Pepperoni Roll Tacos
The Mountain State's iconic coal miner snack goes handheld! Invented in the 1920s as a portable lunch for miners, the pepperoni roll is pure West Virginia. Now imagine those flavors - spicy pepperoni, melty cheese - wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Crisp the pepperoni: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add pepperoni slices in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the edges are slightly crispy and the fat has rendered. The pepperoni will curl into little cups.
Season the pepperoni: Transfer crisped pepperoni to a plate. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder while still warm.
Mix the cheeses: Combine shredded mozzarella and provolone in a bowl. This blend gives you the stretch of mozz with the flavor of provolone.
Warm the tortillas: Melt butter in the skillet (along with any remaining pepperoni grease). Add tortillas one at a time and warm for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly golden.
Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Place a tortilla in the skillet, add a layer of cheese blend, and let melt for 30-45 seconds until gooey.
Add pepperoni: Layer the crispy pepperoni over the melted cheese while still in the skillet. The residual heat will warm everything through.
Fold and serve: Carefully fold the tortilla in half or roll it up. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Warm the marinara: Heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until warm.
Serve: Serve tacos immediately with warm marinara for dipping. Add red pepper flakes and banana peppers on the side for extra kick!
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Coal miner history: Giuseppe Argiro invented the pepperoni roll in 1927 in Fairmont, WV. It was the perfect lunch - no refrigeration needed, ate well at room temperature, and was filling for hard labor.
- Stick vs. sliced: Traditional pepperoni rolls use stick pepperoni baked inside the dough. Sliced works great for tacos and gets those crispy edges!
- Cheese authenticity: Simple mozzarella is traditional. Provolone adds flavor, but purists might skip it.
- Make it a quesadilla: For extra crunch, fold the tortilla and cook both sides until golden - essentially a pepperoni roll quesadilla!
- Add hot peppers: Banana peppers or hot pepper rings are a popular West Virginia addition.
- Find the real thing: Country Club Bakery in Fairmont and Tomaro's Bakery ship authentic pepperoni rolls nationwide.