This easy scratch pepperoni roll recipe may just become your new favorite snack or lunch fix.
I deliberately removed the pepperoni, savoring that first.
It was the best way Ive ever ruined my dinner.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
They are, in fact, highly regional, with a fascinating origin story.
What Are Pepperoni Rolls?
As the name suggests, pepperoni rolls are cottony white dinner rolls baked with pepperoni inside.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
One pepperoni roll makes an ideal snack; two, a satisfying lunch.
But theres much more to pepperoni rolls.
Theyre a sense of identity.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Imagine having a grueling job in a dangerous, dark, dirty place.
You work long hours in cramped conditions.
Now imagine having a greasy, salty bundle of puffy carbs to look forward to.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Its a food that was designed to hit the most basal pleasures in the most trying of conditions.
This is why pepperoni rolls are hard-wired in the emotional DNA of people in the Ohio River Valley.
Pepperoni rolls are so beloved in West Virginia that the state legislature made them the official state snack food.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
I have a pepperoni roll pin.
Homesick Mountain State expats can order real West Virginia pepperoni rolls fromGoldbelly.
Or just make your own.After one bite, youll know what the fuss is about.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Anytime you feel like it!
you might buy pepperoni rolls at mom-and-pop bakeries, grocery store delis, and convenience stores.
People also bring homemade pepperoni rolls to parties and potlucks.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
My friends served sourdough pepperoni rolls at their wedding.
Schools sell them for fundraisers.
In fact, I prefer to knead this by hand versus in an electric mixer.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Kids love making pepperoni rolls!
Older kids who are confident in the kitchen can swing this recipe with little to no assistance.
Younger kids will love helping with the kneading and shaping.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
They are not the place to showcase artisan charcuterie.
Theres not a right way to do it.
To adapt this recipe for frozen roll dough, follow these guidelines:
More Pepperoni, yo!
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
I can, however, see West Virginia across the Ohio River from my office window.
The version in my book had less butter.
This version, with more pepperoni and more butter, is what I make now.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Trust me, its worth it.
Let it sit until dissolved and creamy, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups (387g) flour and salt.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat.
Remove from heat and whisk in the egg.
Add the water and yeast mixture to the flour, along with the buttermilk mixture.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together.
At first it will be quite sticky.
If needed, add the remaining 1/2 cup (64g) flour, bit by bit.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Resist the temptation to add a lot of flour; you want a soft dough thats still kneadable.
Transfer to a clean counter and gently knead by hand until smooth and supple, about 5 minutes.
I dont need to flour my counterif the dough sticks, it needs more flour.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds and line two baking sheets with parchment.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and let them rest on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes.
Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Divide the pepperoni into 12 roughly equal piles.
Take a piece of dough and pat it into a square roughly 4 to 5 inches across.
Imperfection is totally acceptable here, and in fact slightly preferable.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Shingle the pepperoni slices over the square, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the dough.
Roll up the dough and firmly pinch the bottom seam to seal.
Place it seam-side-down on the baking sheet.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Repeat with the remaining dough.
Youll wind up with 6 rolls per sheet.
Brush the rolls with half of the melted butter.
Cover each baking sheet with a clean dish towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
The rolls will not puff up visibly.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
To freeze the baked rolls, cool completely.
Freeze for up to 1 month.
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