Pepperoni Rolls

These are my favorite breads to make at the holidays, and any time really. So easy and you can freeze the finished rolls for future enjoyment.

Take Rhodes frozen bread dough (thawed), roll it out on some flour. Roll it out so it is a bit flatter and rectangular. (I usually lay the loaf in front of me horizontally, then roll it out from me.) I do not go long-ways. Only roll the width of the roll. It will stretch when you roll it up at the end. If you do not want one big loaf of pepperoni bread, you can divide a loaf of dough into thirds or fourths and make mini rolls. These are nice for lunches.

Brush the dough with melted butter or margarine. Sprinkle with a light layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then put on as many pepperoni slices as you want.

Here is the big tip!!!! Microwave the pepperoni slices on a few paper towels first. Microwave for about 45-55 seconds, depending on your microwave. Experiment with different times. You don't want it to be too dry. You will be surprised by how much grease comes out of the pepperoni.  This is an important step, don't skip it. You don't want your pepperoni roll filled with grease that dribbles down your chin when you eat it. YUCK!

Anyway, layer the pepperoni...don't be shy with it. Use a lot. Then cover generously with more shredded mozzarella cheese. (In the past, I have also added sliced jalapeno peppers. If you like it spicy, it is a nice touch.) Roll the dough and tuck in the sides. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. (They may stick a little bit in a spot or two but when I used cooking spray, the bottom of the roll got soggy. So don't grease the sheet!) If you have a large cookie sheet, you can fit two rolls on it at a time.

To raise the bread, I heat a small pan of water in the oven to about 350. Then, turn the oven off and put the tray of pepperoni rolls in the oven and let them rise. When they are big enough to your liking, bake the rolls - without the pan of water in the oven - for 30 minutes at 350.

When the rolls come out of the oven, rub some butter over the tops. This helps the tops stay softer and not get hard. Place on a rack to cool.

Once they are cool, slice, serve, and enjoy.

OR....wrap them in cling wrap then foil. You can freeze the rolls like this. When you want one, just take it out of the freeze and thaw. Or microwave or heat in the oven.

Did I enjoy it? YES! I always do. 


Would I recommend it? Yes!!! If you have questions, feel free to contact me.

Will I make it again?  Absolutely!!!!

If you make it, let me know what you think!

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