Pepperoni Buns
Savory pepperoni buns with soft, fluffy dough and flavorful pepperoni, perfect for snacks, parties, or casual gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat water, milk, and shortening to about 125°F.
- Add the heated mixture to the flour mixture and beat for 3 minutes by hand.
- Gradually add the remaining flour to make a firm dough; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 20 equal parts and shape into balls; place on greased sheet pans.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size.
- Pull each dough ball into 5-inch lengths.
- Wrap two sticks of pepperoni in each dough roll, ensuring they do not touch, and place on pans.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 425°F for about 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dough, ensure that your water and milk mixture is not too hot; it should be around 125°F to avoid killing the yeast. If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can refrigerate it after kneading. Substitute pepperoni with other fillings like cooked sausage or cheese for variation. To save time, consider using pre-made pizza dough instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pepperoni buns warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or a side of Alex'S Awesome Soup for a complete meal. Consider serving them as an appetizer at a party, or alongside other favorites like Southern Sausage Biscuits for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pepperoni buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepperoni Buns contains roughly 202 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 687mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. After kneading, cover and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This method also enhances the flavor of the dough.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
You can substitute pepperoni with various fillings such as cooked sausage, shredded cheese, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite filling.
Why did my dough not rise properly?
If your dough did not rise, it may be due to the yeast being expired or the liquid being too hot or too cold. Always check the expiration date on the yeast and use a thermometer to ensure the liquid is at the right temperature for activation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).