Cheese And Pepperoni Rolls: The Perfect Pairing

what cheeses are used in pepperoni rolls

Pepperoni rolls are a beloved snack and appetizer with a fascinating origin story. They are soft, pillow-like rolls stuffed with pepperoni and cheese, and are especially popular in West Virginia. The rolls were originally devised as a portable meal for coal miners in the region, as they didn't require refrigeration and could be easily carried underground. While there are many variations, mozzarella and string cheese are commonly used in pepperoni rolls, along with Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and occasionally parmesan.

Characteristics Values
Number of cheeses used 2
Types of cheese Mozzarella, Parmesan, String Cheese, Provolone, Cheddar
Cheese texture Shredded, sliced, grated, small cubes, sticks, shredded, string

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Mozzarella and pepperoni rolls

Ingredients:

  • Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • Mozzarella cheese (sliced or cut into sticks)
  • Pepperoni slices or sticks
  • Egg
  • Water
  • Italian seasoning
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Butter (optional)
  • Honey (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F or 350°F, depending on the recipe variation.
  • Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper.
  • Take your pizza dough and cut it into eight equal parts. Roll each piece into a small ball and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to relax the dough and make it easier to roll out.
  • On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a small rectangle or a 4x4-inch square.
  • Place two to three slices of pepperoni in the centre of each piece of dough, or use one stick of pepperoni.
  • Add two slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni, or use one mozzarella stick. If desired, you can add more cheese to the centre, but be careful not to overfill.
  • Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the cheese. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste preferences.
  • Starting with the short side of the rectangle or the outer edges of the square, fold and tightly roll the dough, pinching the seams together to secure the filling inside.
  • Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared sheet tray, leaving space between each roll.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and a small amount of water to create an egg wash.
  • Brush the exposed dough lightly with the egg wash. This will give the rolls a shiny, golden-brown colour when baked.
  • For an extra touch of flavour, you can brush the rolls with garlic butter glaze before baking. Combine melted butter, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese to create the glaze.
  • Bake the rolls for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the recipe variation, until they are golden brown.
  • Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes on the tray before serving.
  • Serve the mozzarella and pepperoni rolls with a dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch.

Tips and Variations:

  • You can add more spice to your rolls by using spicy pepperoni or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • For a sweeter touch, drizzle hot honey on top of the rolls before serving.
  • While mozzarella and pepperoni are the classic filling, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as grated Parmesan or small cubes of cheddar.
  • Mozzarella and pepperoni rolls can be served warm or at room temperature and are perfect for snacks, lunches, or appetizers.
  • To store, wrap the rolls individually and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

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Parmesan and pepperoni rolls

To make Parmesan and pepperoni rolls, start by preparing your favourite pizza dough recipe. You can also use store-bought dough to save time. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 4 inches. If you're using slices of pepperoni, place 2-3 slices in the centre of each piece of dough. If you prefer a spicier flavour, you can use crushed red pepper. You can also use sticks of pepperoni or ground pepperoni for a different texture.

Next, it's time to add the cheese. For Parmesan and pepperoni rolls, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni. You can also add other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for extra flavour and creaminess. If you're using mozzarella, it's best to use deli-style slices or shredded mozzarella. Fold the dough over the filling, making sure to tuck it in securely.

Before baking, brush the dough with an egg wash made by whisking together egg and water. This will give the rolls a golden, crispy exterior. You can also sprinkle Italian seasoning or herbs, such as oregano and basil, on top for added flavour.

Bake the rolls in the oven at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These rolls can be served as a snack, appetizer, or meal. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and are perfect for dipping in marinara or pizza sauce.

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Cheddar and pepperoni rolls

To make cheddar and pepperoni rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade dough, depending on your preference. Frozen bread dough or premade pizza dough are convenient options, but you can also make your own dough from scratch using a basic bread recipe.
  • Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese is the key ingredient that sets these rolls apart. You can use shredded or cubed cheddar, depending on the texture you prefer.
  • Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni is typically used, but you can also quarter thin pepperoni sticks lengthwise or use ground pepperoni for a unique texture.
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning, which typically includes dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, is a popular choice for pepperoni rolls. You can also add garlic salt, red pepper flakes, or crushed red pepper for extra spice.
  • Egg wash: Whisk together an egg with a small amount of water to create an egg wash, which will give the rolls a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Butter: Butter can be added on top of the rolls before baking or served on the side as a dipping sauce.
  • Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. A thinner dough will create a crispier roll, while a thicker dough will be fluffier.
  • Add the fillings: Place the pepperoni slices or sticks in the centre of each piece of dough. Then, add the shredded or cubed cheddar cheese on top.
  • Season and roll: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and any additional spices over the cheese. Then, carefully roll up the dough, making sure to tuck in the fillings as you go. Pinch the seams together to secure the fillings inside.
  • Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the tops and sides of the rolls with the egg wash. This will give them a golden, crispy exterior. Place the rolls on a parchment-covered baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Serve and enjoy: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Cheddar and pepperoni rolls can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or meal. They can be served warm or at room temperature and are perfect for game days, parties, or school lunches.

Feel free to customise your cheddar and pepperoni rolls by adding other ingredients, such as different types of cheese, meats, or vegetables. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces, such as pizza sauce or marinara sauce, to enhance the flavour of the rolls.

So, there you have it! Cheddar and pepperoni rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be tailored to your own personal preferences. Enjoy the process of creating and customising these rolls, and don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients!

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String cheese and pepperoni rolls

To make string cheese and pepperoni rolls, first, unroll the crescent rolls into eight individual triangles. Sprinkle each triangle with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Then, lay four slices of pepperoni on each triangle. Place half a piece of string cheese on top of the pepperoni and roll them up. You can also add more garlic salt and Italian seasoning on top. Bake the rolls according to the directions on the crescent roll package or until they are browned. You can dip them in pizza sauce when you are ready to eat.

You can also make string cheese and pepperoni rolls with pizza dough. First, flatten out the dough to about a 4x4-inch diameter. Place two slices of pepperoni in the centre of each piece of dough. Add two slices of cut string cheese on top. Sprinkle the cheese with Italian seasoning. Fold the two outer edges of the dough over the filling, then tightly roll it up, pinching the seams together. Place the rolls seam-side down on a prepared sheet tray. In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and some water. Brush the exposed bread dough lightly with the egg wash. Bake the rolls for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool for about five minutes before serving.

You can also add pizza sauce to the rolls by spreading a thin layer inside the roll before adding the pepperoni and cheese. To make the rolls spicy, add sliced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add vegetables such as finely chopped bell peppers and onions.

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Provolone and pepperoni rolls

To make the rolls, start by rolling out the dough into a 6" x 6" square on a floured surface. Layer the dough with fontina cheese, provolone cheese, and pepperoni, adding Italian seasoning to taste. For extra flavour, you can sprinkle oregano and garlic powder on top of the pepperoni. Then, roll the dough tightly, ensuring that the filling doesn't fall out. Brush the tops and sides of the rolls with melted butter, and sprinkle on additional seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Finally, bake the rolls until they are golden and the cheese is melted.

Provolone pepperoni rolls can be served as an appetizer, paired with a salad, or enjoyed as a snack on the go. They can also be served with a dipping sauce such as marinara or Italian dressing. These rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Provolone pepperoni rolls are a popular snack option, especially in regions like West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Western Pennsylvania, where they hold cultural significance. They are a favourite among kids and adults alike and can be a great option for parties, tailgates, or family gatherings.

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Frequently asked questions

The essential ingredients are pizza dough, pepperoni, and cheese.

Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used in pepperoni rolls. However, you can also use string cheese, grated parmesan, provolone, or small cubes of cheddar cheese.

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own.

Bake the rolls for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Pepperoni rolls are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a dip. Popular dips include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, and pizza sauce.

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