Ultimate Beachside Pepperoni Picnic Rolls
Inspired by cherished summer memories, these Ultimate Beachside Pepperoni Picnic Rolls are the perfect make-ahead treat for picnics or beach outings. They feature layers of savory, thinly sliced pepperoni, creamy provolone or mozzarella, and a refreshing mix of fresh vegetables including crunchy radishes and sweet cherry tomatoes. The combination is enveloped in sturdy, crusty sub rolls that absorb the flavors and moisture overnight, creating a mouthwatering experience that's hard to resist. The secret lies in letting these rolls rest for a few hours after assembly, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Savor each bite of these delightful rolls, packed with fresh ingredients and nostalgia, and relive your summer adventures.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sandwich style pepperoni
1/2 lb (thinly sliced)
Provolone cheese or Mozzarella cheese
2 oz (cut into thin strips)
Fresh lettuce or spinach leaves
1 1/2 cups (coarsely shredded)
Shredded carrot
2/3 cup (freshly shredded)
Thinly shredded radish
1/2 cup
Red onion
1/4 cup (diced)
Cherry tomatoes
12 (halved)
Prepared red wine vinegar dressing
1/4 cup
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons
Long sub rolls
6
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the pepperoni into strips for easier layering.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pepperoni, cheese, shredded lettuce or spinach, shredded carrots, radishes, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the prepared red wine vinegar dressing and Dijon mustard until well blended.
4
Drizzle the dressing mixture over the pepperoni and vegetable blend, tossing everything together until coated evenly.
5
Prepare the sub rolls by cutting off the ends, then carefully hollowing them out to create a shell. Reserve the removed bread for later use such as breadcrumbs.
6
Equally distribute the pepperoni and vegetable mixture among the hollowed sub rolls, packing it in lightly.
7
Place the tops back on the filled rolls and ensure they are securely wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to seal in freshness.
8
Chill in the refrigerator for several hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld.
9
Before serving, remove the rolls from the fridge and allow them to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Beachside Pepperoni Picnic Rolls?
They are sturdy, crusty sub rolls layered with pepperoni, provolone or mozzarella, and fresh vegetables like radishes and cherry tomatoes, designed to be made ahead for outings.
What type of pepperoni is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of thinly sliced sandwich-style pepperoni, which should be cut into strips for easy layering.
What cheeses can I use in these rolls?
You can use either 2 oz of Provolone cheese or Mozzarella cheese, cut into thin strips.
Can I use spinach instead of lettuce?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 cups of either coarsely shredded fresh lettuce or fresh spinach leaves.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of freshly shredded carrots to ensure a crisp texture.
How do I prepare the radishes for the filling?
You should use 1/2 cup of radishes that have been thinly shredded.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of diced red onion for a sharp, fresh flavor.
How should the cherry tomatoes be handled?
You will need 12 cherry tomatoes, each cut in half before being mixed into the filling.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is a blend of 1/4 cup prepared red wine vinegar dressing and 1 1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
How many sub rolls does this recipe require?
This recipe is designed to fill 6 long sub rolls.
Why do I need to hollow out the sub rolls?
Hollowing them out creates a shell that allows you to pack in a generous amount of the pepperoni and vegetable mixture.
What should I do with the bread removed from the rolls?
You can reserve the removed bread to make breadcrumbs for future use.
How do I mix the filling?
In a large bowl, combine the pepperoni, cheese, greens, carrots, radishes, onion, and tomatoes, then toss with the dressing.
Is there a specific way to prepare the dressing?
Yes, whisk the red wine vinegar dressing and Dijon mustard in a separate small bowl until they are well blended before adding to the filling.
How do I ensure the filling is evenly distributed?
Equally distribute the mixture among the 6 hollowed rolls and pack it in lightly.
How should the rolls be wrapped for storage?
Once filled, the tops should be replaced and the rolls securely wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to seal in freshness.
How long should the rolls chill in the refrigerator?
They should chill for several hours, though letting them sit overnight is preferred for the best flavor meld.
Do I serve these rolls straight from the fridge?
It is recommended to let the rolls stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
Why is this recipe good for the beach?
The rolls are sturdy and portable, and the flavors improve over time, making them a perfect make-ahead beach snack.
Are these rolls considered comfort food?
Yes, they are tagged as comfort food and a family favorite, inspired by summer memories.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely, they are designed to be a make-ahead sandwich to save time on the day of your picnic.
What makes the rolls 'Ultimate'?
The combination of savory pepperoni, creamy cheese, and a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables creates a superior flavor profile.
Does the bread get soggy overnight?
The sturdy sub rolls are intended to absorb the flavors and moisture overnight without losing their structure.
Can I substitute the pepperoni for another meat?
While pepperoni is the primary flavor, you could experiment with other deli meats like salami or ham.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family favorite and the ingredients are generally well-liked by children.
Can I add extra vegetables to the mix?
Yes, you can customize the vegetable blend with other favorites like bell peppers or cucumbers if desired.
How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart?
By hollowing out the rolls and wrapping them tightly in plastic or foil, the structure remains intact.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe uses 10 main ingredients, including the rolls and the dressing components.
Is Dijon mustard a necessary ingredient?
The Dijon mustard adds a specific tang that complements the red wine vinegar dressing and pepperoni.
How do I store any leftover rolls?
Any leftovers should be kept wrapped and refrigerated to maintain their freshness.