Stromboli

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I’ve always loved meals that feel a little indulgent without requiring a ton of effort, and Stromboli checks all the boxes. It’s basically a rolled-up pizza—crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and packed with all the savory goodness you could want. When I make it, the kitchen fills with the smell of baked dough, spicy pepperoni, and bubbling cheese, and suddenly, everyone’s asking what time dinner is.

Stromboli is one of those dishes that’s endlessly customizable and crowd-pleasing. Whether I’m making it for a movie night, game day, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, it always delivers. The best part? It looks impressive when sliced and served, but it’s honestly one of the easiest things to throw together. Once you learn the basic steps, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Stromboli

• Super satisfying with gooey cheese, cured meats, and golden crust
• Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
• Great for parties, meal prep, or even lunchboxes
• Completely customizable based on your favorite pizza toppings
• Perfect for dipping into marinara, ranch, or garlic butter

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What Kind of Dough Should I Use?

For Stromboli, I typically use store-bought pizza dough to save time, but you can absolutely make your own if you prefer a homemade touch. Just make sure the dough is elastic and not too cold—let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. Thin-crust dough works well if you want a crispier texture, while classic pizza dough gives a chewy, hearty bite.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or even pepper jack can bring different flavors.
• Meats: Pepperoni and salami are traditional, but cooked sausage, ham, or even shredded chicken can work.
• Vegetarian: Load it up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and olives for a meat-free version.
• Sauce: While I usually serve marinara on the side, you can spread a thin layer inside before rolling for extra flavor.
• Dough Alternatives: Crescent roll dough or puff pastry can be used for a lighter or flakier finish.

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Ingredients for this Stromboli

• Pizza Dough: The base of the Stromboli. Use store-bought or homemade—just make sure it’s pliable and easy to roll out.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that signature stretchy, gooey texture.
• Pepperoni: Classic choice for its salty, slightly spicy flavor. Sliced thin for easy layering.
• Salami: Adds a deeper, richer taste to balance the mozzarella.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs to boost the aroma and Italian flair.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle kick of flavor without overpowering the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, umami-rich crust.
• Olive Oil: Brushed on the dough before baking to promote browning and a crisp finish.
• Egg (for egg wash): Helps the crust achieve a glossy, golden-brown appearance.
• Marinara Sauce (for serving): Perfect dipping companion, tangy and savory.

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Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using refrigerated dough, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This makes it easier to roll without tearing.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, roughly 10×14 inches. Try to keep the thickness even to avoid soggy or overly crispy spots.

Step 3: Layer the Fillings

Start by sprinkling a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Then layer on the pepperoni and salami evenly. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top of the meat. Add extra mozzarella or a little Parmesan for extra cheesiness if desired.

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Carefully roll the dough lengthwise (like a jelly roll) into a tight log. Pinch the seam and the ends to seal it completely. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down.

Step 5: Brush and Score

Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush it all over the rolled dough. Use a sharp knife to cut 4–5 small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Bake the Stromboli

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Let the Stromboli cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and keeps everything intact. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side.

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How Long to Prepare the Stromboli

Making Stromboli doesn’t take much time, which is one of the reasons I love it. The prep is quick and the cooking time is just right to get everything perfectly golden and melty.

Prep Time: With pre-made dough, you’ll spend about 15–20 minutes preparing the ingredients and assembling the Stromboli. If you’re making dough from scratch, add about 60–90 minutes for proofing.

Cook Time: The Stromboli bakes for 20–25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on your oven. It should be golden brown and firm to the touch when ready. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.

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Tips for Perfect Stromboli

• Don’t overload with fillings. Too many ingredients can make the Stromboli soggy or hard to roll.
• Use room-temperature dough. Cold dough resists stretching and may tear.
• Seal the edges tightly. Prevents cheese from leaking out while baking.
• Egg wash the top. Gives it a beautiful golden color and helps Parmesan stick.
• Slice vents on top. Let steam escape and prevent the crust from cracking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Rolling dough too thin. Can tear easily and may not hold the filling well.
• Skipping the resting time. Cutting too soon will cause cheese to spill out.
• Not scoring the top. Traps steam and can cause uneven baking.
• Using wet ingredients. Avoid sauces inside that can soak into the dough—serve sauces on the side.
• Overbaking. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes—Stromboli should be golden, not burnt.

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What to Serve With Stromboli?

1. Marinara Sauce

A tangy, herb-rich sauce for dipping that pairs beautifully with the cheesy interior.

2. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

A lighter side dish that adds crunch and freshness.

3. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons balance the richness of the Stromboli.

4. Potato Wedges

Crispy oven-baked wedges offer a hearty, comforting pairing.

5. Pickled Vegetables

Add a sharp, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Leftover Stromboli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.

Freezing: Stromboli can be frozen whole or in slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the Stromboli and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 12 hours. Brush with egg wash just before baking.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per slice, based on 8 slices)

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep Stromboli from getting soggy?

Avoid adding wet sauces or too many vegetables that release moisture. Always vent the top and bake until fully golden.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure your fillings are gluten-free.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?

You can! Puff pastry will result in a flakier, lighter texture. Just be cautious—it cooks faster than traditional dough.

How do I reheat Stromboli without drying it out?

Wrap slices in foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crisp.

Is Stromboli the same as a calzone?

Not quite. Calzones are folded like a pocket, while Stromboli is rolled like a log and sliced after baking.

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Conclusion

Stromboli is one of those dishes that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, it’s got all the flavors of pizza with an irresistible twist. From gooey cheese and crispy crust to the customizable fillings, it’s a guaranteed hit every time. So grab your dough and get rolling—you’re in for something delicious.

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