Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Stromboli is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food. Imagine a golden, crispy crust stuffed with layers of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and robust Italian seasonings—it’s like a pizza roll-up, but better! This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli recipe takes all the flavors of your favorite pizza and wraps them up into a beautiful loaf that’s easy to slice and share.

Whether you’re planning a game day feast, a fun family dinner, or simply craving something indulgent, this stromboli hits all the right notes. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also allows for endless customization. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious, irresistible dish from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and deli favorites you likely already have.
2. Quick to Prepare: With a ready-made dough option, this stromboli comes together in under an hour.
3. Perfect for Sharing: Serve it as an appetizer, dinner, or party snack.
4. Versatile: Easily customize the fillings to suit your taste preferences.
5. Crowd Favorite: The cheesy, pepperoni-filled layers ensure everyone goes back for seconds!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for an extra crispy crust.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Lightly flour a clean work surface and your rolling pin.
2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×14 inches. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

1. Spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
3. Add a layer of pepperoni slices, slightly overlapping them to ensure even coverage.
4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pepperoni.
5. Add seasonings: evenly distribute oregano, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Roll and Seal

1. Starting from the longer side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
2. Pinch the seam closed to seal the stromboli. Also, tuck the ends under to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

1. Transfer the stromboli onto the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
2. Brush the top and sides with beaten egg.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional sesame or poppy seeds over the egg wash.

Step 6: Score the Top

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make 3-4 shallow diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli. These slits allow steam to escape and prevent the crust from bursting during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Stromboli

1. Place the stromboli in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the stromboli into 1-2 inch slices and arrange them on a platter.
2. Pair with Dipping Sauce: Serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
3. Add a Salad: Complement your stromboli with a fresh Caesar or arugula salad.

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Dough: Let your pizza dough come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with and prevents tearing.
2. Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overstuffing the stromboli can lead to leaking or tearing during baking. Stick to recommended quantities.
3. Crust Perfection: For an extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
4. Cooling is Key: Allow the stromboli to cool slightly before slicing to avoid the cheese spilling out.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Stromboli: Swap pepperoni for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
2. Meat Lovers’ Stromboli: Add cooked sausage, ham, or bacon to the filling.
3. Cheesy Explosion: Use a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.
4. Buffalo Chicken: Replace pepperoni with shredded buffalo chicken and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
5. Hawaiian Twist: Add diced ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combo.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make stromboli ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
2. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
   Absolutely! Puff pastry creates a flakier, buttery crust and works well for a different texture.
3. What other fillings work well?
   The possibilities are endless—try BBQ chicken, spinach artichoke dip, or even taco-seasoned ground beef for creative twists.
4. How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
   Preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone, and avoid overloading with sauce to ensure a crisp bottom crust.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli recipe combines the flavors of pizza with the convenience of a hand-held roll. It’s cheesy, savory, and packed with pepperoni goodness—all wrapped in a golden crust. With its impressive presentation and customizable options, this stromboli is perfect for every occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and create a stromboli masterpiece that’s sure to wow your friends and family!

Yield: 6

Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Print

Stromboli is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food. Imagine a golden, crispy crust stuffed with layers of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and robust Italian seasonings—it’s like a pizza roll-up, but better! This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli recipe takes all the flavors of your favorite pizza and wraps them up into a beautiful loaf that’s easy to slice and share.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 6 oz pepperoni slices
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Roll Out the Dough

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle (approximately 10x14 inches).

3. Add the Filling

• Spread 3/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce.
• Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
• Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the filling.

4. Roll and Seal

• Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
• Pinch the seam and ends to seal, then place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Add the Egg Wash and Bake

• Brush the beaten egg over the surface of the stromboli to create a golden crust.
• Using a sharp knife, make a few diagonal slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

6. Serve

• Let the stromboli cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 1-inch pieces.
• Serve with the remaining marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Add Veggies: Include chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a twist.
• Freeze It: Assemble the stromboli and freeze it unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.