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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease.
- Stretch pizza dough into a rectangular shape on a flour-dusted surface, ensuring even thickness.
- Arrange pepperoni slices across the dough, maintaining a small empty border around the edges.
- Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the pepperoni layer, covering the surface completely.
- Carefully roll the dough from the longer side, creating a compact cylindrical log, and seal the edges firmly to prevent filling from escaping.
- Cut the rolled log into uniform 1-inch sections, positioning each piece cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Enhance flavor by brushing roll tops with melted butter, then generously sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- 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.
- 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