Pepperoni Rolls

If you’re looking for the perfect handheld snack that’s savory, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, Pepperoni Rolls are the answer. This classic American snack originated in West Virginia and has since become a beloved favorite for anyone who enjoys the combination of warm, soft bread stuffed with gooey cheese and flavorful pepperoni. These rolls are ideal for game day, road trips, school lunches, or as a satisfying snack. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, pepperoni rolls are easy to make at home and can be customized with a variety of fillings and toppings to suit your taste.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Traditional pepperoni rolls are made by wrapping slices of pepperoni in dough and baking them to golden perfection. This recipe takes things a step further by adding mozzarella cheese, garlic butter, and optional herbs for extra flavor. The result is a warm, cheesy, pepperoni-stuffed roll that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. These pepperoni rolls are made from scratch, but if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated biscuit dough for a quick alternative.

In this recipe guide, I’ll take you through each step of making Pepperoni Rolls from scratch, including tips for preparing the dough, assembling the rolls, baking them to perfection, and variations for making them your own. I’ll also include instructions for storing, freezing, and reheating, so you can make these rolls ahead of time. Ready to bake some delicious pepperoni rolls? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Fun to Make: Pepperoni rolls require just a few ingredients and are easy to assemble, making them a fun baking project for all ages.

Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are great for snacks, parties, picnics, or lunchboxes, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or even veggies to make these rolls your own, or stick with classic pepperoni for a traditional flavor.

Great for Dipping: Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor that’s perfect for dipping.

Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and freeze them for quick snacks or lunches that you can reheat whenever you need them.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time if making dough from scratch)
• Cook time: 15-18 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 rolls
• Serving Size: 1 roll

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Dough (if making from scratch):

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough (if not using store-bought)

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
2. Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 5-6 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add a little more flour if needed.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Slice the Pepperoni: If your pepperoni slices are large, cut them in half or quarters so they fit neatly into the rolls. Set aside.
2. Grate the Cheese: Use freshly shredded mozzarella if possible for the best melt and texture.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it into a rough rectangle, about 12×14 inches in size. Cut the dough into 12 even squares (about 3×3 inches each).
3. Add the Filling: Place a small handful of shredded mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni in the center of each dough square.
4. Shape the Rolls: Fold the corners of each square over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal. Roll the dough in your hands to form a smooth ball, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Step 4: Second Rise and Prepare the Topping

1. Second Rise: Place each filled dough ball, seam-side down, on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Cover lightly with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the garlic butter.
2. Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush each roll with the garlic butter mixture, saving a little for after baking. Optionally, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan on each roll for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Pepperoni Rolls

1. Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
2. Brush with Remaining Garlic Butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with any remaining garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Cool Slightly: Allow the rolls to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. The cheese inside will be hot, so cooling slightly makes them easier to eat.

How to Serve Pepperoni Rolls

Pepperoni rolls are best served warm, right out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• With Marinara Sauce: Serve a bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping. The tangy tomato sauce complements the rich flavors of the pepperoni and cheese.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
• With Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce: Make an extra batch of garlic butter and serve it warm as a dipping sauce.
• As Part of a Party Platter: Arrange the rolls on a platter with other appetizers like mozzarella sticks, breadsticks, or stuffed mushrooms for a delicious party spread.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling. Cold dough is difficult to work with and can shrink as you shape it.
2. Pinch the Seams Well: Make sure to pinch the seams of the rolls tightly to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking. Placing the seam on the bottom helps keep everything sealed.
3. Add Extra Cheese: For cheese lovers, add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella inside each roll. Just be careful not to overstuff, as too much filling can make the rolls harder to seal.
4. Experiment with Fillings: These rolls are highly customizable. Try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning inside, or use different fillings like sliced ham, salami, or even diced veggies.
5. Serve Fresh for Best Texture: Pepperoni rolls are best enjoyed fresh, as the pastry is flaky and the cheese is gooey. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven to restore their texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Three-Cheese Pepperoni Rolls: Add a mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese inside each roll for an extra cheesy filling with complex flavors.
2. Veggie Pepperoni Rolls: Add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives along with the pepperoni and cheese for a veggie-loaded twist.
3. Garlic Parmesan Pepperoni Rolls: Before baking, sprinkle the tops with garlic powder and grated Parmesan. This gives the rolls an extra savory, garlicky flavor.
4. Spicy Pepperoni Rolls: Add a few slices of spicy salami or sprinkle red pepper flakes inside each roll for a spicy kick.
5. Pizza Pepperoni Rolls: Add a small dollop of marinara sauce inside each roll with the cheese and pepperoni for a pizza-inspired filling.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their texture.
• Freezing: Pepperoni rolls freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat pepperoni rolls in the oven rather than the microwave, as this keeps the crust crisp. Microwave reheating can make the dough tough and chewy.

Special Equipment

• Baking Sheet: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the rolls from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
• Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is useful for brushing on the garlic butter evenly, ensuring every roll gets that delicious buttery coating.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is helpful for flattening and shaping the dough evenly, especially if you’re making the dough from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these pepperoni rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking, or add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated biscuit dough works well and saves time. Just roll it out and proceed with the recipe as directed.

3. How can I prevent the cheese from oozing out?
Be sure to pinch the seams tightly when shaping the rolls and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Avoid overfilling, as too much cheese can make it harder to seal.

4. Can I use turkey pepperoni?
Yes, turkey pepperoni works just as well and is a great option if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative.

5. What other cheeses can I use?
Besides mozzarella, you can use cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack. For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or Italian blend cheese inside each roll.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Rolls are a deliciously simple, crowd-pleasing snack that combines soft, golden bread with melty cheese and savory pepperoni. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but satisfying for everyone. These rolls are perfect for any occasion, from game-day snacking to lunchbox treats, and they’re endlessly customizable with various fillings, toppings, and dipping sauces.

Whether you’re making them with homemade dough for a classic feel or using store-bought dough for a quick fix, these pepperoni rolls deliver the ultimate comfort food experience. Try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for something warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor. They’re guaranteed to be a hit, and you’ll probably find yourself making them again and again. Enjoy baking (and eating!) these delicious Pepperoni Rolls!

Print