#MiddleburyCT #PepperoniRolls #SavorySnack
In the heart of Appalachia, where the rolling hills are as steeped in tradition as they are in natural beauty, one humble culinary creation reigns supreme: the pepperoni roll. Originating in the early 20th century, this beloved snack was born out of necessity in West Virginia’s coal mining communities. Italian immigrants, many of whom worked in the mines, ingeniously combined their culinary heritage with locally available ingredients to create a portable, hearty meal. By wrapping spicy pepperoni slices in soft, yeasty dough, they crafted a convenient snack that didn’t require refrigeration and could easily be held in one hand – a perfect solution for miners working long hours underground.
The genius of the pepperoni roll lies in its simplicity. The dough, soft and pillowy, bakes around the pepperoni, which releases its flavorful oils into the bread as it cooks. The result is slightly spicy, savory and perfectly satisfying. It’s no wonder this snack quickly became a staple in homes and bakeries across West Virginia.
Homemade pepperoni rolls – perfect for after-school snacks or game-day gatherings (www.JasonCoblentz.com)
Today, pepperoni rolls are celebrated not only for their comforting flavors but also for their rich history. They’re a cherished symbol of Appalachian culture, served at family gatherings, sold at local bakeries and enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
But pepperoni rolls aren’t just about nostalgia – they’re incredibly versatile, making them the perfect snack for today’s busy lifestyles. As families prepare for the back-to-school rush, pepperoni rolls offer a quick and easy option for after-school snacks or to pack in lunchboxes. Their portability makes them ideal for kids on the go, whether they’re heading to soccer practice or dance class.
For adults, pepperoni rolls are a great grab-and-go snack for busy workdays, and they’re a hit at tailgate parties and picnics. Because they don’t require refrigeration, they’re easy to transport, making them perfect for outdoor events or road trips. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Who can resist the combination of warm bread and savory pepperoni?
While making pepperoni rolls from scratch is a labor of love, there’s an easy shortcut version that’s just as delicious. Using store-bought frozen bread dough, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Shortcut Pepperoni Rolls
Servings: 8
Total Time: 27 minutes
16 ounces frozen bread dough, thawed
16 slices pepperoni
4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into quarters
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 large egg, well beaten
Splash of water
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a clean work surface, cut the thawed bread dough into 8 equal parts. Flatten each piece to about 4 by 4 inches using your hands or a rolling pin.
Place 2 slices of pepperoni in the center of each dough square. You can add more pepperoni if you like, and no one would be mad at you.
Top with 2 pieces of mozzarella and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Fold the outer edges of dough over the filling, then tightly roll the dough, pinching the seams to seal in the goodness.
Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of each roll with egg wash for that beautiful golden, glossy finish.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet
for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping. They’re just as tasty at room temperature, making them perfect for snacking anytime, anywhere.
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com
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