Pepperoni Rolls

These are so yummy when they are right out of the oven--lightly crunchy on the outside, soft and warm bread on the inside with melty cheese...

You'll need:

1 cup warm water

1 packet yeast

3 cups all purpose flour

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten

1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese, plus 1 Tablespoon for topping

1/4 lb sliced sandwich pepperoni from the deli*

*(you can use regular pizza pepperoni instead-they are just smaller and usually more expensive!)

First, make the pizza dough. (To make it even quicker/easier, make the dough as below but in a food processor, using the metal blade)

1. Pour the warm water in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over and stir until dissolved.

2. Add ONE CUP ONLY of the flour, the salt and the olive oil. Beat on medium speed for one minute.

3. Add the remaining 2 cups flour and mix until a slightly sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and set aside to rise for about an hour.

4. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into a rectangle, roughly 8" x 11" (about the size of a sheet of paper) on a lightly floured surface.

5. Cover the dough with slices of pepperoni (one layer only), leaving a 1/2 inch border along the edges.

6. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese over the pepperoni on each rectangle.

7. Roll up like a jelly roll--lengthwise--and pinch the edges shut to seal, and pinch the dough at the seam to prevent the cheese from leaking out.

8. Brush the dough rolls lightly with beaten egg, and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of shredded cheese, and a dash of oregano, if desired. Transfer to a baking sheet sprayed lightly with nonstick spray.

9. Place the baking sheet in a COLD oven (middle rack). Set the oven temp to 375 and check the rolls after 20 minutes or so. Depending on your oven, the rolls will be completely baked in 20-30 minutes, or when the tops are lightly golden.

10. Slice and enjoy! These are great with marinara dip, or plain. They are best warm, but are great at room temp also. They freeze well, if you have any leftovers.

The cost for these is about $3 for 2 large rolls, so they are yummy AND cheap!