Pepperoni Rolls are a delicious, easy-to-make snack featuring soft, golden dough wrapped around savory pepperoni and melty cheese. Originating from West Virginia, these rolls are perfect for game day, lunchboxes, or a quick and satisfying appetizer. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Delicious: Made with just a few ingredients but packed with flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.
- Customizable: Add cheese, spices, or different fillings to make them your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be stored and reheated easily for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
2. Add the Fillings
- Evenly layer the pepperoni slices across the dough.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, if using.
3. Roll & Slice
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Pinch the edges to seal and cut into 8-10 rolls.
4. Bake
- Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy warm with marinara sauce for dipping!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 rolls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
- Cheesy Rolls: Stuff with extra mozzarella or provolone.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush with a mix of butter, minced garlic, and parsley before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Use spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers instead of pepperoni.
- Puff Pastry Rolls: Substitute pizza dough with puff pastry for a flaky texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked rolls for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead?
Yes! Crescent dough works well and creates a flakier roll.
Do I have to use cheese?
No, traditional West Virginia pepperoni rolls don’t include cheese, but it adds a delicious touch!
Can I make mini pepperoni rolls?
Yes! Cut the dough into smaller pieces and adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even spicy mustard are great options.
Conclusion
Pepperoni Rolls are a simple yet incredibly tasty snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick lunch, or just to satisfy your cravings, these cheesy, pepperoni-filled bites are always a hit. Try them today and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic treat!
Pepperoni Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Description
These Pepperoni Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls stuffed with savory pepperoni and gooey melted cheese. A West Virginia classic, these handheld snacks are perfect for lunch, game day, or an easy grab-and-go meal. Enjoy them warm with marinara sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- For the Filling:
- 6 oz pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- For Topping (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Assemble the Pepperoni Rolls
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small rectangle.
- Sprinkle cheese, pepperoni, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in the center of each dough piece.
- Roll the dough tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Step 3: Bake & Serve
- Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Quick Version: Use refrigerated pizza dough instead of homemade dough to save time.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
- Make Ahead: These rolls freeze well! Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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