COUSIN'S PEPPERONI ROLLS
- WineCheeseScallops
- Sep 16, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Get ready to indulge in a West Virginia classic with our twist on Cousin's Pepperoni Rolls! These easy-to-make, cheesy rolls are perfect for any occasion, from game days to family dinners. Packed with melty mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and optional banana peppers for an extra kick, they’re wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Served with your favorite pizza sauce, they’ll be an instant hit!
In this blog post, we'll walk you through each step to ensure your rolls come out crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to please your taste buds!
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The Origin of Pepperoni
Pepperoni, a staple of American cuisine, is a beloved cured sausage that combines pork and beef, seasoned with paprika, garlic, and other spices. While its name may sound Italian, pepperoni is an American creation, with roots in Italian immigrant communities of the early 20th century. The sausage was inspired by traditional Italian salami, such as soppressata and salsiccia, but adapted to suit American tastes. In Italy, you won’t find “pepperoni” on the menu, as the word in Italian simply means "bell peppers." Instead, pepperoni developed in the U.S. as a spicy, smoky sausage perfect for pizza and sandwiches, gaining widespread popularity due to its bold flavor.
Pepperoni’s rise to fame began in the 1910s when it was first mentioned in Italian-American delis and pizzerias in New York City. Its spicy, slightly smoky taste, combined with its signature bright red color, made it a natural pairing for pizza, which was also growing in popularity during this time. By the mid-20th century, pepperoni had become synonymous with pizza toppings, particularly in the U.S., and is now a quintessential ingredient in many beloved American dishes.
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The Origin of Pepperoni Rolls
Pepperoni rolls, a cherished snack in West Virginia, are a unique regional specialty with an interesting backstory. These savory treats, consisting of pepperoni slices or sticks baked inside soft rolls, were originally created as a portable, filling lunch for coal miners. Italian immigrant miners in northern West Virginia needed a simple, hearty meal they could carry with them into the mines, and the pepperoni roll was born. The first pepperoni rolls were reportedly sold by Giuseppe "Joseph" Argiro in the 1920s at his Fairmont bakery, Country Club Bakery. The rolls quickly became a local favorite, offering a satisfying mix of bread and meat that didn’t require refrigeration.
Pepperoni rolls are now a point of pride for West Virginians, and the recipes have evolved over time. While the traditional version uses stick pepperoni baked into the dough, modern takes include adding cheese, banana peppers, or even pizza sauce for extra flavor. Whether served plain or with additional fillings, the pepperoni roll remains a delicious symbol of the region’s history and culture, standing as both a culinary and cultural icon in West Virginia.
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Cousin's Pepperoni Rolls
Ingredients:
2 cans Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough
16 oz shredded mozzarella (4 cups)
1-2 packages sliced pepperoni (6 oz each)
Mild banana peppers (optional)
1 egg
1 Tbs water
½ tsp grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 jar pizza sauce of your choice (for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Unroll the pizza dough and roll it out with a dough roller. Slice vertically into four equal sections.
Starting at the top of each section, layer 10-12 slices of pepperoni, followed by mozzarella and banana peppers (if using).
Roll each section from the top down, starting where you placed the pepperoni. Pinch the end to seal the roll. Tuck in the sides and pinch them closed, or crimp with a fork.
Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Repeat the process until all rolls are prepared.
Slice a small hole in the top of each roll to allow steam to escape.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, Parmesan, and spices to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash onto each roll.
Bake for about 20 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, increase the oven to broil if you prefer a more browned finish.
Let the rolls cool slightly and serve with your favorite pizza sauce.
Enjoy!
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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