Description
This homemade Stromboli recipe is a delicious Italian-American dish, made with a rolled pizza dough filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, then baked until golden brown. It’s a versatile, customizable meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. Whether you choose classic pepperoni and mozzarella or opt for gourmet fillings like BBQ chicken and caramelized onions, Stromboli is a fun and easy dish to make from scratch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can pizza dough
- Garlic butter (for brushing)
- Pepper jack cheese, sliced
- Pepperoni slices
- Salami slices
- Ham slices
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when your Stromboli is assembled.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten and stretch the dough if necessary, aiming for a rectangular shape.
- Add Garlic Butter:
- Brush a layer of garlic butter evenly over the dough. This adds a rich, garlicky flavor to the base of your Stromboli.
- Layer the Fillings:
- Begin layering your ingredients, starting with pepper jack cheese. Distribute the slices evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 1/2 inches around the edges.
- Next, add a layer of pepperoni slices, followed by salami and ham slices.
- Top with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. You can use either shredded or sliced mozzarella, depending on your preference.
- Season:
- Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the layered fillings. This adds an extra depth of flavor to your Stromboli.
- Roll the Dough:
- Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, similar to making a jelly roll. Tuck in the ends and pinch the seams to seal the Stromboli.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Transfer the rolled Stromboli to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
- Brush the top of the dough with an egg wash (beat one egg with a tablespoon of water). This gives the Stromboli a beautiful golden brown color when baked.
- Cut several slits on top of the dough. These slits allow steam to escape and prevent the Stromboli from becoming soggy inside.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the Stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices.
- Serve the Stromboli with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- Dough:
- You can either make homemade pizza dough for the freshest result or use store-bought dough for convenience. Homemade dough requires time to rise, but the texture is superior and well worth the effort.
- If using store-bought dough, allow it to rise for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
- Fillings:
- Traditional fillings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and ham create a classic flavor. However, feel free to experiment with gourmet ingredients like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even different cheeses like provolone or cheddar.
- Avoid using too much sauce or wet ingredients (like raw veggies) as they can make the dough soggy. Pre-cook vegetables or drain excess moisture to keep the Stromboli crisp.
- Rolling Technique:
- Roll the dough carefully into a log, making sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Be gentle to avoid tearing the dough, and don’t overfill to keep the roll manageable.
- Baking:
- Brushing the dough with egg wash or olive oil before baking will give it a beautiful golden, shiny crust. If desired, sprinkle herbs like oregano or Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
- Make a few slits on top of the Stromboli to let steam escape, which helps avoid soggy dough.
- Serving:
- Slice the Stromboli into even portions and serve it with a side of marinara or garlic dipping sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Storing:
- Stromboli can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, use an oven to maintain the crispness of the crust rather than microwaving it.
- Customization:
- This recipe is highly flexible! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meats and adding more vegetables. For a healthier option, use whole wheat dough and lean meats like turkey or chicken.