Ah, West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls—my guilty pleasure and a delightful nod to my childhood memories! Growing up, these rolls often made an appearance on family road trips and Saturday picnics. The aroma wafting from the oven made it nearly impossible to resist diving in before they had fully cooled. There’s something special about biting into the warm, soft dough, with the savory flavors of pepperoni and the gooey mozzarella cheese melting in your mouth. They aren’t just food; they’re comfort wrapped in a blanket of dough!
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re having a casual get-together, need a quick snack, or just want to indulge on movie night, these rolls hit all the right notes. Plus, they’re super easy to make—perfect for any cooking level! Let me take you through the delicious journey of creating these delightful treats.
What’s in West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls?
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough. I love using King Arthur Flour for consistent results, but any good-quality all-purpose flour will work.
- Baking powder: This is what gives the dough a lovely lift and fluffiness. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the dough. I use Land O’ Lakes, but any softened unsalted butter will do just fine.
- Milk: Ensures the dough stays soft and tender. I usually go for whole milk for a creamier texture, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
- Pepperoni slices: The star of the show! You can choose classic pepperoni or get adventurous with flavored varieties. Just remember to pile them on!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Because who doesn’t love gooey cheese? I prefer part-skim mozzarella for a nice melt without too much grease.
- Egg: This is our secret to that beautiful golden-brown color on the outside of the rolls. Beat it well for an even application!
Are West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Good for You?
Well, let’s be real—these are more of a tasty indulgence than a health food! The pepperoni gives you a protein punch, while the mozzarella cheese adds calcium and dairy goodness. However, the rolls are on the richer side with butter and cheese, so it’s wise to enjoy them in moderation. You could also make healthier variations by swapping out the butter for olive oil, choosing turkey pepperoni, or even going vegan with plant-based cheese and meat alternatives. Serve these warm for the ultimate cozy experience, and pair with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 12 ounces pepperoni slices
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Make West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls?
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your rolls from sticking and help with cleanup!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined and crumbly—think of it like making a pie crust.
- Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. You want it to be pliable but not too sticky!
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- On each rectangle, place a few slices of pepperoni and a portion of mozzarella cheese—don’t be shy; the more the merrier!
- Roll up each rectangle tightly, pinching the seams to seal them well. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. This gives them that gorgeous golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell AMAZING!
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Trust me, it will be hard to resist the smell!
Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Rolls
- Feel free to experiment! Swap in different types of cheese or add veggies like diced bell peppers for a twist.
- These are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, but they also taste fantastic reheated. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to get that texture back!
- Consider making a big batch and freezing some for later—just thaw and reheat when the craving strikes!
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper on the cheese before rolling!
So there you have it—West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls that are simply irresistible! I can’t wait for you to give these a try and create your own memories around them. Whether for game day snacks, lunchboxes, or a laid-back dinner, they’re bound to be a hit. Share your thoughts after you’ve made them—I’d love to hear how they turn out! Happy baking!
