Copycat Pepperoni Roll Recipe

Ingredients

• For the dough:
  • 1½ to 2 cups warm water (around 100‑110°F / 38‑43°C)
  • 2½ to 3 cups all‑purpose flour (might use some bread flour if you want more chew)
  • 2¼ tsp (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Fillings:
  • Pepperoni slices (as many as you like; picture shows at least 4‑6 per roll)
  • Cheese – mozzarella (shredded) or a blend of mozzarella & another Italian cheese
  • Optional: a little pizza sauce or marinara inside (or on the side for dipping)
• Topping / Assembling:
  • Melted butter (or olive oil)
  • Garlic (powder or minced)
  • Italian seasoning or herbs (oregano, basil, parsley)
  • Grated Parmesan on top

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Directions

1. Make the Dough:
   • Activate the yeast: in warm water, dissolve sugar, add yeast. Let it sit ~5‑10 minutes until foamy.
   • Stir in flour, salt, and oil. Mix until it becomes a soft dough. Knead for ~5‑8 minutes until smooth and elastic (adding flour as needed to prevent sticking).
   • Place in oiled bowl, cover, let rise in warm place until doubled (~1 hour).
2. Shape Rolls:
   • Once dough has risen, punch down. Divide into equal portions (4‑6, depending on how large you want each roll).
   • Roll each piece into a rectangle or oval. Place several slices of pepperoni and some cheese down the center (or inside), then roll up like a jelly roll. Seal seams and ends well.
   • Optionally for the style in the pic: maybe some cuts/slits or folding so that pepperoni shows on top (as decoration) before baking.
3. Second Rise:
   • Place rolls on a baking sheet (lined with parchment or greased), seam side down. Let rise again for about 20‑30 minutes.
4. Preheat Oven & Bake:
   • Preheat oven to ~375‑400°F (190‑200°C).
   • Before baking, brush tops with melted butter mixed with garlic & Italian seasoning.
   • Sprinkle Parmesan or extra cheese on top.
   • Bake for ~18‑25 minutes until golden brown, cheese melted, tops nicely browned.
5. Finish & Serve:
   • After baking, you can brush again with garlic‑butter for extra flavor and gloss.
   • Let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.