you add marinara sauce inside, like a pizza?
While it might seem intuitive to add sauce like a pizza, traditional Pepperoni Rolls are distinct from pizza rolls. Their charm lies in the simplicity of seasoned dough, pepperoni, and cheese. The absence of internal sauce prevents sogginess and allows the flavors of the core ingredients to shine. However, they are absolutely perfect for dipping into warm marinara or pizza sauce, providing that delightful pizza-like flavor without compromising the roll’s integrity.
Can I substitute the cheese and pepperoni?
Absolutely! While these variations won’t be considered “traditional West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls,” the concept is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a spicy Monterey Jack. For the meat, ham, turkey, or even cooked sausage would make delicious fillings. This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity, especially if you’re involving children in the kitchen – let them customize their own unique rolls!
Can I add more cheese than recommended?
You can certainly add a bit more cheese if you desire an extra gooey experience. However, be mindful that excessive cheese might lead to it oozing out during baking, potentially creating a small mess on your baking sheet. A moderate amount ensures a perfectly contained, melty center while keeping the rolls neat and easy to handle.
Can I prepare these Pepperoni Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, these rolls are wonderfully suited for making ahead! They are ideal for batch cooking. Once baked and cooled, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or as a quick grab-and-go snack. They taste delicious at room temperature and can also be gently warmed in a microwave or oven for a fresh-baked feel. Their versatility makes them a fantastic addition to any meal prep routine.
How should I store any leftover Pepperoni Rolls?
To maintain freshness, any leftover Pepperoni Rolls should be stored in an airtight container. While they can sit at room temperature for up to a day, it’s best to refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, these rolls freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months, ready to be thawed and reheated whenever a craving strikes!
Essential Ingredients for Effortless Homemade Pepperoni Rolls
One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity, relying on just a handful of staple ingredients to create maximum flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:
- Frozen Bread Dough: This is the secret weapon for making this recipe incredibly easy and quick. Thawing the dough according to package directions is the only prerequisite. While homemade bread dough offers a rewarding experience, using store-bought frozen dough significantly cuts down on prep time without sacrificing that comforting, freshly baked taste and texture. Look for standard white bread dough loaves, often found in the freezer aisle.
- Pepperoni: The star of the show! Standard pre-sliced pepperoni from your grocery store deli or pre-packaged varieties work perfectly. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider a spicy pepperoni. For a more authentic West Virginia twist, some prefer pepperoni sticks, which can be sliced or left whole for a different texture. The key is quality pepperoni that will release its delicious oils into the dough as it bakes.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible, melty stretch, mozzarella is the ideal choice. Deli-style slices of mozzarella are highly recommended as they are much easier to work with when filling the rolls, ensuring even distribution and less mess. While shredded mozzarella can be used in a pinch, it might be trickier to keep contained within the dough. Fresh mozzarella slices, if available, would also add a wonderful creamy texture.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs (typically basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram) adds a fantastic aromatic depth that complements the pepperoni and cheese beautifully. It’s not strictly mandatory, but a sprinkle of Italian seasoning elevates the flavor profile, giving the rolls a subtle, savory kick that’s reminiscent of your favorite Italian dishes. Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
- Egg and Water (for Egg Wash): A simple mixture of a beaten egg and a splash of water creates an egg wash. Brushing this over the rolls before baking serves a dual purpose: it gives the rolls a beautiful, glossy golden-brown finish, making them incredibly appealing, and helps create a slightly crisp crust.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Delicious Pepperoni Rolls
Making these Pepperoni Rolls is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for golden, cheesy, pepperoni-filled perfection:
Preparation is Key
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared tray aside.
Dough Division
Carefully place your thawed frozen bread dough onto a clean, lightly floured work surface. Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Aim for consistent sizes to ensure even baking. The beauty of pre-made dough is its uniform texture, making this step quick and simple.
Flattening the Dough
Take each dough portion and gently flatten it into an approximate 4×4-inch square or circular shape. You can easily do this by hand, pressing and stretching the dough to an even thickness. There’s no need for a rolling pin, just your fingertips and a clean surface. This creates the perfect base for your fillings.
Layering the Pepperoni
On the center of each flattened dough piece, arrange two slices of pepperoni. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preference – if you love a lot of pepperoni, add a little more! Ensure the pepperoni is centered to allow for easy rolling and sealing.
Adding the Mozzarella Cheese
Next, place two pieces of your cut mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni. The goal is to create a delicious, melty core for your roll. If using deli slices, cutting them into smaller quarters works wonderfully for even distribution. For pepperoni stick aficionados, consider adding a mozzarella stick cut in half for a perfectly contained cheese center.
Seasoning for Enhanced Flavor
Lightly sprinkle the cheese and pepperoni with Italian seasoning. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it adds a wonderful aromatic layer that enhances the overall taste of the rolls. Don’t be shy if you love herbs; adjust the quantity to your preference.
Rolling and Sealing Your Rolls
Now for the rolling! Gently fold the two outer edges of the dough over the filling. Then, starting from one end, tightly roll the dough towards the other, enclosing all the delicious fillings within. Pinch the seams firmly together to ensure they are completely sealed. A tight seal is crucial to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking. Place each finished roll seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s a little space between each roll for even baking.
The Golden Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg and a splash of water until well combined. This is your egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the exposed dough of each roll with the egg wash. This simple step will give your Pepperoni Rolls that beautiful, shiny, golden-brown crust we all love.
Baking to Perfection
Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly inside. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the rolls cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set and prevents burns from the hot filling.
Explore More Delicious Recipes!
If you loved these Pepperoni Rolls, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delicious recipes that feature similar flavors or are perfect for quick snacks and appetizers:
- Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
- Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
- Pepperoni Pizza Cups
- Disney World Pepperoni Spring Rolls
- Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
- Texas Toast Pizzas
- Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pull-Apart Bread
- The Best Cheese Toast
Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
This easy version of Pepperoni Rolls creates a fluffy, tender roll that is filled with classic favorites – mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. They are the perfect snack or appetizer!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen bread dough, thawed (thaw according to package directions)
- 16 slices pepperoni (divided use)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 4ths (divided use)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (divided use)
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- Splash of water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Place the thawed bread dough onto a clean work surface. Cut into 8 equal parts.
Dough sections - Flatten out each dough piece to about 4×4-inch diameter. You can use your hands to flatten and spread it out.
Flattened dough - Place 2 slices of pepperoni in the center of each piece of dough (you can add more if you like).
Pepperoni on dough - Add 2 slices of the cut mozzarella cheese on top.
Cheese on pepperoni - Sprinkle the cheese with Italian seasoning (add as much or as little as you like).
Seasoning added - Fold the two outer edges over the filling, then tightly roll, pinching the seams together until secure.
- Place seam side down onto the prepared sheet tray. Repeat with the remaining rolls, and place them not touching on the tray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, well beaten, and a splash of water. Brush the exposed bread dough lightly with the egg wash.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for about 5 minutes on the tray before serving. Serve with pizza or marinara sauce, if you prefer.
Notes
- Traditionally, West Virginia pepperoni rolls only had pepperoni. You can certainly make them that way and add a few more slices of pepperoni. Many places use pepperoni sticks instead of slices. However, adding cheese and a little seasoning (both optional) is now common and delicious.
- Any brand of frozen bread dough will work; they are typically standardized in size to fit a loaf pan.
- Deli slices of mozzarella are easiest, but mozzarella cheese sticks cut in half also work well (one half per roll).
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 427mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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