Italian Stromboli is a savory, Italian-inspired rolled pizza that’s packed with layers of flavorful ingredients and wrapped in a golden, crispy dough. This delicious dish is perfect for a hearty dinner, a party appetizer, or a satisfying lunch, and it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite fillings.
The base of this stromboli starts with a generous layer of marinara sauce spread over a rolled-out pizza dough. This sauce provides a rich, tomatoey flavor that complements the variety of cheeses used in the recipe. Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese are scattered over the sauce, melting into gooey, savory layers that bind the ingredients together.
Layered on top of the cheese are an assortment of classic Italian deli meats—pepperoni, salami, and ham. These add a delightful combination of salty, spicy, and smoky flavors to the stromboli. For additional depth and texture, a mix of black olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms is added. These vegetables contribute freshness, crunch, and a touch of sweetness, balancing out the richness of the meats and cheeses.
Once the dough is generously filled, it’s carefully rolled up into a tight log. This rolling technique ensures that each slice of stromboli will have a beautiful swirl of ingredients. The seam is pinched to seal in all the delicious fillings and then brushed with a beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder on top adds an extra layer of flavor and aroma as it bakes.
Baked until golden brown, this stromboli emerges from the oven with a crisp, inviting crust and a melted, gooey interior. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. After baking, it’s important to let the stromboli cool slightly before slicing to ensure that the cheese doesn’t ooze out too much. A garnish of fresh basil or parsley can be added for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
Italian Stromboli is a wonderfully adaptable recipe. You can easily swap out the meats and vegetables for whatever you prefer or have on hand. For instance, add sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist. If you’re looking for a crispier crust, consider baking it on a pizza stone.
This stromboli is perfect for serving at gatherings or as a family meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a bowl of soup, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply reheat slices in the oven to regain that fresh, crispy texture.
With its combination of gooey cheese, savory meats, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a crispy dough, Italian Stromboli is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. It’s a delightful dish that combines the best elements of pizza and calzone into one irresistible package.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup sliced salami
- 1/2 cup sliced ham
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, approximately 12×15 inches.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Layer the Meats and Veggies: Evenly distribute the pepperoni, salami, ham, black olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms over the cheese.
- Roll the Stromboli: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the edges to seal as you go. Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season and Brush: Brush the top of the stromboli with the beaten egg to give it a golden color as it bakes. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the stromboli to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips:
- For a crispier crust, bake the stromboli on a pizza stone if you have one.
- Feel free to customize the fillings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Other great additions include sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- If the stromboli starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the center is cooked through.
Enjoy your Italian Stromboli!
