There’s something magical about pulling a fresh, golden-brown Stromboli from your oven. That moment when the aroma of Italian herbs, melted cheese, and savory meats fills your kitchen is pure culinary bliss. This homemade Stromboli recipe brings the beloved Italian-American classic right to your dinner table with minimal fuss.
Think of Stromboli as pizza’s rolled-up cousin – all the flavors you love in a neat, sliceable package that’s perfect for everything from family dinners to game day gatherings. The beauty lies in its versatility and the way the fillings meld together during baking, creating pockets of flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This
- Customizable: Fill with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables for a personalized meal
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the combination of bread, cheese, and savory fillings
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep in advance and bake when you’re ready to eat
- Portable: Perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or eating on the go
- Impressive presentation: Looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it’s surprisingly simple
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a nice rectangle shape.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, but leave about an inch of space around all the edges. Sprinkle both kinds of cheese over the sauce.
- Add the pepperoni, crumbled sausage, black olives, bell pepper, and mushrooms in an even layer over the cheese.
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log shape, then pinch all the edges together to seal everything inside.
- Place the stromboli seam-side down on your baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the outside is golden brown and you can see the cheese is melted. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meats and load up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, olives, and bell peppers
- Breakfast Stromboli: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese
- Make ahead: Assemble the Stromboli up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready
- Dough tip: Let refrigerated dough come to room temperature for easier rolling
- Prevent leakage: Don’t overfill, and make sure to seal the edges well
- Slicing trick: Use a serrated knife and let cool slightly for cleaner slices
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade Stromboli with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping and a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, pair with antipasto skewers or a light minestrone soup.
This also makes a fantastic appetizer when sliced into smaller portions. Arrange on a serving platter with extra dipping sauces like pesto, ranch, or garlic butter for variety.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes for best results, or microwave for 30-60 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
- The Stromboli is done when the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- For a softer crust, brush with butter immediately after baking.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Stromboli and calzone?
Stromboli is rolled like a log with fillings spread evenly throughout, while a calzone is folded in half like a turnover with fillings contained inside.
Can I freeze Stromboli?
Yes! You can freeze it baked or unbaked. For unbaked, freeze on a baking sheet then wrap well. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen. For baked, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of dough?
Absolutely. While pizza dough is traditional, you can also use bread dough, crescent roll dough, or even puff pastry for different textures.
Why did my Stromboli burst open while baking?
This usually happens when steam can’t escape. Make sure to cut vents in the top before baking and avoid overfilling, which can create pressure inside.
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