Cheese And Pepperoni Rolls: The Perfect Pairing

Pepperoni rolls are a West Virginia specialty, although they are also popular in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. They are made with a slightly sweet, fluffy dough and stuffed with spicy pepperoni and cheese. The cheese used in pepperoni rolls can vary, with mozzarella being the most popular choice, but provolone, fontina, parmesan, Oaxaca, and string cheese are also used.

Mozzarella and Oaxaca cheese

Pepperoni rolls are a West Virginia specialty, and they are made with spicy pepperoni and melty cheese inside a fluffy bread roll. The best cheese to use in pepperoni rolls is Oaxaca cheese, which is similar to mozzarella. The flavour of the two cheeses is almost exactly the same, so you can use mozzarella if you don't have Oaxaca cheese.

Oaxaca cheese is a Mexican cheese made from cow's milk and is similar to unaged Monterey Jack cheese in appearance and texture. It is a semi-soft, white, lactic cheese that is commonly used as a topping for dishes like tacos, tostadas, and memelas. It is also a popular filling for dishes like quesadillas and empanadas.

Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a traditional Italian cheese made from buffalo or cow milk. It is a soft, white cheese with a high moisture content and is commonly used in pizzas, lasagnas, and caprese salads.

Both Oaxaca and mozzarella cheeses have a mild, slightly tangy flavour and melt easily, making them ideal for pepperoni rolls. The cheese should be placed on one side of the dough, along with a couple of slices of pepperoni, and then rolled up and pinched at the ends to seal before baking.

The pepperoni rolls can be served warm, right out of the oven, or at room temperature. They can also be served with a side of Parmesan cheese or marinara sauce for dipping.

Marinara sauce for dipping

Marinara sauce is a popular choice for dipping pepperoni rolls. It is a simple tomato-based sauce that can be made from canned or fresh tomatoes, and is often seasoned with garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and sugar. The sauce pairs well with the spicy pepperoni and melty cheese tucked inside a fluffy bread roll.

When serving pepperoni rolls, it is common to provide a dipping sauce on the side. While some may opt for ranch or garlic sauces, marinara is a classic choice that enhances the flavours of the roll. The slight sweetness of the tomato sauce balances the spiciness of the pepperoni, while the herbs add a depth of flavour that complements the cheese.

To make a basic marinara sauce, one can use canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes that have been blanched and peeled. The tomatoes are then blended or processed to achieve a smooth consistency. Onion, garlic, and other seasonings are sautéed in a pan before the tomato mixture is added. The sauce is then simmered for several minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

For those who prefer a chunkier sauce, diced tomatoes can be used instead of blending them. Additionally, various herbs and spices can be added to customise the sauce to one's taste. Some popular options include basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves.

When serving pepperoni rolls with marinara sauce, it is recommended to provide a generous amount of sauce for dipping. The sauce not only enhances the flavour of the rolls but also adds moisture, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy bread and the juicy filling.

Freezing and reheating

Pepperoni rolls are a West Virginia specialty, and freezing them is a great way to preserve them for future enjoyment. Here are some detailed instructions for freezing and reheating pepperoni rolls:

Freezing:

• It is best to freeze pepperoni rolls before filling them with pepperoni and cheese. After mixing and letting the dough rise, transfer it to a freezer bag and freeze for up to two weeks.
• Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled pepperoni rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They will last for up to a month in the freezer.

Reheating:

• For best results, thaw frozen pepperoni rolls completely before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 325-350°F. Place the desired number of rolls on a baking sheet.
• Heat the rolls for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

You can also reheat pepperoni rolls in an air fryer. Remove the frozen rolls from their wrapping and place them in the air fryer. Heat at 360°F for 13-15 minutes.

Homemade dough vs. store-bought

Pepperoni rolls are a speciality in West Virginia, and they are often made with a homemade dough. However, store-bought dough can also be used as a convenient alternative. Here is a comparison between the two options:

Homemade Dough:

• Pros: Using a homemade dough allows for greater control over the ingredients and their quality. It also provides the satisfaction of making the pepperoni rolls entirely from scratch. This dough is usually made with yeast, flour, butter, salt, sugar, and eggs, resulting in a fluffy and tender roll.
• Cons: Making the dough from scratch requires more time and effort. It involves measuring and mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough, and allowing it to rest and rise, which can take several hours.

Store-Bought Dough:

• Pros: Using a store-bought dough saves time and effort, especially if you are short on time or don't enjoy baking. It can be a more convenient option, and some people find that it still tastes delicious.
• Cons: The selection of store-bought dough may be limited, and it may not always be easy to find the perfect type for pepperoni rolls. The dough might not have the same level of freshness and flavour as a homemade dough.

In conclusion, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are short on time or don't enjoy baking, store-bought dough can be a convenient solution. However, if you want greater control over the ingredients and enjoy the process of making dough from scratch, homemade dough is the way to go. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and baking skills.

Spicy pepperoni

Pepperoni rolls are a speciality in West Virginia, and they are often filled with spicy pepperoni and melty cheese. The pepperoni used can be regular store-bought pepperoni, or a spicier variety, and it can be sliced or in stick form. The pepperoni is placed on the dough, which is then rolled up and baked.

The spicy pepperoni is key to the flavour of the pepperoni roll. When the pepperoni bakes into the dough, the oils from the meat, including the spicy oils, soak into the bread. This gives the whole roll a spicy, meaty flavour. The pepperoni is complemented by the cheese, which melts into the roll.

The rolls are made with a yeast dough, which is often slightly sweet. The dough is rolled out and filled with pepperoni and cheese, then rolled up and baked. The rolls can be served warm from the oven, or at room temperature. They are often served with a marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Pepperoni rolls are a popular snack, as they are portable and can be eaten with your hands. They are often sold at gas stations and grocery stores in West Virginia, and are a staple food for coal miners.

Frequently asked questions