Pepperoni-Provolone Bread

This is my mom’s recipe that’s been in our family for 30+ years. It is a hit everywhere and is literally the first dish gone. I make it for potlucks, holidays, football games, or a meal/appetizer at home. Although I consider this a somewhat advanced recipe, it is easy to master. It is my most-requested recipe! Serve alongside your favorite marinara sauce. Freezes very well!!

Step: 1

Add 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.

Step: 2

Combine water, milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Heat until warm; butter does not need to melt. Gradually pour into the flour mixture, beating at medium speed until fully combined, about 2 minutes. Add remaining flour and continue mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step: 3

Switch to a dough hook and knead until smooth and elastic, 5 to 6 minutes. Place dough in a large, lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Step: 4

Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half; return one half to the bowl and cover. Roll dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Whisk eggs with a small amount of water; brush some egg wash over the half of the rectangle farthest away from you.

Step: 5

Arrange 16 provolone cheese slices in a single layer on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on the edges. Place 1/2 of the pepperoni over the cheese. Starting at the edge closest to you, carefully roll dough up. Brush seams with egg wash and pinch them closed using some flour. Place loaf, seam-side down, on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper; cover. Repeat with remaining dough, cheese, and pepperoni.

Step: 6

Let loaves rest, covered, for 30 minutes.

Step: 7

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Uncover loaves and brush remaining egg wash over the entire surface of both loaves.

Step: 8

Bake in the preheated oven, rotating pans halfway through, until golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Slice into desired thickness and serve warm.

Per Serving: 418 calories; protein 20.9g; carbohydrates 27.1g; fat 24.7g; cholesterol 76.6mg; sodium 1015.4mg.

The best flavour of the flour can make a real difference to your bread. Different makers do vary. Great taste or Canadian flours, which are naturally higher in gluten, may give you a better rise than standard dough flours – especially if you’re making wholemeal bread , which doesn’t always getting bigger as well as white bread.

To made this in a breadmaker , add all the menus to your breadmaker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

A dough’s first rising can be done in the fridge overnight . This slows down the time it takes to rise to double its size, giving it a deeper flavour. It’s also a great timesaver , as you can start it night before , then clear it off the next day.