Description
Mountain miners’ favorite snack, West Virginia Pepperoni Roll, weaves Appalachian culinary heritage into a simple yet irresistible handheld treat. Crusty bread embracing spicy pepperoni slices delivers pure comfort that connects generations of hungry locals.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients:
- 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry or instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) warm water
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Craft the foundational dough mixture by combining flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a seamless dry ingredient blend.
- Introduce warm water and olive oil into the dry ingredients, gently stirring until a cohesive dough emerges, transforming the mixture into a workable consistency.
- Transfer the developing dough onto a clean surface and engage in a rhythmic kneading process for 5-7 minutes, developing its elasticity and smooth texture.
- Nestle the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a draft-free environment for approximately one hour until it substantially expands.
- Preheat the culinary workspace to 375°F, preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roll placement.
- Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch, then partition it into eight uniform segments for consistent roll sizing.
- Methodically transform each dough segment into a rectangular shape, creating a canvas for pepperoni and optional cheese placement.
- Strategically layer pepperoni slices across the dough’s center, complementing with cheese and sprinkling garlic powder and Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Carefully roll the dough around the filling, meticulously sealing the edges to prevent ingredient escape during baking.
- Position the assembled rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each roll.
- Delicately brush the exterior with egg wash, promoting a lustrous golden-brown finish during baking.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the rolls to bake for 18-22 minutes until they achieve a rich, appetizing coloration.
- Remove from the oven and permit the pepperoni rolls to cool momentarily, allowing internal temperatures to stabilize before serving.
- Present the rolls warm or at ambient temperature, ready to delight eager palates with their savory West Virginia charm.
Notes
- Choose high-protein bread flour for extra chewiness and structure in your pepperoni rolls.
- Proofing dough in a warm, draft-free spot ensures consistent rising and soft texture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or sharp cheddar to customize flavor profile.
- Cold pepperoni straight from refrigerator helps prevent grease bleeding through dough during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg