If you have a hankering for something warm, cheesy, and bursting with classic Italian flavors, this Italian Stromboli Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine a golden, crisp crust wrapped around layers of savory pepperoni, ham, salami, melty mozzarella, and a colorful mix of veggies, all kissed by fragrant herbs and spices. This dish brings together the best of a pizza’s boldness and the portability of a roll-up, making it perfect for sharing, casual dinners, or even a special weekend treat. Once you try this Italian Stromboli Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Stromboli Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the soft pizza dough that holds everything together to the vibrant veggies that add freshness, every component is essential.
- Pizza dough: This is the base that brings everything together – be sure it’s fresh and soft enough to roll easily.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, herby foundation that keeps the stromboli moist and full of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted, gooey, and utterly irresistible, mozzarella is the glue that holds all the fillings.
- Sliced pepperoni, salami, and ham: These cured meats deliver that savory punch and a hint of spice.
- Sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives: A colorful medley adding crunch, earthiness, and a touch of briny complexity.
- Dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes: These spices round out the stromboli with classic Italian aromas and a subtle heat.
- Olive oil: For brushing the crust to achieve that irresistible golden finish.
How to Make Italian Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the Stromboli to a golden, crispy crust while ensuring the cheese inside melts beautifully.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a neat rectangle. The dough should be thin enough to roll up easily but sturdy enough to hold the fillings without tearing.
Step 3: Spread the Marinara Sauce
Evenly spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. This prevents the sauce from oozing out during baking and adds a tangy base.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce. This layer of cheese acts like a delicious barrier that helps keep the toppings nestled inside as they bake.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Now comes the fun part: layering your pepperoni, salami, ham, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives. Arrange them evenly but don’t overload it—balance is key to a perfectly rolled Stromboli.
Step 6: Season the Layers
Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the fillings for an aromatic boost. These spices tie all the ingredients together and give the Stromboli that classic Italian flavor profile.
Step 7: Roll it Up
Starting from one of the long edges, roll your Stromboli tightly but gently to keep the fillings inside. A firm roll helps maintain the shape and texture during baking.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place your Stromboli seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This prevents it from unrolling while baking and protects your pan from any bubbling cheese or sauce.
Step 9: Brush with Olive Oil
Brush the top of the stromboli with olive oil for a shiny, golden crust. If you like, sprinkle a little extra oregano for added color and aroma.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Stromboli in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is beautifully golden and the cheese is molten and bubbly inside.
Step 11: Cool and Slice
Once baked, give your Stromboli a few minutes to cool slightly before slicing. This helps the cheese set just enough so it doesn’t ooze out when cut.
Step 12: Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy the delicious, melty combination that makes this Italian Stromboli Recipe such a beloved classic.
How to Serve Italian Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Italian Stromboli with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for color and freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of grated Parmesan also adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Stromboli pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, tangy pickled vegetables, or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness. For a cozy meal, serve with a bowl of warm marinara for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the Stromboli into bite-sized pinwheels—perfect for parties or snacking. You can also serve alongside a flight of Italian wines or craft beers to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Stromboli tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust from getting dry and the fillings fresh.
Freezing
Italian Stromboli freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crust’s crispness and melt the cheese perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this Italian Stromboli Recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-made pizza dough works great and saves time. Just make sure to roll it out evenly for easy rolling and baking.
What can I substitute for the cured meats?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the meats for extra vegetables like spinach, artichokes, or roasted red peppers. You can also use cooked sausage or grilled chicken for variation.
Is it possible to make this Italian Stromboli Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Stromboli and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare in advance for gatherings.
How do I prevent the Stromboli from getting soggy?
Leaving a border around the sauce and baking seam-side down helps prevent sogginess. Also, brushing with olive oil creates a protective crust on top.
Can I add different cheeses to this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a bit of Parmesan for added depth and a richer cheese flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Stromboli Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites—it’s cozy, flavorful, and simply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug from Italy. So grab your ingredients, get rolling, and treat yourself to this delicious, cheesy marvel. You won’t regret it!
Print
Italian Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic Italian Stromboli featuring a perfectly rolled pizza dough filled with savory pepperoni, salami, ham, fresh vegetables, and melty mozzarella cheese, baked to a golden crisp. This hearty, flavorful dish makes a perfect meal for any occasion, combining the taste of a pizza and a sandwich in one delicious roll.
Ingredients
Dough and Sauce
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Meats
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sliced salami
- 1/4 cup sliced ham
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced onions
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Seasonings and Extras
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Olive oil for brushing (approx. 1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the Stromboli.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, making it even in thickness for uniform baking.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around all edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce to create a cheesy base layer.
- Layer Meats and Vegetables: Distribute the pepperoni, salami, ham, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives on top of the cheese for balanced flavor and texture.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the filling to add depth and a slight kick.
- Roll Stromboli: Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly over the filling to form a log shape, ensuring the seam is sealed well.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled Stromboli seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent it from unrolling and sticking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the top of the Stromboli with olive oil and optionally sprinkle additional oregano for extra flavor and a nice golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the Stromboli to cool slightly for easier slicing and to let the filling set.
- Serve: Slice the Stromboli into pieces and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian Stromboli!
Notes
- Make sure the dough edges are sealed well to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- Feel free to customize fillings based on your preference, such as adding different cheeses or vegetables.
- For a crispier crust, you can brush the Stromboli with an egg wash instead of olive oil.
- Leftover Stromboli can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal later.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor.
