Stromboli is a savory rolled pizza filled with meats, cheeses, and sometimes vegetables, then baked to golden perfection. This Italian-American classic is easy to make and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for casual dinners, parties, or game days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Fill it with your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies for a personalized touch.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for gatherings or as a family meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying with every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Provolone cheese, sliced
- Pepperoni
- Ham
- Salami
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Italian seasoning
- Optional: Sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Layer the Fillings: Spread an even layer of mozzarella and provolone cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer the pepperoni, ham, salami, and optional vegetables on top of the cheese.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams and tuck the ends under to seal.
- Egg Wash and Seasoning: Transfer the roll to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Let the stromboli cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing into thick pieces. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Stromboli: Fill with mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers.
- Buffalo Chicken Stromboli: Use shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese.
- Breakfast Stromboli: Add scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, and shredded cheese for a breakfast twist.
- BBQ Stromboli: Fill with BBQ chicken, red onions, and gouda cheese.
- Gluten-Free Stromboli: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a celiac-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked stromboli wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe.
2. What’s the difference between stromboli and calzone?
Stromboli is rolled like a log and sliced after baking, while calzones are folded into a pocket shape and typically served individually.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan work well in addition to or instead of mozzarella and provolone.
5. How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with wet ingredients and pat down vegetables to remove excess moisture.
6. Can I make mini strombolis?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and roll them individually for mini strombolis.
7. Can I bake stromboli on a pizza stone?
Yes, a preheated pizza stone ensures an extra crispy crust.
8. Do I need to let the stromboli rest after baking?
Yes, letting it rest for a few minutes helps the fillings set and makes slicing easier.
9. Can I use pre-cooked fillings?
Yes, using pre-cooked meats and sautéed vegetables is recommended to ensure everything is properly cooked.
10. What can I serve with stromboli?
Serve with marinara sauce, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This stromboli recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that’s easy to customize with your favorite fillings. With its gooey cheese, savory meats, and golden crust, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for dinner or as a party appetizer, this stromboli is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of Italian-American comfort!
PrintStromboli Recipe
This homemade Stromboli is a deliciously savory rolled pizza filled with melty cheese, flavorful meats, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this customizable dish is easy to make and always a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (optional, for serving)
- 6 oz sliced pepperoni
- 6 oz sliced salami or ham
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or Italian seasoning (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×15 inches.
- Assemble the Stromboli:
- Spread the sliced meats (pepperoni, salami, or ham) evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and any additional toppings (olives, roasted peppers) over the meats.
- Season with Italian seasoning.
- Roll and Seal:
- Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Pinch the seam and tuck in the ends to seal the Stromboli completely. Place the roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Egg Wash and Toppings:
- Brush the top and sides of the Stromboli with the beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or Italian seasoning, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the Stromboli cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Slice into portions and serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customize your Stromboli with different fillings like cooked sausage, cooked vegetables, or fresh spinach.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the filling or use spicy pepperoni.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.