Homemade Stromboli Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food with a little more excitement than your everyday pizza night, you absolutely have to try making Homemade Stromboli. Imagine pillowy-soft dough wrapped around gooey cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and your favorite fillings, then baked until golden and crisp—it’s a bubbling bundle of joy that brings everyone running to the kitchen. Not only is this recipe endlessly customizable, but it’s perfect for family meals, game day gatherings, or any night you need something hearty, quick, and delicious. Trust me, once you master a Homemade Stromboli, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Stromboli is how a few simple but essential ingredients combine for maximum flavor and irresistible texture. Each one plays a special role, so pick quality ingredients and feel free to put your own spin on the fillings once you get the hang of it!
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The heart of your stromboli; store-bought or homemade both work wonderfully.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for dipping): For that classic Italian-American tang and a perfectly moist crumb.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melty and stretchy, giving every bite that ultimate cheese pull.
- Sliced pepperoni or salami (1/2 cup): Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick—use your favorite cured meats here!
- Cooked Italian sausage (1/2 cup, optional): Brings richer flavors and a little extra heartiness (completely optional, but so good).
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): For a nutty-salty punch that balances all the melty gooeyness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A mix of dried herbs, it ties everything together with classic aroma.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the top crisp and brown beautifully in the oven.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Optional, but gives your stromboli that pretty, golden sheen.
How to Make Homemade Stromboli
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for your stromboli. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps cleanup a breeze but also helps prevent sticking—a must for that crispy bottom!
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust a clean surface lightly with flour, then take your pizza dough and roll it into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just aim for an even thickness so your Homemade Stromboli bakes up uniform and cozy.
Step 3: Layer On the Sauce and Cheese
Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This keeps your stromboli from getting soggy or falling apart. Next, sprinkle that gorgeous mozzarella from edge to edge—more mozzarella means more ooey-gooey bites.
Step 4: Add the Fillings
Now, let’s get creative. Lay down your pepperoni or salami slices, scatter on the cooked Italian sausage if you like a heartier bite, then finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan. Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning and garlic powder to infuse every layer with mouthwatering flavor.
Step 5: Roll and Seal
Starting on the long side, carefully roll up the dough like a jelly roll, tucking in the fillings as you go. When you reach the end, pinch the seam and the ends well to seal—the last thing you want is your glorious fillings escaping! Place your stromboli seam-side down on the lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Brush and Vent
Brush the top of your stromboli with olive oil or a beaten egg for an irresistible golden shine. Using a sharp knife, cut 3 or 4 small slits in the top to let steam escape. This helps prevent the dough from getting soggy as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until your Homemade Stromboli is gloriously golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to slice right away—give it about 5 minutes to rest so the cheese can settle and the slices come out clean.
How to Serve Homemade Stromboli
Garnishes
After slicing, sprinkle your stromboli with extra grated Parmesan or a dusting of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a little something extra for those who like a punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
This savory roll pairs so well with a crisp green salad or a simple bowl of minestrone soup. Garlic knots or roasted veggies make perfect accompaniments to cut through all that cheesy richness and complete your Italian-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game days, slice your Homemade Stromboli into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with bowls of warm pizza sauce for dipping. Or, let each person pick their favorite fillings and make personalized mini stromboli rolls—great fun for families or casual get-togethers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Homemade Stromboli (lucky you!), simply wrap the cooled slices tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready for easy lunches or midnight snacks.
Freezing
Homemade Stromboli freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the whole stromboli or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or surprise guests.
Reheating
To reheat, use the oven or toaster oven for best results—pop slices in at 350°F until hot and crisp again (about 10 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch, but the crust won’t be as crunchy. For frozen stromboli, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or bake straight from frozen at 350°F, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for Homemade Stromboli?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough saves time and still delivers a fantastic crust. But if you love making bread from scratch, homemade dough only takes Homemade Stromboli up another notch.
What’s the difference between stromboli and calzone?
Stromboli is rolled up like a log and then sliced, while calzones are folded turnovers with stuffed fillings. Both are tasty, but Homemade Stromboli gives you those lovely layers and fun party slices.
Can I make a vegetarian Homemade Stromboli?
Definitely! Load it up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, onions, or your favorite cheese. Just make sure the vegetables aren’t too watery so your stromboli stays crisp.
How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Don’t go overboard with the sauce and always leave a border so everything seals properly. Make sure any veggies or meats are cooked and drained, and don’t skip those steam slits on top!
Can I prep Homemade Stromboli ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble it up to a day ahead, then tightly wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature as the oven heats, then bake as directed—perfect for entertaining or busy nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and a little bit of a showstopper, Homemade Stromboli is always a winning choice. Give it a try and don’t be afraid to play with flavors—once you taste that first cheesy, savory slice, you’ll want to make this recipe part of your regular rotation!
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Homemade Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Stromboli, a classic Italian-American stuffed bread that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With a flavorful combination of pizza sauce, cheese, and meats rolled up in pizza dough, this easy stromboli recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Fillings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches.
- Add fillings: Spread pizza sauce over the dough, sprinkle with mozzarella, add pepperoni, sausage, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Roll up: Roll up the dough lengthwise, tucking in the ends to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush and bake: Brush the top with olive oil or egg wash, make slits in the top, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the stromboli rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra pizza sauce.
Notes
- You can customize with your favorite fillings like ham, provolone, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Do not overfill to prevent tearing.
- Stromboli can be prepped ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
