Italian Stromboli is a baked delight that combines layers of delicious Italian ingredients wrapped inside a soft pizza dough. With flavorful meats, cheeses, and vegetables, this dish offers a satisfying meal or snack that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or even a casual dinner, the Stromboli is easy to prepare and delivers a comforting, warm, and crispy bite every time.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling Essentials
- 1 pound pizza dough
The base of the Stromboli is pizza dough, which you can either make from scratch or buy pre-made. This provides the perfect vehicle for holding all the delicious ingredients together. - 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Marinara sauce adds the rich, tangy tomato flavor that balances well with the meats and cheeses. You can use homemade sauce or store-bought depending on your preference. - 1/4 pound salami, sliced
Salami offers a flavorful, cured meat element that enhances the savory taste of the Stromboli. - 1/4 pound pepperoni, sliced
Pepperoni brings a slightly spicy flavor, adding depth and a familiar Italian touch. - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the Stromboli that gooey, cheesy interior we all love. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the mozzarella, giving a rich cheese blend inside.
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Olives add a briny, salty contrast to the rich flavors of the meats and cheeses. - 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
Bell peppers give a slight sweetness and a bit of crunch to the Stromboli. - 1/4 cup sliced green bell pepper
The green bell pepper provides a balance of flavor with a hint of bitterness, perfect to offset the richness of the meats and cheeses. - 1/4 cup sliced onion
Onions add a savory, slightly sweet layer to the filling. - 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
Mushrooms give an earthy flavor and tender texture that works well with the other ingredients. - 1 tablespoon olive oil
Used to brush the Stromboli, olive oil helps create a golden, crispy crust while adding a touch of richness. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Oregano enhances the Italian flavors in the dish, giving the Stromboli that classic herby taste. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder gives a slight kick of garlic flavor, rounding out the seasoning of the filling. - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Brushing the dough with an egg wash gives the Stromboli a shiny, golden-brown finish when baked.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that the Stromboli cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Make sure the dough is rolled out evenly so that it can hold all the ingredients without breaking.
Step 3: Spread the Marinara Sauce Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This border will help seal the dough when you roll it up.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients Start layering the salami, pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan on top of the sauce. Make sure to distribute the meats and cheeses evenly across the dough so every bite is full of flavor.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Seasonings Next, sprinkle the sliced black olives, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms over the top. These vegetables add both flavor and texture to the Stromboli. Finally, sprinkle the dried oregano and garlic powder over the vegetables for extra seasoning.
Step 6: Roll and Seal Carefully roll the dough from one long edge to the other, creating a log shape. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the roll tightly and ensure no filling escapes during baking. Place the Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Apply the Egg Wash Brush the beaten egg over the top of the rolled dough. This egg wash gives the Stromboli a shiny, golden crust once baked.
Step 8: Make Steam Slits Using a sharp knife, cut small slits in the top of the Stromboli. These slits allow steam to escape while baking, preventing the dough from becoming soggy.
Step 9: Bake the Stromboli Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy. The internal ingredients should be hot and melted, and the crust should have a nice crisp.
Step 10: Cool and Serve Once the Stromboli is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the ingredients to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Slice the Stromboli into portions and serve warm.
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
Italian Stromboli can be served as a main dish or sliced into smaller pieces for appetizers. Pair it with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping, or enjoy it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s a perfect dish for game day gatherings, family dinners, or potluck parties.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, you can store the Stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Freezing Option Stromboli can also be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the Stromboli as instructed, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, wrap individual slices and freeze them, reheating in the oven as needed.
Variations
Meat Lovers’ Stromboli For those who love their meat, you can add more variety by including additional meats like ham, prosciutto, or Italian sausage. This variation enhances the savory, meaty flavor profile and makes the Stromboli even more satisfying.
Vegetarian Stromboli To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meats and add more vegetables like spinach, artichokes, or roasted red peppers. You can also include different types of cheeses like ricotta or provolone for a richer taste.
Cheese Explosion If you’re a cheese lover, you can experiment with adding more cheese varieties such as gouda, provolone, or even ricotta for a creamy texture. The combination of different cheeses will make the Stromboli extra gooey and flavorful.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, using store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and works just as well. However, if you have the time, making homemade pizza dough can add an extra layer of flavor and freshness to your Stromboli.
How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy? To prevent the dough from getting soggy, make sure to leave a border when spreading the marinara sauce and ensure that your filling ingredients aren’t too watery. Pre-cook any vegetables that release a lot of moisture, such as mushrooms or spinach, to avoid excess moisture in the Stromboli.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pizza dough. Most grocery stores offer ready-made gluten-free dough, or you can make your own at home with gluten-free flour.
Conclusion
Italian Stromboli is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of Italian flavors in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or simply indulging in a hearty snack, this recipe delivers bold flavors with every bite. The combination of meats, cheeses, and vegetables wrapped in golden, crispy dough makes it a dish that’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try different variations and fillings, and enjoy the process of creating your perfect Stromboli!
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Italian Stromboli
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
Ingredients
1 pound pizza dough
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1/4 pound salami, sliced
1/4 pound pepperoni, sliced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
1/4 cup sliced green bell pepper
1/4 cup sliced onion
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread marinara sauce on the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Layer salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, olives, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle oregano and garlic powder over the toppings.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one long end, and pinch the seam to seal.
- Place the Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the top of the Stromboli with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Use a knife to make small slits in the top of the Stromboli to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the Stromboli cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes