Are you craving comfort food that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! Double Dave's Pepperoni Rolls are here to rescue you from dinner dilemmas. These soft, pillowy rolls bursting with savory pepperoni are the perfect homemade treat – ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or even a delightful weekend brunch. Forget takeout; this easy recipe lets you create a batch of these delicious dishes in your own kitchen. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple, yet incredibly rewarding recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 12-15 rolls.
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Filling:
- 4 ounces pepperoni, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- For Baking:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This is a crucial step to ensure your dough rises properly.
Step 2: Combine Dough Ingredients
Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
Step 6: Add the Filling
Sprinkle the pepperoni and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
Step 7: Roll and Cut
Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log. Cut the log into 12-15 equal slices (approximately 1 inch thick).
Step 8: Second Rise
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with the beaten egg and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These pepperoni rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the dough.
- Spice it up: Use spicy pepperoni for a kick.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
- Make it a meal: Serve these rolls alongside a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.
- Freezing for later: These rolls freeze well. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: 200-250 Fat: 10-12g Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 25-30g
These Double Dave's Pepperoni Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The recipe is simple enough for beginner cooks, yet delicious enough to impress experienced chefs. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of these homemade culinary delights. They are perfect for easy recipes, healthy meals (depending on your choices!), quick dinner ideas, and are ultimately the best recipes for those looking for comfort food.