Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing dishes, nothing beats a freshly baked Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli. With its golden-brown crust, gooey melted cheese, and savory pepperoni slices, this Italian-inspired delight is perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or casual gatherings. Stromboli offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for kids and adults alike.

This guide will walk you through every step of creating the ultimate homemade stromboli, ensuring a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and perfectly balanced flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite toppings and fillings.
2. Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like pizza dough, cheese, and pepperoni.
3. Quick and Easy: Perfect for beginners or those short on time.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for parties or family dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches.

Step 2: Assemble the Stromboli

1. Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
2. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce.
3. Add the Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer across the cheese.
4. Optional Add-Ins: Add any additional toppings, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Roll the Stromboli

1. Roll Tightly: Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
2. Seal the Edges: Pinch the seams and tuck in the ends to seal the stromboli completely.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

1. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the surface with beaten egg for a golden crust.
3. Season: Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Stromboli

1. Score the Top: Use a sharp knife to make shallow slits across the top. This allows steam to escape while baking.
2. Bake: Place the stromboli in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the stromboli to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
2. Slice: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 1-inch thick pieces.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate and Garnish: Arrange slices on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
2. Serve: Pair with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Stromboli

1. Don’t Overfill: Overloading with toppings can cause the stromboli to tear or bake unevenly.
2. Seal Well: Ensure the edges and seams are tightly sealed to prevent leaks.
3. Use Cold Dough: Slightly chilled dough is easier to roll and handle.
4. Avoid Soggy Crust: Pat wet toppings (like mushrooms or spinach) dry before adding to prevent excess moisture.
5. Experiment with Flavors: Try different cheese blends or swap pepperoni for ham, turkey, or bacon.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Stromboli

• Replace pepperoni with sautéed spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.

2. Meat Lovers Stromboli

• Add cooked Italian sausage, bacon crumbles, and salami.

3. Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

• Replace marinara with buffalo sauce, and use shredded chicken and blue cheese.

4. Breakfast Stromboli

• Fill with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and cheddar cheese.

5. Pesto Delight

• Swap marinara for pesto and add grilled chicken, fresh basil, and mozzarella.

Health Benefits of Homemade Stromboli

1. Customizable Ingredients: You control the quality and quantity of ingredients, making it healthier than store-bought versions.
2. Reduced Sodium: Homemade versions can reduce sodium levels by using fresh ingredients.
3. Portion Control: Easily cut into smaller slices to suit dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works great and saves time.

What’s the difference between stromboli and calzone?

Stromboli is rolled like a log, while calzones are folded into a pocket shape.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pizza dough and check toppings for gluten.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
2. Soup: Serve alongside tomato basil soup for a comforting combo.
3. Appetizer Platter: Include in a spread with garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, and bruschetta.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a versatile, delicious dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Try this homemade stromboli and let its cheesy, savory goodness win you over!

Yield: 6

Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Print

When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing dishes, nothing beats a freshly baked Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli. With its golden-brown crust, gooey melted cheese, and savory pepperoni slices, this Italian-inspired delight is perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or casual gatherings. Stromboli offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for kids and adults alike.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12x16 inches.
3. Assemble the Stromboli: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the filling for added flavor.
5. Roll It Up: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, similar to a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
6. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully place the rolled stromboli seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top and sides of the stromboli to give it a golden, glossy finish.
8. Score the Top: Use a sharp knife to make small slits across the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.
9. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling through the slits.
10. Cool and Slice: Let the stromboli cool for 5 minutes before slicing into thick pieces.
11. Serve: Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

• Customize the Filling: Add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage for variety.
• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add a spicy kick with pepper jack cheese.
• Freezing Option: Assemble and freeze the stromboli unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the bake time.