Pepperoni Cheese Roll

This ring-shaped treat combines all the pizza highlights we crave - stretchy melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and tasty dough - rolled into a showstopping circle that's great for groups. It's an Italian-American favorite that turns basic pizza stuff into something spectacular, and you'll be shocked how easily you can make it yourself.

I've whipped this stromboli up so many times for family get-togethers, and it always vanishes in seconds. Even my picky nephew who barely touches his meals always wants more when this shows up.

Complete Ingredients Guide

• Pizza Dough: Room temp dough works best for smooth handling and great texture. Grab fresh dough from nearby bakeries if possible for outstanding results
• Mozzarella Cheese: Grate it yourself right before using - it'll melt way better than the bagged stuff that's coated with chemicals to keep it separate
• Pepperoni: Get yours sliced at the deli counter for amazing flavor and just the right thickness. When buying packaged kinds, look for ones without fake additives
• Italian Seasoning: This herb mix brings everything together beautifully. You can swap in fresh herbs if you'd like, but go easy to avoid making things too wet
• Parmesan Cheese: Grab a block of real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself for that rich, nutty taste that makes everything better

Crafting Your Mouthwatering Stromboli

Dough Prep

Let your dough sit out until it reaches room temperature, about 30-45 minutes. This makes everything so much easier. Scatter plenty of flour on your counter so nothing sticks.

Flattening and Flavoring

Stretch the dough into a 12x20 inch rectangle with the same thickness throughout. The shape really matters for getting nice slices later. Sprinkle your seasonings all over for taste in every bite.

Adding Cheese

Spread your freshly grated mozzarella across the surface, but stay an inch away from the edges. This clean border helps everything seal up nicely. Dust the Parmesan lightly over the mozzarella layer.

Laying Out Pepperoni

Set your pepperoni down in rows that slightly overlap each other, making sure it's evenly spread. This way, you'll get some in every bite without leaving empty spots.

Rolling It Up

From the longer side, roll everything away from you (like a jelly roll). Keep steady, gentle pressure the whole time so you don't trap air inside.

Forming the Ring

Gently move your roll to your greased bundt pan, connecting the ends to make a circle. Press the joined spot firmly together so nothing leaks during cooking.

Initial Cooking

Bake in your 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until you see a nice golden color. This first cook sets everything up and starts melting all that cheese.

Final Touch

Flip it onto a baking sheet and put it back in for 5 more minutes - this last step gets everything perfectly crispy all around.

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In my Italian-American family home, stromboli was our regular for laid-back family meals. My grandma always tossed in some red pepper flakes with the spices, and I've kept doing that in my own cooking.

Fantastic Sauce Matches

A good marinara can take your stromboli from great to mind-blowing. While grabbing a jar works fine, making a quick sauce with San Marzano tomatoes really brings out the rich flavors and gives you that true Italian feel.

Enjoying And Keeping Leftovers

This dish tastes incredible straight from the oven, but you can save extras and warm them up in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Skip the microwave though - it'll just make everything soggy and the cheese weird and rubbery.

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Through years of making this dish, I've learned that patience makes all the difference - giving dough time to warm up, rolling carefully, and waiting before slicing. These little steps turn basic ingredients into an amazing meal that brings the whole family together around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the bundt pan for?

It shapes the roll into a ring and cooks it evenly.

→ Can I mix in other toppings?

Of course! Try adding veggies like peppers, onions, or olives.

→ Why wait before slicing?

Cooling it a few minutes keeps the filling in place.

→ Is it okay to prep this beforehand?

You can prep and chill it early, but bake it fresh for best taste and texture.

→ Why turn it mid-bake?

Turning helps it crisp evenly top and bottom.