Savory Pepperoni Rolls with Dough

That mouthwatering smell of bubbling cheese and spicy pepperoni tucked into golden, fluffy pizza dough takes me back to family weekend get-togethers. This Cheesy Pepperoni Bread turns basic items from your pantry into an amazing snack that packs all the pizza flavors you love in a handy, easy-to-share form.

I brought these pepperoni rolls to our family get-together last year. As soon as they came out of the oven, relatives swarmed my kitchen. My nephew, who usually turns his nose up at new foods, couldn't resist the smell and actually came back for more!

Complete Ingredients Breakdown

• Pizza Dough: Go for fresh dough that's been sitting out a bit. The store-bought stuff works great, just don't use it straight from the fridge. It should feel soft and stretchy when you touch it.
• Pepperoni: Look for good quality, thin slices that don't curl up too much. Regular pepperoni gives you that perfect mix of savory and spicy without taking over the whole flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Whole-milk mozzarella that's fresh will melt the best. Skip the pre-shredded bags and grate it yourself for better texture.
• Provolone Cheese: This adds some extra flavor depth. You can pick aged for stronger taste or mild if you want something more subtle.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grab a block of real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it fresh for that nutty, salty kick that makes everything better.

Making Your Mouthwatering Pepperoni Bread

First Stage: Preparation

Let your pizza dough sit out for about 30 minutes so it's easier to work with. While that's happening, heat your oven to 375°F and put some parchment paper on your baking sheet.

Second Stage: Dough Handling

Split your pound of dough into eight same-sized pieces. With a light touch, shape each one into a 6-inch square on a slightly floured counter. Try to keep the thickness the same all over.

Third Stage: Filling Assembly

Start with a provolone slice on your dough. Sprinkle some oregano and garlic powder, then lay down pepperoni slices so they barely overlap. Finish with a good handful of shredded mozzarella spread evenly across everything.

Fourth Stage: Rolling Technique

Roll each square up tightly from one end, making sure the filling stays inside. Pinch the edges closed firmly and place them seam-down on your baking sheet.

Fifth Stage: Final Touches

Coat each roll completely with melted butter using a brush. Sprinkle your seasoning mix and fresh parmesan on top. Cut a few small slits in each roll so steam can get out while they bake.

Secrets To Golden Baking

Getting that perfect golden-brown outside comes down to the right temp and timing. Put your rack in the middle of the oven for even heating. You'll need about 20-25 minutes at 375°F to get that crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and tender. Look for cheese bubbling through the little cuts you made and a rich golden color on the crust.

Getting The Best From Your Dough

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Pizza dough needs a bit of babying when it comes to temperature. If it's too cold, it'll fight you when you try to stretch it and might tear. Too warm and it gets sticky and messy. When it's just right, the dough should feel like touching your earlobe - soft and flexible but not sticky at all.

I grew up in an Italian-American home where my grandma always taught me to use room temperature ingredients for the best results. She'd tell me the dough needs to 'wake up' before you work with it. After making these rolls for years, I totally get what she meant.

Stunning Serving Suggestions

Make these pepperoni rolls look fancy by cutting them at an angle and setting them on a wooden board. Add some fresh basil leaves and put out small dishes of warm marinara for dipping. For more casual times, serve them whole with different sauces and fresh veggies on the side.

Tasty Variations To Try

You can switch out regular pepperoni for turkey pepperoni if you want something lighter, or mix up Italian meats like salami and capicola for more interesting flavors. If you don't eat meat, try stuffing them with roasted red peppers, cooked mushrooms, and spinach instead. Want more heat? Add some hot cherry peppers or pepper jack cheese to the filling.

Storage Solutions

Let your rolls cool completely, then put them in a sealed container with paper towels on the bottom to soak up moisture. They'll stay good in the fridge for about three days. To keep them longer, wrap each roll in parchment paper first, then foil, before putting them in a freezer bag. They'll taste great for up to three months this way.

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I've made these rolls so many times for both family dinners and professional events, and they never fail to make everyone happy. There's something about that mix of tasty meat, melty cheese, and fresh-baked bread that brings people together. Whether you're cooking for just your family or hosting a big party, these pepperoni rolls will probably become one of your go-to favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I grab ready-made pizza dough from the store?

Sure thing, ready-made or homemade dough both work great. If you go with store-bought, just let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before you start rolling.

→ How long will these stay good in the freezer?

You can keep the baked rolls frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap each one in parchment and foil first, then pop them in a freezer bag.

→ What's the best way to warm up frozen rolls?

Pop frozen rolls in a 400°F oven for about 25 minutes or try an air fryer at 360°F for 13-15 minutes until they're hot throughout.

→ How should I keep leftover rolls?

After they cool down, wrap them in foil and stick them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up in a 350°F oven for around 15 minutes.

→ Can I make these rolls pack more heat?

Definitely! Toss in some red pepper flakes inside and on top, then drizzle with hot honey before serving for an extra kick.