Pepperoni rolls are a popular snack food originating from West Virginia. They consist of a yeast roll filled with slices of pepperoni that is then baked. Pepperoni rolls can be found across West Virginia at convenience stores, bakeries, and restaurants. They are frequently made spicy by the addition of hot peppers or other spicy ingredients. Spicy pepperoni rolls have become a specialty food that West Virginia is well known for.
What are the origins of pepperoni rolls?
The origins of pepperoni rolls can be traced back to Italian immigrants who came to work in West Virginia’s coal mines in the late 19th and early 20th century. These immigrants brought recipes for Italian pepperoni sausages and breads from their home country. As they settled in West Virginia, they began adapting these foods to work with ingredients available locally, creating what became known as the pepperoni roll.
The Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, West Virginia is often credited with selling one of the first pepperoni rolls in the state in 1927. Italian baker Giuseppe “Joseph” Argiro is said to have first baked the rolls at the bakery, filling them with sticks of pepperoni. Locals working in the coal mines found the portable, filling snack to be convenient to eat during their breaks.
When did spicy pepperoni rolls emerge?
While the early pepperoni rolls were not spicy, the addition of spices and hot peppers crept in over the decades as they increased in popularity across the state. Restaurants and bakeries began experimenting with different recipes to create their own unique take on the classic roll.
In the 1940s, thexmlns:word”Night Hawk” restaurants in Fairmont began serving pepperoni rolls packed with extra pepperoni and spices. This set the trend toward spicier pepperoni rolls. Regional preferences emerged, with southern West Virginia preferring more heat and northern areas staying closer to the original mild recipe. Creative bakers began adding ingredients like cayenne pepper, hot sauce, jalapeños, and pepper flakes to give their pepperoni rolls an extra kick.
How are spicy pepperoni rolls made?
While recipes can vary between regions, bakeries, and families, the basic process of making spicy pepperoni rolls is similar.
Ingredients
Typical ingredients in spicy pepperoni rolls include:
– Yeast dough – The dough is typically made by proofing yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar. Flour, salt, vegetable oil, eggs, and sometimes milk are also used in the dough. This gives the rolls a soft, chewy texture when baked.
– Pepperoni – Various types of sliced pepperoni are used, from spicy varieties to original. Using a spicy pepperoni provides some inherent heat.
– Hot peppers – Ingredients like hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or banana peppers give the rolls a big spike in spice and flavor.
– Spices – Garlic powder, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper, and chili powder can be added to the dough or sprinkled on top.
– Cheese – Some recipes call for grated cheese rolled up inside along with the pepperoni.
Preparation
1. Prepare the dough. Mix together the water, yeast, sugar, eggs, oil, and milk if using. Let the yeast proof then mix in the flour and salt until a smooth elastic dough forms. Knead thoroughly and set aside to rise.
2. Roll out the dough. Once risen, divide the dough into portions. On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each portion into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Add pepperoni and spices. Cover each oval with slices of pepperoni and desired spicy ingredients like hot peppers or pepper flakes. Grated cheese can also be sprinkled on top.
4. Roll up. Starting on the long side, tightly roll up each oval of dough into a log, enclosing the pepperoni and spices inside. Pinch the seam firmly to seal.
5. Bake. Place sealed rolls on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool and serve. Let rolls cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy!
Where can you find spicy pepperoni rolls in West Virginia?
While pepperoni rolls in general can be found across West Virginia, certain bakeries and restaurants have become well known for their spicy pepperoni roll recipes:
Eastern West Virginia
– Home Industry Bakery (Clarksburg) – Their “hot” pepperoni rolls are stuffed with pepperoni, banana peppers, jalapeño peppers, chili powder, and mozzarella cheese.
– Minard’s Spice Company (Clarksburg) – This spice company sells packaged spicy pepperoni rolls through retailers around the state. Their rolls are made with famous Minard’s Italian Sauce.
– Dean’s Bakery (Bluefield) – Bakery known for making quality pepperoni rolls for over 60 years with the addition of red pepper flakes.
Charleston/Huntington Area
– Julian’s Market (Charleston) – Grocery store with a bakery offering spicy pepperoni pinwheels along with other pepperoni roll varieties.
– Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House (Huntington) – Landmark restaurant featuring pepperoni rolls made spicy through the use of jalapeño peppers in the dough.
– Frostop Drive In (Huntington) – Vintage drive-in restaurant serving spicy pepperoni rolls made fresh on site that require signing a waiver before eating.
Central West Virginia
– Colasessano’s (Fairmont) – Historic bakery where pepperoni rolls were first created, making rolls with extra pepperoni and a hint of crushed red pepper.
– Chico Bakery (Clarksburg) – Family-owned bakery using pepper jack cheese and diced jalapeños to add zing to their pepperoni rolls.
– Tomaro’s Bakery (Clarksburg) – Specializes in spicy pepperoni rolls loaded with extra slices of spicy pepperoni and chili peppers.
Nutritional value of spicy pepperoni rolls
Pepperoni rolls pack a lot of calories, fat, and sodium, especially when made extra spicy. Here is the basic nutrition breakdown for a typical serving of 1 spicy pepperoni roll (about 4 oz):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 830mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 13g |
So spicy pepperoni rolls, while delicious, are best enjoyed occasionally as a treat rather than a daily dietary staple. Moderation is key.
Are spicy pepperoni rolls popular outside West Virginia?
As a signature food of West Virginia, spicy pepperoni rolls hold a special place in the cuisines of surrounding Appalachian states as well. Their popularity has spread nationwide over the years, primarily through West Virginians living in other states who crave a taste of home.
Some of the places where spicy pepperoni rolls have taken hold include:
– Western Pennsylvania – The pepperoni roll is sometimes claimed as a food originating in Pennsylvania, likely due to the influence of Italian immigrants. Spicy pepperoni rolls are common in areas bordering West Virginia.
– Kentucky and North Carolina – These states have seen pepperoni rolls adopted into local food cultures, available at fairs, bakeries, and restaurants.
– Michigan – The large population of former West Virginians in Michigan has made spicy pepperoni rolls a familiar sight around Detroit and other cities.
– Alaska – Surprisingly, spicy pepperoni rolls are much loved snack in Alaska after being introduced by workers who migrated there from West Virginia to work in coal mines.
– Online – Various online stores specializing in West Virginia foods ship spicy pepperoni rolls nationwide, spreading their appeal.
While a staple of West Virginia, spicy pepperoni rolls clearly have wide ranging fans. Their portability and bold flavor have allowed them to become a spicy treat enjoyed coast to coast.
How to order spicy pepperoni rolls
Looking to get your hands on some authentic spicy pepperoni rolls? Here are some tips for finding and ordering them:
– Check bakeries when visiting West Virginia, especially in areas like Fairmont and Clarksburg where they originated. Many bakeries sell spicy pepperoni rolls fresh daily.
– Look for pepperoni rolls at local restaurants or diners, where they are frequently served as an appetizer or side. Ask if they make them spicy.
– Visit delis and pizza shops throughout West Virginia. Many will carry pepperoni rolls in convenience freezer cases.
– Check grocery store deli or bakery sections for packaged pepperoni rolls. Brands like Home Industry and Minard’s make spicy versions for retail.
– Search for “West Virginia pepperoni rolls” online to find mail order options. Several companies sell frozen spicy pepperoni rolls nationwide via web orders.
– When ordering, specify you want them spicy! Opt for hot pepper, jalapeño, or similarly spiced versions.
– For real heat, custom order with extra peppers or spice to suit your desired tolerance.
Once you sink your teeth into a fresh, spicy pepperoni roll, you’ll understand why they are so beloved in West Virginia and beyond. The fluffy dough, melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and fiery kick make these the ultimate savory snack.
How to make your own spicy pepperoni rolls at home
While it’s hard to match those made by legendary West Virginia bakeries, you can come close to the real thing by making spicy pepperoni rolls at home. Here is a recipe to try:
Ingredients
– 1 cup warm water
– 1 package active dry yeast (2 1⁄4 tsp)
– 1 tsp granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cups bread flour
– 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 12 oz sliced pepperoni
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1-2 diced jalapeño peppers
– 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Proof the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth elastic dough forms, about 5 minutes.
3. Let rise. Place dough in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
5. Roll out dough. Turn risen dough onto a floured surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into an oval shape.
6. Add filling. Cover dough ovals with pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, jalapeños, and red pepper flakes evenly.
7. Roll up. Tightly roll each oval from long end into a log, pinching seam to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake. Bake rolls 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
That’s all there is to making these West Virginia specialties at home. Adjust the spices to your desired level of heat. Enjoy your homemade spicy pepperoni rolls!
Conclusion
Spicy pepperoni rolls have evolved over the past century from an Italian immigrant coal mining snack into a beloved West Virginia specialty food. Their simple classic ingredients like dough, pepperoni, and cheese get amped up with hot peppers, spices, and extra grease for a fiery bite. While long-time staples in West Virginia convenience stores and bakeries, pepperoni rolls have spread across the country thanks to their delicious portability. Their spicy kick has helped them gain fans far beyond the state’s borders. When prepared skillfully by experienced bakers and cheos, spicy pepperoni rolls can’t be beat for a quick, satisfying flavor punch. They represent a tasty tradition tightly woven into the culture of West Virginia.