Stromboli Recipe

The Best Homemade Stromboli Recipe for Pizza Night Magic

Crafting a delectable stromboli recipe brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Rolling soft dough with layers of savory meats and melted cheese.

Each slice promises a burst of Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

The secret lies in choosing quality ingredients and mastering a simple technique.

Home cooks can easily replicate this classic comfort food with minimal effort.

Crispy edges and gooey fillings make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to slice and serve this irresistible creation immediately.

Why Stromboli Recipe Is A Delicious Classic

  • Craft a Flavor Explosion: Packed with savory meats, melty cheeses, and zesty seasonings, this stromboli delivers a mouthwatering punch of Italian-inspired taste in every bite.
  • Roll and Relax Technique: The simple rolling method makes this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen stress and maximum deliciousness.
  • Quick Comfort Meal: Ready in under an hour, this stromboli serves as a perfect weeknight dinner solution that feeds a crowd, satisfies hungry families, and brings everyone together around the table with minimal prep work.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the fillings to match personal preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile dish that works for picky eaters, casual gatherings, and spontaneous meal planning.

Everything You’ll Need For Stromboli Recipe

Dough Base:
  • Pizza Dough: Soft and stretchy foundation for the Stromboli, perfect for creating a delicious rolled bread. Look for fresh dough from bakery or make homemade.
Protein Meats:
  • Pepperoni, Salami, Ham: Classic Italian-style cold cuts that add rich, savory flavor and protein. Choose high-quality, thinly sliced deli meats for best results.
Cheese Blend:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and sharp cheeses that provide creamy texture and deep flavor. Select fresh, full-fat versions for maximum taste.
Optional Vegetable Additions:
  • Olives, Roasted Peppers: Tangy and sweet additions that complement the meats and cheese. Choose jarred or fresh varieties for extra depth.
Seasoning and Finishing:
  • Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that enhances overall flavor profile. Select a pre-mixed version or create your own blend.
  • Sesame Seeds: Optional crunchy topping that adds nutty texture to the exterior.
Binding and Glaze:
  • Egg: Creates a golden, shiny crust when brushed on the Stromboli. Use fresh, room temperature egg for best coating.
Serving Accompaniment:
  • Marinara Sauce, Pizza Sauce: Classic dipping sauce that adds moisture and extra tomato flavor. Choose store-bought or homemade sauce.

How To Roll And Bake The Stromboli Recipe

Step 1: Awaken the Dough

Warm your oven to a cozy 375F (190C). Gently stretch your pizza dough on a lightly dusted surface, transforming it into a rectangle around 12-15 inches wide. The dough should feel soft and pliable, ready for its delicious journey.

Step 2: Layer Flavor Foundations

Arrange your favorite deli delights across the dough landscape:
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Salami ribbons
  • Ham strips
Sprinkle a generous blanket of cheesy goodness:
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
Add exciting companions like:
  • Chopped olives
  • Roasted pepper bits

Dust with Italian seasoning for an extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Cylinder

Start from the long edge and carefully roll the dough into a tight, delectable log. Pinch the seam closed with gentle pressure, tucking the ends to create a perfectly sealed package. Position your creation seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Dress for Success

Lovingly brush the exterior with a beaten egg, creating a golden, glossy finish. Shower with:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra Italian seasoning (optional)

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide into the preheated oven and let magic happen. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns a stunning golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with anticipation.

Step 6: Slice and Celebrate

Allow your stromboli to rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice into mouth-watering portions and serve alongside marinara sauce for dipping. Your culinary masterpiece is ready to impress!

Top Tips For A Perfect Stromboli Recipe

  • Customize Your Meats: Swap traditional pepperoni with prosciutto, turkey slices, or vegetarian alternatives like plant-based deli meats for diverse flavor profiles.
  • Perfect Sealing Technique: Pinch the edges firmly and fold underneath to prevent cheese and filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and compact roll.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives made from cauliflower, almond flour, or pre-made gluten-free pizza dough for sensitive diets.
  • Enhance Flavor Boost: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or oregano between layers, or add roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra depth and complexity.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the Stromboli ahead of time, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.

How To Store Stromboli Recipe The Smart Way

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Stromboli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each slice individually in aluminum foil to preserve moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooled Stromboli slices in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed Stromboli at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Wrap in foil to keep edges from burning and maintain soft texture.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat individual slices for 30-45 seconds, but be cautious as this method can make the crust slightly soggy. Add a paper towel to absorb excess moisture for best results.

Great Dips And Sides For Stromboli Recipe

  • Craft a Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this hearty stromboli with a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich meats and cheesy flavors. The wine's acidity cuts through the stromboli's richness, creating a perfect flavor balance.
  • Create a Crisp Beer Match: Choose a hoppy IPA or a refreshing lager to contrast the stromboli's dense, savory profile. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the overall taste experience.
  • Design a Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The salad's bright, peppery notes provide a fresh counterpoint to the stromboli's heavy, meaty texture, creating a well-rounded meal.
  • Select a Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick marinara or spicy arrabiata sauce for dipping. The sauce's vibrant tomato base and subtle heat elevate the stromboli's flavor, adding an extra layer of excitement to each bite.

Different Ways To Fill Your Stromboli Recipe

  • Veggie Volcano: Replace meats with grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese for a plant-based Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Chicken Ranch Rocket: Swap pepperoni with shredded rotisserie chicken, add ranch seasoning, and sprinkle crispy bacon bits for a creamy, protein-packed alternative.
  • Spicy Southwestern Surge: Fill with seasoned ground beef, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and black beans, then top with cilantro for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Mashup: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, spinach, and goat cheese, then drizzle with oregano-infused olive oil after baking for a Greek-inspired creation.

FAQs About Stromboli Recipe

  • What is a Stromboli, and how is it different from a calzone?

A Stromboli is a rolled Italian-American stuffed bread filled with meats and cheeses, while a calzone is a folded pizza-like pocket. Stromboli is typically longer and rolled, creating a more cylindrical shape.

  • Can I use different meats in my Stromboli?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite deli meats like turkey, ham, salami, or pepperoni. The key is to create a delicious combination that suits your taste.

  • Is Stromboli difficult to make at home?

Not at all! It’s actually quite simple. With basic ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality Stromboli in your own kitchen. The most important tips are to roll tightly and seal the edges well.

  • What are the best cheeses to use in a Stromboli?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can also try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor that complements the meats perfectly.

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Stromboli Recipe

Stromboli Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

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

  1. Craft a rectangular canvas of pizza dough on a flour-dusted workspace, stretching it to approximately 12-15 inches, ensuring a smooth, even surface.
  2. Layer an artful arrangement of cured meats – pepperoni, salami, and ham – across the dough’s landscape, maintaining a pristine border around the edges.
  3. 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.
  4. Delicately sprinkle Italian seasoning to infuse the filling with aromatic Mediterranean flavors.
  5. Commence rolling from the elongated edge, carefully transforming the flat canvas into a compact cylindrical form, ensuring a taut and uniform configuration.
  6. Meticulously seal the seam by pinching edges together, then fold and tuck the terminal points to prevent any potential filling escape.
  7. Position the rolled creation seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, presenting a smooth, unblemished exterior.
  8. Lovingly coat the entire surface with a glistening egg wash, creating a golden, crisp exterior.
  9. Optional: Embellish with a delicate scattering of sesame seeds or an additional whisper of Italian seasoning.
  10. Transfer to a preheated oven and bake until the exterior transforms into a rich, amber-hued shell, approximately 25-30 minutes.
  11. Allow the Stromboli a brief moment of repose, cooling for 5-10 minutes to set its internal structure.
  12. 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
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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