The Best Pepperoni Rolls Recipe for Cozy Homemade Snacking

West Virginia’s beloved pepperoni rolls weave a delicious story of immigrant miners and hearty comfort food.

These portable snacks emerged from the coal mining regions with a rich cultural heritage.

Coal workers needed convenient, filling meals that could withstand long underground shifts.

The classic pepperoni rolls combine soft, pillowy bread with spicy, savory pepperoni in a handheld delight.

Generations of families have perfected this simple yet irresistible recipe passed down through decades of tradition.

Each bite connects you to the hardworking roots of Appalachian cuisine.

Prepare to savor a piece of culinary history that continues to warm hearts and satisfy hunger.

Why Pepperoni Rolls Are Always a Hit

• These pepperoni rolls are super simple to make with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
• Packed with cheesy, meaty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making them ideal for gatherings, game days, or casual parties.
• Versatile recipe allows endless variations like adding different cheeses, meats, or herbs to match personal taste preferences and keep things exciting.
• Compact, handheld size makes these rolls great for packed lunches, picnics, potlucks, or on-the-go meals without sacrificing deliciousness.

Ingredients for Classic Pepperoni Rolls

• Pizza Dough: A flexible foundation that serves as the wrapper for the delicious filling.

• Pepperoni Slices: Provides a spicy and savory meat layer that adds rich flavor to the rolls.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a melty and stretchy texture that binds the ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty taste that enhances the overall cheese profile.

• Melted Butter: Helps create a golden and crispy exterior for the rolls.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Contribute aromatic and herbal notes that elevate the taste of the rolls.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the pepperoni and cheese flavors.

• Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Ensures the rolls do not stick to the baking sheet.

Kitchen Tools for Baking Rolls

• Baking Sheet: Essential for cooking the pepperoni rolls evenly and preventing sticking.
• Rolling Pin: Perfect for stretching out pizza dough into a large rectangle.
• Pastry Brush: Great for applying melted butter and adding extra flavor to the rolls.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice the rolled dough into individual pepperoni rolls.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

How to Bake the Best Pepperoni Rolls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Flatten the Dough

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour.

Take your pizza dough and roll it out into a generous rectangle that’s ready for delicious toppings.

Step 3: Create a Pepperoni Blanket

Arrange pepperoni slices across the dough, leaving a small naked border around the edges to help seal in all the goodness.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Spread the cheese evenly to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Roll into a Tasty Log

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a compact log.

Pinch the seams closed to lock in all those mouthwatering ingredients.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange

Cut the log into bite-sized pieces about 1 inch thick.

Place each roll cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room.

Step 7: Add Flavor Boost

Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown color and bubbling cheese that signals they’re ready to devour.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the rolls and serve them piping hot.

Set out a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear!

Tips for Hot, Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls

• Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into even pieces for uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
• Keep the dough cold and work quickly to prevent sticking and maintain the right texture.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Place rolls on a wire rack after baking to keep the bottom crisp and prevent moisture buildup.
• Experiment with different cheese blends or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of spiciness.

Roll Variations for Pizza Lovers

• Gluten-Free Pepperoni Rolls: Use gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour dough for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Pepperoni Alternative: Replace pepperoni with plant-based pepperoni or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap traditional dough with cauliflower or cheese-based dough, using thin-sliced salami instead of pepperoni.
• Spicy Mediterranean Variation: Add chopped olives, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired roll.

Serving Ideas for Pepperoni Rolls

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange rolls on a large wooden board with small bowls of marinara sauce, creating an eye-catching appetizer spread for game nights or gatherings.
• Lunch Box Star: Pack these rolls in lunch containers with a small dipping sauce container for a delicious midday meal that stays warm and tasty.
• Game Day Delight: Serve alongside cold beer or soda as a crowd-pleasing snack during sports events or movie marathons, making them irresistible finger food.
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Cut rolls into smaller bite-sized pieces for children, pairing with simple side salad or fresh vegetables for a balanced meal kids will love.

Storing Pepperoni Rolls for Game Day

• Store leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated rolls and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Brush with a little olive oil to restore crispness.

FAQs

• Where did pepperoni rolls originate?

Pepperoni rolls originated in West Virginia during the early 1900s, created by Italian immigrant coal miners who needed a convenient, portable lunch that didn’t require refrigeration.

• Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly. Just ensure it’s rolled out thin and evenly to create the best pepperoni rolls.

• What type of pepperoni works best?

Use thin-sliced, regular pepperoni. Avoid thick-cut or turkey pepperoni as they might not melt and integrate as well with the cheese and dough.

• How can I prevent the rolls from unraveling during baking?

Pinch the seams tightly when rolling and place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet to help them maintain their shape during baking.

Pepperoni Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty pepperoni rolls originated in West Virginia’s mining communities as portable, filling lunches. Miners appreciated these simple, satisfying bread rolls packed with spicy meat and melted cheese. Workers love these classic regional treasures.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) sliced pepperoni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease.
2. Stretch pizza dough into a rectangular shape on a flour-dusted surface, ensuring even thickness.
3. Arrange pepperoni slices across the dough, maintaining a small empty border around the edges.
4. Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the pepperoni layer, covering the surface completely.
5. Carefully roll the dough from the longer side, creating a compact cylindrical log, and seal the edges firmly to prevent filling from escaping.
6. Cut the rolled log into uniform 1-inch sections, positioning each piece cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Enhance flavor by brushing roll tops with melted butter, then generously sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
8. Transfer baking sheet to preheated oven and cook for 15-18 minutes until the rolls turn golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crisp.
9. Remove from oven and let cool briefly, then serve alongside marinara sauce for a delicious dipping experience.

Notes

• Customize pepperoni choices by using spicy, turkey, or vegetarian pepperoni alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular pizza dough with cauliflower or gluten-free dough options.
• Enhance flavor profiles by adding dried herbs like oregano or red pepper flakes before rolling for extra zest.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by allowing rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack, which helps maintain crispy texture and prevents moisture buildup.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg