Let’s talk comfort food. I’m sharing a recipe that’s been in my family for years: the perfect recipe.Italian Stromboli Recipe.. It’s basically a pizza’s more sophisticated, portable cousin, but honestly? I think it’s even better. Forget ordering takeout tonight What is the taste of a banana? Is it easier than you think? My kids call it pizza bread, and when they do, I know I’m in for some happy faces around the house.
What is Italian Stromboli?
Think of it as a rolled-up, stuffed pizza. Instead of flatbread with toppings, you spread out pizza dough, layer it with your favorite Italian topping. If you like meats and cheeses, roll it up like a jelly roll, and bake it until golden brown and bubbly. The name “Stromboli” is a little mysterious, supposedly coined by an Italian-American baker. What is more exciting than pizza? It’s Italian comfort food at its finest, and incredibly satisfying to make. If you make one, you’ll be hooked!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this recipe, but let’s start with the obvious: the flavor. What is the classic Italian combination of savory meats, melted cheese, and a hint of herbs? What is the best crust for a crisp crust? What I love about this is that it’s so easy to make. Is it easier to make a pie crust? Is it also super cost effective? What are some good ways to use leftover meats and cheeses in the fridge? How do you use up those odds and ends? Plus, it’s endlessly versatile! I’ve made it with pepperoni and mozzarella, but also with prosciutto and provolone. What are some of the best recipes for roasted red peppers and spinach? What is the best Stromboli ever? If you’re a fan of my easy calzone recipe, then this Stromboli recipe will absolutely be your new favorite. Is it a crowd pleaser?
How do you make Italian Stromboli?
Quick Overview
How do you make stromboli? How do you prepare dough, spread it out, load it with delicious fillings, roll it up, and bake it? Bake it until golden brown. What is the beauty of this recipe? What is the best part? What is a good weeknight meal?
Ingredients
For the Dough:
* 1 (1 pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed (or your favorite homemade dough recipe)* 1 loaf of bread rolled out. How much olive oil should I use?
For the Filling:
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or your favorite marinara) * 1/4 pound sliced ham* 1/2 pc salami* 1/4 pound sliced provolone cheese * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
For the Glaze:
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon milk
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the stromboli from sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an approximately 12×16 inch rectangle. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing. How is rolling it out? This makes it easier to work with and prevents it from tearing.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Don’t go heavy on the sauce, or the stromboli might get soggy.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Layer the ham, salami, and provolone cheese evenly over the sauce. What are some creative fillings? Add some sliced pepperoni, roasted red peppers, or even cooked spinach for extra flavor.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it. Tuck the ends under to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 6: Glaze and Score
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the mixture over the top of the stromboli. With a sharp knife, make several diagonal slits across the top. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the stromboli from bursting.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set up a bit and prevents it from being too messy.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, homemade stromboli. Serve it with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
What should I serve it with?
This stromboli is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides. What are some good ways to serve it: as a starter or main course?
For Lunch:What’s a good salad to serve with green salad? The fresh, crisp greens balance the richness of the stromboli perfectly. Add a light vinaigrette to complement the Italian flavors.
For Dinner:Serve with a bowl of minestrone soup or clementine salad. The soup adds warmth and comfort, while the Caesar provides a refreshing contrast.
For a Party:Cut the stromboli into smaller slices and arrange them on a platter with various dipping sauces. What are some of the best recipes for garlic sauce? What are some of the best hits with guests?
For Game Day:This is perfect for game day. Slice it up and serve with chicken wings, veggies, and ranch dressing. What is the best comfort food to eat while cheering on your favorite team?
My family loves to serve this with roasted vegetables. What are the best Italian flavor combinations? Broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination!
What are some tips for perfecting Italian Stromboli?
How can I take my stromboli to the next level?
What is the best wayIf using frozen dough, make sure it’s fully thawed before rolling it out. How do I stop it from tearing? I usually let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Sauce Control:Don’t overdo the sauce. Too much sauce can make the stromboli soggy. Is it necessary to apply a thin, even layer to your skin?
What are the best cheeseWhile provolone is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like ricotta, and feta. Fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Each cheese has its own unique flavor.
Meat Variations:What are some creative meat fillings? Add pepperoni, sausage, capicola, or even some cooked chicken or ground beef. Just make sure the meats are cooked before adding them to the stromboli.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the stromboli while it’s baking. Baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent it from burning.
Glaze Alternatives:If you don’t have eggs, you can use milk or olive oil to glaze the stromboli. The glaze helps the crust to brown and become nice and crispy.
Slice with Ease: Use a serrated knife to slice the stromboli. This will help you to cut through the crust without squishing the filling.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little bit of heat. Or, use a spicy marinara sauce.
These tips have helped me to make the perfect stromboli every time. I hope they help you too!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover stromboli (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: You can store stromboli at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it.
Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is wrapped so that it does not dry out!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stromboli. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. The oven is the best method for maintaining the crust’s crispiness. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave is the quickest option, but the crust may become a bit soggy. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. The stovetop is also a good option. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the stromboli for a few minutes per side, until heated through.
I always make sure to let the stromboli cool completely before storing it. This helps to prevent it from getting soggy. And when reheating, I like to add a little bit of extra cheese on top for extra flavor and meltiness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my family’s favorite Italian Stromboli Recipe! It’s a dish that’s always a hit, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. It is a truly simple meal and a great way to use up any left overs! I really hope you make this. If you liked this stromboli recipe then try out other family favorites like pizza rolls or pigs in a blanket!
Happy Baking!

Italian Stromboli Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Refrigerated pizza dough
- 0.5 cup Pizza sauce
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup Pepperoni slices
- 0.5 cup Cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Unroll pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian sausage over the sauce.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the long sides. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Place the stromboli seam-down on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.