Homemade Stromboli

If you’re craving an Italian-inspired dish that’s packed with melty cheese, crispy crust, and savory fillings, this homemade Stromboli is a must-try! It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors—soft, stretchy mozzarella, zesty marinara, and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked dough.

Great for a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or a meal prep favorite, this Stromboli is easy to make and even easier to devour. Serve it with a side of marinara for dipping, and watch as it disappears from the table in minutes!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

• 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Flour (for dusting)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.

3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.

4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by pepperoni, cooked sausage, and Parmesan cheese.

5. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using.

6. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log, tucking in the edges to seal. Place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.

7. Brush the top with beaten egg and drizzle with olive oil for a golden crust.

8. Using a sharp knife, make small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

10. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Homemade Stromboli – A Perfectly Baked Italian Delight

Stromboli is a delicious, oven-baked Italian-American dish that combines all the best elements of pizza and a sandwich. With its golden, crispy crust and flavorful fillings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you want a quick dinner, a satisfying snack, or a party appetizer, Stromboli delivers with its cheesy goodness and savory meat-filled layers.

The Origin of Stromboli

Although Stromboli sounds Italian, it was actually created in the United States. This dish is believed to have originated in Philadelphia in the 1950s, where Italian-American immigrants sought to create a new way to enjoy pizza flavors in a convenient, portable form. Named after the volcanic island of Stromboli in Italy, this dish resembles an erupting volcano when baked, thanks to the melted cheese and bubbling sauce peeking through the crust.

Unlike a calzone, which is a folded and sealed pizza pocket, Stromboli is rolled like a log, giving it a beautiful spiral of fillings inside. This rolling method not only makes it visually appealing when sliced but also ensures every bite is packed with cheese, sauce, and flavorful meats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why Stromboli is a must-try dish. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables, making it a perfect option for using up leftovers in the fridge. It’s also quick to prepare, requiring minimal effort compared to making a full pizza. The crispy outer crust, combined with gooey melted cheese and savory fillings, creates an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Another great advantage of Stromboli is its portability. It’s an excellent choice for lunchboxes, picnics, or party platters since it’s easy to slice and serve. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, it maintains its deliciousness.

Tips for Making the Perfect Stromboli

• Choose the Right Dough: Store-bought pizza dough works well for a quick and easy option, but if you prefer homemade dough, it will elevate the taste even more.

• Don’t Overfill: While it may be tempting to load up on toppings, adding too many fillings can make it difficult to roll and may cause the Stromboli to burst open while baking.

• Seal the Edges Properly: Brushing the edges with an egg wash or water helps to secure the roll and prevent cheese from leaking out.

• Use a Sharp Knife for Slits: Making small cuts on top of the Stromboli allows steam to escape, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.

• Let it Cool Before Slicing: Giving it a few minutes to rest before cutting ensures the cheese stays intact and doesn’t ooze out too much.

Best Fillings for Stromboli

While classic Stromboli usually contains pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, you can experiment with different fillings to create your perfect combination. Here are some popular options:

• Meats: Italian sausage, ham, prosciutto, salami, grilled chicken, or even bacon.

• Cheeses: Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, ricotta, or cheddar for a twist.

• Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, caramelized onions, or olives for extra flavor and texture.

• Sauces: Traditional marinara is the most common, but you can also use pesto, garlic butter, or Alfredo sauce for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Stromboli is best enjoyed fresh and warm, served with a side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. If you’re hosting a party, slice it into smaller portions to create an easy finger food option. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, serve Stromboli with a side of garlic bread and a bowl of minestrone soup. If you’re feeling indulgent, enjoy it with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, which complements the rich flavors of the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Stromboli

If you have leftovers, Stromboli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the crust crispy when reheating, avoid using the microwave. Instead, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.

If you want to freeze Stromboli for future meals, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Variations of Stromboli Around the World

While the classic Stromboli is beloved for its Italian-American flavors, different regions and cultures have their own versions of stuffed and rolled bread:

• Calzone: A half-moon-shaped stuffed pizza, sealed instead of rolled.

• Börek: A Turkish pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, wrapped in flaky dough.

• Empanadas: A Spanish and Latin American pastry with a variety of savory fillings.

• Spanakopita: A Greek spinach and feta-filled phyllo pastry.

These dishes share similarities with Stromboli, showing how different cultures have developed their own unique takes on stuffed dough creations.

Conclusion

Homemade Stromboli is an easy and delicious way to bring the flavors of Italy to your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni and cheese or you love experimenting with different fillings, this dish is endlessly customizable and always satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or quick lunches, Stromboli is a versatile and flavorful treat that everyone will love.

Give this recipe a try, and experience the perfect combination of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory fillings in every bite!