Homemade Italian Stromboli Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Italian Stromboli Recipe for Family Night

Crafting a delectable stromboli recipe sparks joy in my kitchen every single time.

Rolled dough becomes a canvas for culinary creativity, inviting endless flavor combinations.

Soft, pillowy bread embraces savory fillings with warm Italian charm.

Melted cheese and cured meats create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Rustic and comforting, this handheld meal brings Mediterranean spirit right to your dining table.

Crisp edges and gooey interior promise a delightful eating experience that feels like a mini vacation to italy.

Let’s unlock the secrets of this classic Italian favorite together!

Flavor Ideas For Italian Stromboli

  • Vegetarian Stromboli: Replace meat with roasted bell peppers, spinach, artichokes, and plant-based mozzarella for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour-based dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Chorizo Stromboli: Swap pepperoni and salami with spicy chorizo sausage and add jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.

Suggested Pairings For Homemade Stromboli

  • Dip and Delight: Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for extra flavor-packed dunking experience.
  • Party Pleaser Platter: Slice stromboli into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a wooden board with small dipping bowls for casual gatherings.
  • Fresh Salad Companion: Pair with crisp mixed green salad or tangy arugula salad to balance the rich, meaty stromboli.
  • Wine Night Sidekick: Match with medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the savory meat and cheese flavors.

Storage Advice For Italian Stromboli

  • Wrap leftover stromboli tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Slice stromboli, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, unwrap stromboli, place on baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Reheat individual slices for 30-45 seconds, but note this method may soften the crust slightly.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of stromboli?

Stromboli was created in the United States by Italian-American immigrants, specifically in Philadelphia, around the 1950s, named after the volcanic island near Sicily.

  • Can I make stromboli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stromboli in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, brush with egg wash and bake as directed.

  • How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Seal the edges tightly by pinching the dough and tucking the ends under. This helps keep the fillings inside during baking.

  • What are the best meats to use in stromboli?

Traditional choices include pepperoni, salami, and ham. You can also experiment with prosciutto, capicola, or Italian sausage for variety.

Why Homemade Italian Stromboli Impresses

  • Customize Your Flavor: Mix and match your favorite deli meats and cheeses to create a personalized stromboli that suits your taste buds and satisfies your cravings.
  • Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe feeds a hungry group without requiring complex cooking skills or spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve a professional-looking and tasting dish with simple ingredients and basic rolling techniques, impressing your guests without needing advanced culinary training.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy as a hearty lunch, casual dinner, or cut into smaller pieces for appetizers, making it a flexible recipe that adapts to different meal times and occasions.

Ingredients For Italian Stromboli

Dough Base:
  • Pizza Dough: A soft and stretchy foundation that provides the perfect wrapper for the delicious fillings.
Cheese Layer:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and create a rich, gooey interior.
Meat Selection:
  • Pepperoni, Salami, Ham: Classic Italian-style meats that add savory flavor and protein to the stromboli.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Marinara Sauce: A tangy tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
Finishing Touches:
  • Egg: Used as a wash to create a golden, shiny exterior on the stromboli.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that adds a salty, nutty sprinkle on top.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that provides a fresh, green accent to the final dish.

How To Make Italian Stromboli

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Workspace

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect golden edges.

Step 2: Roll Out The Dough

Dust your countertop with a light sprinkle of flour.

Gently roll out the pizza dough into a spacious rectangle, making sure it’s smooth and even.

Step 3: Spread The Sauce

Ladle marinara sauce across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal your stromboli perfectly.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Fillings

Arrange your tasty ingredients in a tempting layer:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Provolone cheese
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Salami
  • Ham

Step 5: Roll And Shape

Start from one long side and tightly roll the dough, pressing gently to create a compact log.

Seal the edges by pinching them together.

Step 6: Secure The Stromboli

Tuck the ends underneath to prevent ingredients from escaping.

Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Add Flavor Boost

Brush the top with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden shine.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the stromboli into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Rest And Slice

Allow the stromboli to cool for a few minutes.

This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Slice and savor every delicious bite!

Tips For Perfect Homemade Stromboli

  • Pinch and press dough seams completely to prevent fillings from leaking during baking.
  • Use less marinara sauce to prevent soggy dough and ensure crispy exterior.
  • Turn the stromboli halfway through cooking for even golden-brown coloration and consistent heating.
  • Let stromboli rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent filling from oozing out when cutting.
  • Replace deli meats with vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables or plant-based protein for dietary preferences.
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Homemade Italian Stromboli Recipe

Homemade Italian Stromboli Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Stromboli brings Italian comfort right to your kitchen, loaded with savory meats, melted cheeses, and rich marinara sauce. Rolled with passion and baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish promises a delicious journey that satisfies your deepest cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1/2 cup salami slices
  • 1/2 cup ham slices

Cheeses:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup provolone cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Dough and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 egg (beaten (for egg wash))
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

Instructions

  1. Create a spacious work surface and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Gently stretch the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness across the surface.
  3. Apply a thin, consistent layer of marinara sauce, maintaining a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during rolling.
  4. Distribute layers of cheese varieties and cured meats evenly across the sauce-covered dough, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Carefully roll the dough from the longest side, applying gentle pressure to create a tight, compact cylinder.
  6. Seal the seam by pressing edges together, then fold and tuck the ends underneath to prevent filling from escaping.
  7. Transfer the rolled stromboli to a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning it seam-side down for a neat appearance.
  8. Whisk an egg and delicately brush the exterior, creating a golden, glossy finish when baked.
  9. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan across the surface for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.
  11. Allow the stromboli to rest for 5 minutes, enabling internal temperatures to stabilize and making slicing easier.
  12. Slice diagonally and serve immediately with additional marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Prevent soggy bottoms by patting down meat and cheese with paper towels to remove excess moisture before layering.
  • Customize the filling by swapping meats with vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables or plant-based protein for dietary preferences.
  • Create a crispier crust by preheating the baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before placing the stromboli on it.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano between the sauce and cheese layers for an extra aromatic touch.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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