If you have a craving for something warm, cheesy, and packed with a little savory spice, you’re about to fall in love with this West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Recipe. These soft, pillowy rolls are the perfect handheld treat, filled with melty provolone and pepperoni that brings just the right kick of flavor. Originating as a beloved comfort food from West Virginia, this recipe is a wonderful mix of simplicity and heartiness that makes for an irresistible snack or meal. Whether you’re new to pepperoni rolls or a longtime fan, this version will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly straightforward yet come together to create a dish with incredible depth. Each one plays a special role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor balance that makes this West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Recipe so famous.
- Frozen Rhodes dinner rolls dough (12 pieces): The soft, pre-made dough forms the perfect fluffy base for the rolls, saving time without sacrificing freshness.
- Pepperoni slices (12 sandwich-size): Folded pepperoni gives a spicy, savory burst in every bite, infusing the bread as it bakes.
- Provolone cheese slices (12 sandwich-size): Melts beautifully inside, adding creamy, mild richness that complements the pepperoni.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds a golden, flavorful finish when brushed on the tops of the rolls before and after baking.
- Garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon): A subtle seasoning that enhances the buttery topping with a mild, aromatic touch.
How to Make West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and placing the frozen rolls directly on it. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap sprayed lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Let them thaw and soften at room temperature for about one and a half hours—this rest time is crucial to get that perfect pillowy texture that’s just begging to be filled.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough is soft, take each roll and press it gently into a flat circle. Fold your provolone slice into fourths and place it onto the dough, then do the same with a slice of pepperoni right on top. Wrapping the dough carefully around these fillings, pinch the edges tightly to seal everything in, making sure no cheese or pepperoni peeks out. This step locks in all the melty, spicy goodness for each bite.
Step 3: Let the Rolls Rise
Place each roll seam-side down on the baking sheet, then loosely cover with the plastic wrap again. Let them rise for about 30 minutes—during this time, preheat your oven to 350°F. This rise helps the dough develop a fluffy, soft crumb that’s signature to the recipe.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter and Bake
Mix melted butter with garlic powder to create a simple, flavorful glaze. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat half of this garlic butter over the tops of the rolls. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching as they turn a beautiful golden brown. When they’re done, pull the rolls out and brush on the remaining garlic butter—it adds moisture and a perfect pop of garlicky richness right at the end.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve these rolls fresh from the oven for the best experience. The cheese will still be melty, and the pepperoni’s flavor will have seeped deliciously into every corner of the soft bread.
How to Serve West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these pepperoni rolls are wonderful on their own, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can elevate their look and flavor. Some people love adding a tiny bit of crushed red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair perfectly with a crisp green salad or a simple bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. If you want a heartier meal, try serving alongside a cup of tomato soup or a fresh vegetable medley. Their versatility means you can easily adapt them to your mealtime needs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party or game day, arrange the rolls on a large platter with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or even honey mustard. You can also slice them in half to make mini sandwiches or serve them with a charcuterie board for a fun, shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pepperoni rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To bring the rolls back to life, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until soft and heated through. You can also microwave a roll for about 20 seconds, but the oven method keeps them fluffier and prevents any soggy spots.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and is a great option if you want to customize the flavor or texture. Just make sure to adjust rising times accordingly, and remember homemade dough might yield a few extra rolls compared to using frozen ones.
Is provolone cheese necessary, or can I use other types?
Provolone is traditional and melts perfectly, but feel free to swap it for mozzarella or another mild cheese if you prefer. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, so have fun experimenting!
Why do you place the pepperoni under the cheese when assembling?
Placing pepperoni beneath the cheese ensures its spicy oils seep into the dough as it bakes, creating a more flavorful roll. It also helps keep the cheese melting evenly on top without burning.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them covered overnight. Just allow a little extra time for them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
What’s the best way to serve pepperoni rolls for kids?
Serve them warm and perhaps cut in half or quarters to make smaller, kid-friendly portions. Pair with a mild dipping sauce like marinara or ranch to make them even more appealing to little hands and tastebuds.
Final Thoughts
This West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Recipe is a true slice of comfort that anyone can make with just a handful of ingredients and a little patience. It’s like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for sharing with family or friends at any occasion. Give it a try and watch these soft, cheesy rolls disappear fast—they’re that delicious!
PrintWest Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack featuring soft dinner roll dough filled with pepperoni and provolone cheese. These rolls are perfect for parties, lunches, or anytime you crave a savory bite with a melty cheese center and the classic flavor of pepperoni wrapped in fluffy bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough and Fillings
- 12 pieces of frozen Rhodes dinner rolls dough
- 12 sandwich-size slices of pepperoni
- 12 sandwich-size slices of provolone cheese
Topping
- 1 Tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the frozen Rhodes dinner rolls dough on the baking sheet. Spray a piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then cover the rolls with the plastic wrap.
- Thaw the Dough: Let the rolls thaw and soften for about 1.5 hours at room temperature, allowing the dough to become pliable for shaping.
- Shape and Fill: Take one roll of dough and press it into a flat circle shape. Fold one slice of provolone cheese into fourths and place it on the dough circle. Fold one sandwich-size slice of pepperoni into fourths and place it on top of the cheese.
- Seal the Rolls: Carefully wrap the dough sides around the cheese and pepperoni, pinching the edges thoroughly to seal the contents inside completely and prevent leaking during baking.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Position the sealed dough rolls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet with the seam side facing down. Repeat this process for all 12 rolls.
- Let Rolls Rise: Loosely cover the dough rolls again with lightly sprayed plastic wrap. Let them rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes to puff up and develop texture.
- Preheat Oven: During the final rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking once the rolls have risen.
- Apply Garlic Butter (First Coat): Combine the melted butter with garlic powder and gently brush about half of this mixture over the tops of the risen rolls using a pastry brush. Reserve the other half for after baking.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until they turn lightly golden brown and are fully cooked through.
- Apply Garlic Butter (Second Coat): Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter mixture to enhance flavor and add a soft, buttery finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the pepperoni rolls cool slightly so they can be handled easily, then serve warm and enjoy the melty, savory goodness.
Notes
- Large sandwich-size slices of pepperoni are preferred and folded into fourths to fit inside the rolls; smaller slices can also be used.
- Provolone cheese is traditional and preferred here for its mild flavor and meltability, but mozzarella can be substituted if desired.
- Placing the provolone cheese on the dough first and pepperoni on top ensures the pepperoni flavor seeps into the dough after baking, a signature characteristic of a great pepperoni roll.
- Rhodes frozen dinner rolls dough is convenient and consistent, but homemade dinner roll dough can be used as well (note: homemade dough yields about 18 rolls, so increase fillings accordingly).
