The Ultimate Guide to West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls: History and Recipe

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  I love my home state of West Virginia.  A state known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also boasts a culinary gem:  The Pepperoni Roll

This delightful snack, a harmonious blend of spicy pepperoni and soft, pillowy dough, has captured the hearts and tastes buds of many.  In this post, I'll share with you the history of the pepperoni roll and provide a foolproof recipe for you to create this iconic West Virginia treat at home.  

Let's Get Started!  

THE HISTORY OF WEST VIRGINIA PEPPERONI ROLLS:

The pepperoni roll has humble beginnings, tracing back to the coal mines of West Virginia in the early 20th century.  Italian immigrant miners (yes, we have a HUGE Italian culture here) needed a convenient, non-perishable lunch that was easy to carry and eat without utensils.  Enter Giuseppe "Jospeh" Argiro, a coal miner turned baker, who is credited with creating the first pepperoni roll in 1027 at his bakery, Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, WV.  This ingenious snack quickly gained popularity for its simplicity and flavor becoming a staple in the region.  

The pepperoni roll's appeal lies in its straightforwardness:  a roll of soft bread dough encasing sticks or slices of pepperoni.  As the bread bakes, the pepperoni releases its oil, infusing the roll with a rich, savory flavor.  Today, pepperoni rolls are enjoyed by West Virginians and food enthusiasts nationwide, celelbrated for their unique place in Appalachian cuisine.  

PERFECTING THE WEST VIRGINIA PEPPERONI ROLL:  A RECIPE

Before we get started, we need to talk about something.  You can certainly make fresh bread dough for this recipe, and I will link my grandma's recipe for yeast rolls HERE, but if you ask just about any West Virginian they will tell you that you MUST use the frozen RHODES Yeast Dinner Rolls.  For one, using the frozen yeast rolls keeps things really simple. And two, people say the Rhodes Yeast Rolls are the closest to the original recipe that you can get.   Who am I to argue with my fellow Mountaineers? So that is what I use.  Now without further ado, the recipe.  

INGREDIENTS:

For this Simple West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Recipe you are going to need three simple ingredients.  

• Rhodes Thaw, Rise, & Bake Yeast Dinner Rolls.  
• Pepperoni
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1.  Prepare the Dough:

To begin, you will need to spray a baking sheet with a little cooking spray.  After that you will place 12 frozen dough balls on the baking sheet.  Cover with cling wrap that has been sprayed cooking spray as well.  Let the dough balls thaw for about three hours.  This can also be done overnight in the refrigerator.  

2.  Shape the Dough:

Once the dough has thawed take each dough ball and flatten out into a small rectangle.  Place a stick or a few slices of pepperoni in the center.  While this was not in the traditional recipe, I like adding cheese in mine.  Roll the dough into a cigar shape, folding the ends of the cigar shape inward to keep the filling from falling out.  Place the pepperoni rolls seam-side down into a greased 9x13 baking dish.  Let the dough rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size.

3.  Bake the Rolls:

Once the dough has done it's second rise and is doubled in size, place in a 350°F/175°C oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.  

4.  Butter and Serve:

When the pepperoni rolls have finish baking, remove them from the oven and IMMEDIATELY brush the tops with butter.  (Or you can be lazy like be a rub the whole dang stick).  Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving.  

ENJOY YOUR HOMEMADE PEPPERONI ROLLS:  

Pepperoni rolls are incredibly versatile.  They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick snack.  Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them as they are.

The pepperoni roll is more than just a snack; it's a piece of West Virginia culinary history.  Whether you're a Moutaineer longing for a taste of home or a curious foodie looking to explore new flavors, this recipe is sure to delight.  Try making these pepperoni rolls at home and experience a bite of Appalachian heritage.

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!
~The Kitchen Wife~