West Virginia Grilled Pepperoni Rolls

Introduction

A grilled twist on West Virginia’s classic: These pepperoni rolls are warmed and crisped to perfection on the Arteflame Grill. With a golden, sizzling crust and melty pepperoni center, they’re ideal for dipping in marinara and gathering around the fire. Using the even heat of the Arteflame’s flat top, every roll gets an irresistible crunch and big flavor, all without needing an oven or cleanup hassle. Let’s bring a beloved Appalachian snack to the grill.

Ingredients

• 8 fresh pepperoni rolls (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional topping)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a tablespoon of vegetable oil on three napkins and place them in the grill fire bowl.
2. Stack firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire build for 20 minutes.
4. The flat top griddle and center grill grate will be ready for cooking once they’re hot.

Step 2: Prep the Pepperoni Rolls

1. While the grill heats, brush the tops of each pepperoni roll with melted butter.
2. Optionally, sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the rolls for added flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Pepperoni Rolls

1. Place the pepperoni rolls cut side down on the flat top griddle near the center area where it's hotter.
2. Grill for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Rotate to grill the bottoms and seal in flavor. Total grill time is about 6–8 minutes.

Step 4: Final Sizzle & Serve

1. If using cheese, sprinkle a bit of mozzarella on top of each roll and let it melt briefly on the flat top.
2. Remove from the grill and serve hot with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips

• Use butter instead of oil for a toasted, richer crust flavor.
• Grill near the center of the flat top for a crispier sear, then move toward the edge to keep warm.
• Grill all 8 rolls at once—there’s plenty of room on the Arteflame.
• Covering the rolls slightly with foil (without making contact with flames) can help melt toppings.
• Always monitor roll bottoms to avoid over-searing—food won’t burn, but will crisp quickly near the center heat zones.

Variations

1. Cheesy Jalapeño Rolls: Add shredded cheddar and thin jalapeño slices inside before grilling for extra kick.
2. Bacon & Pepperoni Rolls: Wrap each roll with a strip of bacon and grill until the bacon is crispy.
3. Veggie Delight Rolls: Add grilled mushrooms and sautéed peppers with the pepperoni for a fuller bite.
4. BBQ Pepperoni Rolls: Brush with BBQ sauce and grill for a smoky-sweet twist.
5. Breakfast Rolls: Add scrambled eggs and cheddar inside and grill for a morning version of the classic.

Best pairings

• Chilled root beer or Appalachian-style birch beer
• Grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter
• Fresh coleslaw or a crunchy garden salad
• Warm apple hand pies or skillet cobbler on the Arteflame for dessert
• Dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mustard, or garlic aioli

Conclusion

Bringing the famous West Virginia snack to the Arteflame has never been easier (or more delicious). These grilled pepperoni rolls are simple, satisfying, and bursting with crispy texture and savory flavor when made on the Arteflame grill. Serve them up hot, share with friends, and enjoy grill-side flavor that celebrates Appalachian tradition with a modern twist.