Description
Classic Italian stromboli rolls up savory meats, cheeses, and herbs into a golden-brown masterpiece of culinary delight. Crisp exterior gives way to melted layers that transport you straight to a rustic kitchen in Sicily, promising a mouthwatering adventure with each delicious slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) sliced pepperoni
- 6 ounces (170 grams) sliced salami or ham
Cheeses:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (optional, for serving)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or Italian seasoning (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Craft a rectangular canvas of pizza dough on a flour-dusted workspace, stretching it to approximately 12-15 inches, ensuring a smooth, even surface.
- Layer an artful arrangement of cured meats – pepperoni, salami, and ham – across the dough’s landscape, maintaining a pristine border around the edges.
- Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the meaty foundation, creating a rich, textural base for additional embellishments like briny olives and vibrant roasted peppers.
- Delicately sprinkle Italian seasoning to infuse the filling with aromatic Mediterranean flavors.
- Commence rolling from the elongated edge, carefully transforming the flat canvas into a compact cylindrical form, ensuring a taut and uniform configuration.
- Meticulously seal the seam by pinching edges together, then fold and tuck the terminal points to prevent any potential filling escape.
- Position the rolled creation seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, presenting a smooth, unblemished exterior.
- Lovingly coat the entire surface with a glistening egg wash, creating a golden, crisp exterior.
- Optional: Embellish with a delicate scattering of sesame seeds or an additional whisper of Italian seasoning.
- Transfer to a preheated oven and bake until the exterior transforms into a rich, amber-hued shell, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Allow the Stromboli a brief moment of repose, cooling for 5-10 minutes to set its internal structure.
- Slice into elegant portions and present alongside a vibrant marinara or classic pizza sauce for an interactive dining experience.
Notes
- Customize your meats by mixing different cold cuts like prosciutto, capicola, or turkey for unique flavor profiles and textures.
- Ensure dough is rolled thinly and evenly to prevent thick, doughy sections that might not cook properly.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and easy cleanup after baking.
- Experiment with vegetarian alternatives by replacing meats with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a lighter version.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a food thermometer to guarantee fully cooked ingredients.
- Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating a baking stone or using an inverted baking sheet to create crisp crust.
- Chill the rolled Stromboli for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain its shape and prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Swap traditional mozzarella with smoked provolone or aged cheddar for enhanced depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg