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Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls: A Perfectly Savory Snack


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 2 hours

Description

These Cheesy Pepperoni Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring soft, golden dough stuffed with gooey melted cheese and flavorful pepperoni. Brushed with garlic butter and baked to perfection, they’re great for game days, parties, or a quick snack. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in no time! Easy to make and always a hit.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dough. This gives the rolls their soft, pillowy texture.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar: To feed the yeast and help the dough rise.
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast: For leavening the dough and ensuring it rises properly.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavor of the dough.
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water: To activate the yeast. Make sure it’s warm, not hot, so the yeast can bloom.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds flavor and richness to the dough.
  • 1 egg: For enriching the dough and helping it rise to a perfect consistency.

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the filling! Mozzarella gives the rolls that stretchy, gooey texture.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp flavor and a deeper cheese profile.
  • 1 cup Halal turkey or beef pepperoni: Chopped into small pieces. Be sure to choose a Halal-certified brand to keep the recipe pork-free.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: For a flavorful kick that complements the pepperoni.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory aroma and flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, this is the perfect addition.

For the Glaze:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For brushing over the rolls before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: To sprinkle on top of the rolls for added flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the finish.

Optional Garnish:

  • Parmesan cheese: Grated, to sprinkle over the top of the rolls just before serving.
  • Marinara sauce: For dipping, if you love the extra tangy, tomato-based flavor.

Instructions

First Step: MAKE THE DOUGH

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active and ready to go.
  2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Create a small well in the center.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the flour mixture, add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, and egg. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much, as this could make the dough dry.
  5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Second Step: PREPARE THE FILLING

  1. Prepare the Cheese and Pepperoni: While the dough is rising, shred your mozzarella and cheddar cheese if you haven’t already. Chop the Halal pepperoni into small pieces.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheeses, chopped pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the mixture together until everything is well combined. Set aside until the dough has finished rising.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE ROLLS

  1. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches.
  2. Add the Filling: Evenly sprinkle the cheese and pepperoni mixture over the entire surface of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space on the edges.
  3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, making sure the filling stays inside. Pinch the edges together to seal.
  4. Cut into Rolls: Slice the dough into 12 even pieces, about 1 ½ inches wide. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a small gap between each roll to allow for expansion.

Fourth Step: BAKE THE ROLLS

  1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of each roll with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley for added flavor and a golden finish.
  2. Bake the Rolls: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
  3. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This will help the cheese set a little before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 25g