Pepperoni Rolls

The pepperoni roll is the unofficial food of West Virginia, beloved for its convenience and hearty flavor. This version includes provolone cheese, fresh basil, tomato sauce, and ricotta for a modern twist.

Cook time: 120 minutes

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1.5 cups water room temperature
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0 olive oil for greasing bowl
• 0 all-purpose flour for kneading
• 0 olive oil for greasing bowl
• 0 olive oil for brushing baking sheet
• 1 pound pepperoni stick form
• 1 pound provolone cheese sliced
• 0 basil fresh
• 0 ricotta cheese fresh
• 2 large egg
• 0 ricotta cheese fresh
• 0 tomato sauce quick, for dipping

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, yeast, honey, and 1.5 cups water. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy and bubbly.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, mixing and folding it in until the dough forms a ball. If too wet, add more flour sparingly to prevent sticking.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, adding flour as needed to keep it from being too tacky. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough and divide it into 14 to 16 portions, roughly 2 ounces each. Place them on an oiled baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the pepperoni into sticks. Roll each dough portion flat and place a few pepperoni sticks on it along with a slice of provolone cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a spoonful of fresh ricotta. Fold the dough over and seal the edges.
6. Place the rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet. Beat the eggs and brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
7. While the rolls are baking, prepare a quick tomato sauce if desired for dipping. Serve the rolls warm with fresh ricotta and tomato sauce on the side.