Why You’ll Love Homemade Stromboli
- Customizable Fillings – Choose your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies.
- Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Sharing – Slice it up and serve it as an appetizer, entree, or snack.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and reheat for a quick meal.
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12–15 slices of deli meats (such as pepperoni, salami, ham, or prosciutto)
- Optional: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or olives
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough (if not using pre-made):
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
2. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a floured surface.
- Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches.
4. Layer the Fillings:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add your chosen meats and optional veggies.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
5. Roll and Seal:
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Pinch the seams and ends to seal completely.
- Place the Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Add Toppings and Bake:
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs.
- Cut 3–4 small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
7. Rest and Serve:
- Let the Stromboli rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with extra marinara or pizza sauce on the side.
Tips for the Best Stromboli
- Don’t overfill—too many ingredients can cause the dough to tear or the Stromboli to leak.
- Seal the edges well to keep the fillings inside.
- Let it rest before slicing to help set the melted cheese.
Creative Filling Ideas
- Buffalo Chicken: Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, and blue cheese.
- Veggie Supreme: Roasted zucchini, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and feta.
- Meat Lover’s: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham.
- BBQ Style: Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and red onions.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Homemade Stromboli is a mouthwatering masterpiece that brings together the best flavors of pizza in a unique and shareable form. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying. Whether you keep it classic or get creative with the fillings, this Stromboli recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Enjoy!