Pepperoli

Pepperoli is my take on the Stromboli, a delicious pizza-inspired jelly roll. This unique culinary creation is packed with flavor, featuring mouthwatering pepperoni and mozzarella cheese all rolled up in a masterfully prepared dough. Perfect for both appetizers and main courses, Pepperoli is a versatile dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. The dough, made with Poolish and dusted with a mixture of flour and semolina, creates a light and crispy crust that complements the rich and savory filling. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delightful treat, Pepperoli is a crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone coming back for more.

INGREDIENTS:

• One 8-ounce (225-gram) ball Master Dough, preferably with starter, made with Poolish
• 1 part flour mixed with 1 part semolina, for dusting
• 1½ ounces (45 grams) sliced pepperoni, preferably in natural casing
• 2½ ounces (70 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (2/3 cup)
• ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) minced garlic
• Grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for dusting
• Dried oregano, for dusting
• Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
• Garlic Oil, for brushing
• ½ cup (125 grams) Meatball Marinara, warm

PREPARATIONS:

1. Remove the dough ball from the refrigerator and leave wrapped at room temperature until the dough warms to 60°F to 65°F.
2. Position a rack in the center of the oven, place two pizza stones or baking steels on the rack, and preheat the oven to 500°F for 1 hour.

YIELD:

• One 12-inch Pepperoli roll; 3 large pieces

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Brushing the dough with olive oil before baking helps soften it and prevents it from shattering when the roll is cut.
• Carefully seal the roll to prevent filling leakage during baking.

PREPARATION:

1. Dust the work surface with the dusting mixture and move the dough to the surface.
2. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 10 by 12½ inches, then dock the entire surface of the dough.
3. Scatter the pepperoni evenly over the top, leaving a ½-inch border on the bottom and a 1-inch border at the top and on both sides.
4. Mound the mozzarella in the center and use your fingertips to spread it evenly over the pepperoni.
5. Sprinkle with the minced garlic and top with a dusting of Pecorino Romano and oregano.
6. Fold up the border of the dough nearest you and then continue to roll up as you would a jelly roll.
7. Turn the roll seam side up and stretch the edge of the dough over to compact the roll as much as possible.
8. Press on the seam to seal and then pinch it closed.
9. Trim both ends of the roll to straighten them, leaving about ¾ inch of unfilled dough on each end.
10. Fold in the two points of the dough on each end and then fold the end over them. Press along the folded edge for a tighter and more decorative seal.
11. Brush the top of the roll with olive oil.

TIPS:

• For finger-food appetizers, cut the Pepperoli into thinner slices and serve them with a bowl of warm Meatball Marinara for dipping.
• Use a serrated knife for clean and easy cutting.

Pepperoli, a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic Stromboli, is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of pizza rolled into a convenient and delicious treat. The Pepperoli dough, made with Poolish and dusted with a mixture of flour and semolina, creates a light and crispy crust that complements the rich and savory filling. The combination of sliced pepperoni, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and minced garlic delivers a taste explosion that will leave you craving more with every bite.

Pepperoli is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for various occasions. To serve it as a finger-food appetizer, cut the Pepperoli into thinner slices and arrange them around a bowl of warm Meatball Marinara for dipping. The combination of flavors and textures in each bite is sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a delightful treat to enjoy, Pepperoli is a crowd-pleaser that will never disappoint. Its unique presentation, resembling a jelly roll, adds a touch of elegance to any table setting. The Pepperoli’s irresistible aroma, created as it bakes in the oven to achieve a rich golden brown color, will entice your senses, making it nearly impossible to resist until it’s ready to serve.

In conclusion, Pepperoli is a culinary gem that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Its easy preparation and wonderful flavor profile make it a perfect choice for any pizza lover seeking a delightful twist on the classic. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Pepperoli is an ideal dish to share with loved ones or impress guests at any gathering. Its delightful combination of flavors and its visually appealing presentation make Pepperoli a must-try culinary creation that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.