Pepperoni Rolls

Pepperoni Rolls

Introduction

Pepperoni rolls are a delicious snack or meal that combines savory pepperoni, melted cheese, and fluffy bread. These tasty rolls are perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night at home. Packed with flavor, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Why Make This Recipe

Pepperoni rolls are not only delicious but also fun to prepare. They are a great way to use frozen bread dough, making them quick and accessible. Plus, their cheesy, meaty filling can please a crowd, making them a favorite for gatherings.

How to Make Pepperoni Rolls

Making pepperoni rolls is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:

Ingredients:

• 3 pound package (3 – 1 pound loaves per package) frozen bread dough (thawed according to package directions)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (divided, ¼ teaspoon per pepperoni roll)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic salt (divided, ¼ teaspoon per pepperoni roll)
• 1 pound sandwich size deli pepperoni slices
• 3 cups whole milk mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided, 1 cup per pepperoni roll)
• ¾ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (divided, ¼ cup per pepperoni roll)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. Thaw the three bread loaves according to package directions until the dough is about double in size. This may take 3-5 hours at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator, so plan accordingly.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and adjust the baking rack to the center of the oven.
3. Roll out a single thawed bread loaf on a clean work surface to approximately 12×14 inches in size and ¼ inch thickness. If the dough sticks, lightly dust with flour (about 1 tablespoon). Let the dough rest for 2-3 minutes if it pulls back while rolling.
4. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the surface of the rolled dough with melted unsalted butter (approximately 1 tablespoon), leaving a ½ inch border along the edges.
5. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend and ¼ teaspoon of garlic salt over the buttered dough.
6. Lay 25-30 slices of pepperoni, slightly overlapping, over the surface of the dough, leaving a ½-¾ inch border on one of the short sides.
7. Top the pepperoni slices with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of shredded parmesan cheese, spreading them evenly.
8. Starting at one of the short ends, gently roll the pepperoni roll into a log, sealing it with the plain edge of the dough. Place the roll seam side down on a large ungreased baking sheet.
9. Repeat steps 3-8 with the remaining 2 thawed bread loaves, spacing the rolls 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheet.
10. Brush the tops of each roll with a light coating of melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and brush with an additional light coat of melted butter. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing each roll into 8 servings, yielding a total of 24 sliced pepperoni rolls.

How to Serve Pepperoni Rolls

Serve the pepperoni rolls warm, straight from the oven. They are perfect on their own or paired with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve them with a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Pepperoni Rolls

To store leftover pepperoni rolls, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Pepperoni Rolls

• Make sure your dough is fully thawed and at room temperature for easy rolling.
• If you want extra flavor, add more spices to the filling or try different types of cheese.
• For a fun twist, add vegetables like bell peppers or olives to the filling.

Variation

You can create different variations of pepperoni rolls by using various types of deli meats, cheeses, or even adding jalapeños for a spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze pepperoni rolls?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked or baked pepperoni rolls. For unbaked rolls, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. What can I use instead of pepperoni?
You can use any deli meat, such as salami, ham, or turkey. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.

3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the meat and fill the rolls with vegetables and cheeses, such as spinach, mushrooms, and peppers.