This Homemade Stromboli is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for pizza night, game day, or a hearty family meal. Stromboli is a rolled-up version of pizza, filled with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables, then baked to golden perfection. It’s crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Stromboli Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy: The dough gets perfectly crisp, while the inside is loaded with melted cheese and savory fillings.
- Customizable: You can fill your stromboli with a variety of meats, cheeses, and veggies, making it easy to adapt to your preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: Stromboli is great for serving at parties, family dinners, or as an appetizer for a crowd.
- Easy to Make: With store-bought or homemade pizza dough, this recipe comes together quickly and bakes to perfection.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Stromboli
1. Pizza Dough
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough as the base for your stromboli. The dough should be rolled thin to achieve a crispy crust.
2. Cheese
- Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for stromboli because of its gooey, melty texture. You can also use provolone, Parmesan, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.
3. Meats
- Popular choices include pepperoni, salami, ham, and sausage. You can use a combination of meats for a flavorful, hearty stromboli.
4. Vegetables (Optional)
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
5. Pizza Sauce or Marinara (Optional)
- While traditional stromboli doesn’t always include sauce inside, you can add a light layer of marinara or pizza sauce for extra flavor. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
6. Egg Wash
- An egg wash (egg beaten with water) is brushed on top of the stromboli to help create a shiny, golden-brown crust.
How to Make Homemade Stromboli
Making stromboli at home is fun, easy, and rewarding. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 pound of pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×14 inches. The dough should be thin but not so thin that it tears.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
- Start by layering 1 1/2 to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Then, add 1/2 cup of pepperoni slices, 1/2 cup of sliced ham, and 1/2 cup of salami (or your choice of meats). You can also add vegetables like sautéed spinach or bell peppers at this stage. If using pizza sauce, spread a thin layer over the fillings (optional).
Step 4: Roll the Stromboli
- Starting at one end, tightly roll the dough into a log, similar to rolling up a jelly roll. Pinch the seams together to seal the edges, then tuck the ends under the roll.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
- Transfer the rolled stromboli to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top and sides with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) for a golden, shiny finish. Using a sharp knife, cut small slits along the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Stromboli
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C) for fully cooked dough.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
- Let the stromboli cool for 5 minutes before slicing it into 1-inch pieces. Serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips for Making the Best Stromboli
1. Don’t Overfill
- Avoid overstuffing the stromboli, as this can make it difficult to roll and result in tearing or leaking during baking. A light layer of fillings works best.
2. Use an Egg Wash
- Brushing the dough with an egg wash before baking helps create a shiny, golden-brown crust.
3. Allow Steam to Escape
- Make small slits along the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape, which prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
4. Pre-Cook Vegetables
- If you’re adding vegetables, sauté them before adding them to the stromboli. This helps reduce moisture and prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
5. Let It Rest Before Slicing
- Allow the stromboli to rest for a few minutes before slicing to let the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice cleanly.
Recipe Variations
1. Meat Lover’s Stromboli
- Fill the stromboli with a combination of pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon for a meat-packed version.
2. Veggie Stromboli
- For a vegetarian option, use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Add extra cheese for a cheesy, veggie-packed stromboli.
3. Chicken Alfredo Stromboli
- Swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce and fill the stromboli with grilled chicken, mozzarella, and spinach for a creamy, indulgent version.
4. Buffalo Chicken Stromboli
- Fill the stromboli with shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese, and mozzarella for a spicy twist.
5. Breakfast Stromboli
- Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese for a breakfast-inspired stromboli.
FAQs: Homemade Stromboli
1. Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
- Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for stromboli. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out.
2. Can I Make Stromboli Ahead of Time?
- Yes! You can assemble the stromboli, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
3. How Do I Store Leftover Stromboli?
- Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
4. Can I Freeze Stromboli?
- Yes! You can freeze unbaked stromboli by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
5. What Can I Serve with Stromboli?
- Serve stromboli with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables
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