Homemade Stromboli Recipe
If there’s ever a dish guaranteed to bring people running to the table, it’s Homemade Stromboli. Imagine golden, crackly pizza dough wrapped gently around bubbling cheese, savory Italian meats, and a swirl of herby tomato sauce. Every slice is a festival of flavor and gooey comfort, perfect for pizza night or any time you’re craving edible happiness. Homemade Stromboli is simple enough for a weeknight but always feels like a special treat—trust me, you’ll want this on your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Homemade Stromboli lies in its delicious simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that crave-worthy blend of melty, chewy, and slightly crispy magic. Gather these essentials for a foolproof, satisfying result every time:
- Pizza dough: The soft yet sturdy foundation of Stromboli—make it homemade or grab your favorite store-bought version for ease.
- Pizza sauce: Adds tangy tomato depth and keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Meltiness is a must—mozzarella turns gooey and golden in the oven.
- Sliced pepperoni or salami: Bold, savory bites that bring classic pizzeria spirit.
- Sliced ham: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the zesty sauce and salty cheese.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch right in the filling.
- Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) amplifies all the classic Italian-American flavor notes.
- Garlic powder: For an aromatic kick that perfumes every slice.
- Olive oil: Brushed on top for irresistible sheen and crispness.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Locks in color and crunch, giving the Stromboli its beautiful bakery finish.
- Flour for dusting: Prevents your dough from sticking so you can roll with confidence.
How to Make Homemade Stromboli
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temp promises a bubbly, golden result. While the oven’s heating up, dust your work area lightly with flour—this helps your pizza dough behave, making it roll out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Roll the Dough
Take your pizza dough and gently roll it into a large rectangle, about 10 by 14 inches. Don’t stress too much about perfection; just try for even thickness so your Homemade Stromboli bakes up uniformly—crisp edges, pillowy inside!
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over your dough, leaving a one-inch border untouched on all sides. This border is your “glue” and keeps the fillings safe from leaking out while baking.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Now for the fun part—layer on the mozzarella, pepperoni or salami, ham, and a shower of Parmesan. Don’t forget a good sprinkle of Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Each layer brings its own magic; you’ll love the way these flavors mingle together right from your first bite.
Step 5: Roll it Up
Starting at one long side, gently but firmly roll your filled dough into a snug log, like you’re wrapping up a precious package. Pinch and tuck in the seams as best you can—this seals in all those glorious fillings.
Step 6: Brush and Vent
Place your stromboli seam-side down onto a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil and a generous layer of beaten egg. This is your path to a glistening, crispy crust. Finish by slicing a few small slits along the top with a sharp knife—these let steam escape and prevent any messy blowouts.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and your kitchen smells irresistible. Once out of the oven, let the Homemade Stromboli rest for about five minutes—this helps everything settle so you get clean, cheese-stretchy slices when you cut in.
How to Serve Homemade Stromboli
Garnishes
Fresh basil ribbons, chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving can brighten up each portion. For extra flair, a few chili flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil add a touch of heat or richness that takes your Homemade Stromboli over the top.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette is the perfect, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy loaf. If you want to go all-out Italian-American, offer a side of warm marinara or garlic butter for dipping. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, also play really well here.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Homemade Stromboli into thick rounds and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for casual get-togethers. For a party, cut them smaller for easy finger food. If you’re serving family-style, place the whole golden loaf at the center of the table and let everyone dig in—it feels irresistibly communal and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap cooled Homemade Stromboli tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches or a quick snack.
Freezing
Absolutely! Once baked and completely cooled, wrap portions or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a shortcut to comfort food, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To keep the crust crisp, pop leftover Homemade Stromboli in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through—about 10 minutes does the trick. For individual slices, a toaster oven is your friend. Try to avoid the microwave if possible, as it can soften the beloved crust.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free dough?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough—just keep an eye on texture when rolling and baking, as different doughs can behave a bit differently. The technique is the same and the final result is just as delicious.
What other fillings can I add to Homemade Stromboli?
Stromboli loves variety. Go classic or toss in sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives, spinach, or fully cooked sausage. Play with the cheeses as well—a bit of provolone or fontina in the mix is never a bad idea.
Can I prepare Homemade Stromboli ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Assemble the roll up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just brush with egg, cut your vents, and bake as instructed. Fresh-from-the-oven magic, with head start convenience.
What’s the secret to a crispy crust?
Brushing the dough with olive oil and egg before baking, plus baking on a preheated sheet or pizza stone, guarantees crispness and color. Also, make sure any fillings aren’t too wet—pat dry any watery veggies or meats first!
How do I prevent the fillings from leaking out?
Leave a good border (about one inch) when you add the sauce and fillings, and pinch the seams firmly when rolling up. Placing your Homemade Stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps seal everything in as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyous about slicing into a fresh, bubbling Homemade Stromboli and sharing it with people you love. With its endless filling twists and unbeatable comfort factor, you’ll find yourself craving this recipe again and again. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give it a try, and treat yourself to one of the most satisfying bakes ever!
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Homemade Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Stromboli with this easy recipe. A flavorful mixture of pizza dough, cheeses, meats, and seasonings baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 pound sliced pepperoni or salami
- 1/4 pound sliced ham
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread pizza sauce, mozzarella, meats, Parmesan, and seasonings over the dough.
- Roll up: Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinch seams to seal.
- Bake: Place stromboli on a baking sheet, brush with oil and egg wash, bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Let it rest, then slice and serve.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like sautéed veggies or different meats.
- Pair with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 stromboli
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
