Homemade Italian Stromboli Recipe: A Cheesy, Flavorful Delight

Crafting a mouthwatering italian stromboli becomes an adventure that promises pure culinary delight.

Dough rolled with precision transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Layers of savory meats and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors.

Every slice tells a delectable story of tradition and creativity.

Packed with robust ingredients, this recipe invites you to experience a slice of authentic italian comfort.

Warm, golden, and irresistibly fragrant, the stromboli beckons with its golden-brown crust and tempting aroma.

Grab a plate and let’s make magic happen in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Stromboli

• How do I prevent the stromboli from becoming soggy?

Use a thin layer of marinara sauce and ensure the dough is rolled tightly. Pat meats dry before layering to reduce excess moisture that can make the dough soggy.

• Can I use premade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly. Just ensure it’s at room temperature and rolled out evenly for the best results.

• What if my dough keeps shrinking while rolling?

Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier without the dough constantly springing back.

• How do I know the stromboli is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown exterior and bubbling cheese. The internal temperature should reach around 165°F to ensure all ingredients are heated thoroughly.

Reasons to Appreciate Italian Stromboli

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Feast: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, and family gatherings where everyone craves delicious handheld Italian-inspired goodness.
• Master Simple Technique: Requires basic cooking skills with straightforward rolling and layering steps that even novice home cooks can confidently execute.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Allows endless ingredient variations by swapping meats, cheeses, or adding personal favorite toppings to match individual taste preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses single baking sheet and minimal kitchen tools, ensuring quick preparation and easy post-cooking cleaning process.

Components Required for Italian Stromboli

• Pizza Dough: A soft and pliable foundation that provides the structure for the stromboli.

• Salami, Pepperoni, Ham: Classic Italian cured meats that add robust flavor and savory richness to the stromboli.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a gooey, stretchy texture and provide a creamy, tangy flavor profile.

• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Garlic Powder: Aromatic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and bring traditional Italian seasoning to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A zesty tomato sauce that adds moisture and classic Italian flavor to the stromboli.
• Egg: Used for creating a golden, shiny crust when brushed on the exterior.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional topping that provides a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.

• Flour: Helps prevent the dough from sticking during rolling and shaping.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

Directions for Making Italian Stromboli

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Dust your work surface with flour. Roll out pizza dough into a generous rectangle about 10-14 inches wide, creating a perfect canvas for delicious fillings.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Marinara sauce
• Salami
• Pepperoni
• Ham
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Garlic powder

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the dough, leaving a small border. Arrange meats evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle cheeses generously. Dust with herbs and garlic powder for extra zest.

Step 4: Roll and Secure

Carefully roll the dough from one long edge into a tight, compact log. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to create a sealed pocket of deliciousness.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the rolled stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, placing it seam side down. Brush the entire surface with beaten egg. Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the stromboli into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and cheese bubbles peek through.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Let the stromboli rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Slice into 1-inch pieces. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping and enjoying.

Pro Tips for Italian Stromboli Success

• Expertly roll the dough tightly to prevent fillings from falling out during baking. Create a snug seal by pinching edges firmly to keep ingredients securely inside the stromboli.
• Experiment with alternative meats like prosciutto or soppressata for unique flavor variations. Swap traditional meats with vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins for a meat-free version.
• Control moisture by using minimal marinara sauce and patting deli meats dry to prevent a soggy bottom crust. Sprinkle a light dusting of cornmeal on the parchment paper for extra crispiness and preventing sticking.
• Enhance flavor profiles by adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or thyme to the cheese layer. Consider incorporating red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick that complements the rich, savory fillings.

Variations to Spice Up Italian Stromboli

• Veggie Lovers' Stromboli: Swap meats with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and caramelized onions. Use ricotta and mozzarella for creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Stromboli: Replace traditional meats with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and jalapeños. Add pepper jack cheese and drizzle with chipotle sauce.
• Mediterranean Stromboli: Fill with crumbled feta, sliced kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Sprinkle with dried thyme and oregano for authentic Greek flavors.
• Breakfast Stromboli: Incorporate scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, diced ham, and cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for morning excitement.

Suggested Pairings for Italian Stromboli

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory meats and melted cheeses in the stromboli.
• Create a Fresh Salad Side: Whip up a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy stromboli and provide a light, zesty contrast.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that can stand up to the intense flavors of salami, pepperoni, and multiple cheeses, cutting through the richness.
• Serve with Marinara Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick homemade marinara with fresh basil and garlic to enhance the Italian flavors and provide a tangy, bright accompaniment to each slice.

Storage Recommendations for Italian Stromboli

• Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and keep the bread from drying out.
• Carefully wrap individual slices or the whole stromboli in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Warm refrigerated stromboli at 350F for 10-15 minutes, placing it on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and help retain moisture.
• Reheat individual slices for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Place a damp paper towel over the stromboli to keep it soft and prevent rubbery edges.

Italian Stromboli Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory Italian Stromboli rolls delightful layers of cheese, meats, and herbs into a perfect handheld feast. Crispy golden crust and melted filling promise a delicious journey through classic Italian flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1/2 pound (226 grams) sliced salami
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) sliced ham

Cheeses and Dough:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by warming the oven to 375F (190C) and arranging a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Transform pizza dough into a rectangular canvas, stretching it gently on a flour-dusted surface to approximately 10-14 inches.
3. Create a flavor foundation by painting marinara sauce across the dough, maintaining a narrow perimeter for sealing.
4. Construct protein layers by carefully arranging salami, pepperoni, and ham in an even distribution.
5. Enhance the landscape with a generous cascade of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, blanketing the meats.
6. Infuse aromatic dimensions by sprinkling dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder across the surface.
7. Execute a precise rolling technique, transforming the rectangular canvas into a compact cylindrical form from the elongated edge.
8. Secure the stromboli’s integrity by meticulously pinching and crimping the seams and endpoints.
9. Position the rolled creation seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Apply a golden glaze by brushing beaten egg across the exterior, optionally adorning with sesame seeds.
11. Bake in the heated oven for 25-30 minutes until the exterior achieves a rich, amber complexion and cheese melts tantalizingly.
12. Allow a brief resting period to stabilize internal temperatures.
13. Slice into elegant segments and complement with additional marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Customize the stromboli by swapping traditional meats with vegetarian alternatives like grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, or plant-based protein slices for a meat-free version.
• Ensure the dough is rolled evenly and not too thick to prevent undercooked center and achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior with perfectly melted cheese.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, fontina, or smoked gouda to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Control moisture by patting deli meats dry with paper towels before layering to prevent soggy stromboli and maintain a crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg