Italian Stromboli Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Italian Stromboli Recipe for Dinner Magic

A mouthwatering Italian stromboli captures the heart of rustic Mediterranean cuisine with its rolled layers of savory ingredients.

Dough stretched thin becomes a canvas for rich, melted cheeses and carefully selected meats.

Layers of prosciutto, salami, and provolone dance together inside a perfectly golden crust.

Mediterranean culinary traditions shine through this simple yet incredible dish.

Authentic flavors burst from every slice, promising a delightful experience for anyone who loves comfort food.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and passion for hearty cooking.

Peek inside this recipe and let your kitchen become a gateway to Italian culinary magic.

Plating Stromboli Slices for Casual Gatherings

  • Party Pleaser Platter: Slice the stromboli into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara sauce, creating an irresistible appetizer spread for game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Picnic Perfect Meal: Wrap individual stromboli slices in parchment paper for a portable lunch that's easy to pack and enjoy outdoors during summer picnics or weekend adventures.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve the whole stromboli on a large cutting board with a side salad and extra marinara, encouraging everyone to grab a slice and share the delicious meal together.
  • Movie Night Munchies: Cut into strips and pair with cold beer or soda, making it an ideal comfort food for relaxed movie or sports watching evenings at home.

Best Storage Method for Italian Stromboli Leftovers

  • Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual slices or the whole stromboli tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Restore crispiness by placing stromboli on a baking sheet, covering loosely with foil, and warming at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • For a faster method, reheat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, though this may slightly soften the crust.

FAQs

  • What ingredients can I substitute in this stromboli recipe?

You can swap ham with turkey, use different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone, and replace pepperoni with bacon or sausage based on your preference and dietary needs.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love stromboli because it’s like a portable pizza with fun fillings they can easily eat. The cheesy, meaty interior makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

  • Can I make this stromboli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stromboli and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake it straight from the refrigerator.

Italian Stromboli for a Flavor-Packed Family Night

  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with delicious meats and cheeses, this stromboli delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for gatherings and game days.
  • Versatile Customization: Easy to modify with different meats, cheeses, or vegetarian options, allowing you to create a personalized version that suits every taste preference.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
  • Impressive Party Dish: Looks professionally made with its golden-brown exterior and beautiful garlic butter glaze, yet surprisingly simple to construct and bake.

Stromboli Ingredient List for Savory Pizza Rolls

Base Ingredients:
  • Pizza Crust: A ready-to-use foundation that provides the perfect wrapper for the delicious fillings.
  • Ham: A classic deli meat that adds savory flavor to the stromboli.
  • Salami: A spicy and rich Italian cured meat that brings depth to the filling.
  • Pepperoni: A popular meat topping that contributes a zesty and bold taste.
  • Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture throughout the stromboli.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and flavorful base for the garlic mixture.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic kick to the stromboli.
  • Parsley: Provides a fresh and light herbal note to the garlic butter.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the garlic butter with a salty and nutty flavor.
Serving Ingredients:
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian sauce that serves as a delicious dipping companion for the stromboli.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy baking and prevents the stromboli from sticking to the baking sheet.

Italian Stromboli Rolling and Baking Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions.

Ensure the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.

Step 2: Whip Up Garlic Magic

Create a flavor-packed garlic butter by melting butter and mixing with:
  • Fresh minced garlic
  • Chopped parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Set this aromatic mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Prepare The Canvas

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Gently stretch the pizza crust to almost cover the entire sheet, leaving a small margin around the edges.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Evenly distribute your delicious fillings across the dough, maintaining a small border:
  • Sliced ham
  • Salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Shredded cheese

Step 5: Roll Into Deliciousness

Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a compact log.

Press and pinch the seam and ends to seal in all the incredible ingredients and prevent any leaks.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Using a serrated knife, create gentle diagonal scores across the top of the stromboli.

Generously brush the entire surface with the prepared garlic butter mixture.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the stromboli in the preheated oven and bake until it transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Follow the pizza dough package timing as a guide.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Allow the stromboli to cool slightly, then slice into tempting portions.

Serve with marinara or red sauce for dipping and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Stromboli Tips for Crispy Edges and Melty Center

  • Pinch the dough ends and seam tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating a neat and professional-looking stromboli.
  • Select high-quality, thinly sliced deli meats like premium ham and salami for maximum flavor and texture in your stromboli.
  • Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan to create a more complex and rich cheese profile.
  • Pat deli meats with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy dough and ensuring a crisp crust.
  • Allow stromboli to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps set the filling and makes clean, precise slicing easier.

Stromboli Variations with Italian Sausage and Veggies

  • Vegetarian Veggie Lovers: Replace meats with roasted bell peppers, spinach, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms for a plant-based version packed with colorful, hearty ingredients.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust or gluten-free premade dough to accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals while maintaining the classic stromboli experience.
  • Low-Carb Keto Style: Use thin cheese wraps or large lettuce leaves instead of bread dough, filling with salami, pepperoni, and extra cheese for a protein-rich alternative that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano to transform the traditional Italian stromboli into a Greek-inspired culinary creation.
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Italian Stromboli Recipe

Italian Stromboli Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor the authentic Italian stromboli, a rolled masterpiece stuffed with layers of premium meats, melted cheeses, and aromatic herbs. Crisp golden dough embraces rich fillings, delivering a hearty slice of Italian culinary passion you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein Ingredients:

  • 10 slices Genoa salami
  • 8 slices deli ham
  • 12 slices sandwich pepperoni

Cheese Ingredients:

  • 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) parmesan cheese

Base and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 tube Pillsbury pizza crust
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat oven according to pizza crust package instructions, typically around 425°F.
  2. Create garlic infusion by melting butter and combining with finely chopped garlic, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Place parchment paper on baking sheet and carefully stretch pizza dough, extending it to nearly cover the entire surface.
  4. Distribute cured meats evenly across dough: layer ham, salami, and pepperoni, ensuring consistent coverage while maintaining a small perimeter around edges.
  5. Carefully roll dough lengthwise into a compact cylinder, pressing seams firmly to seal and pinching ends to prevent ingredient spillage.
  6. Use sharp serrated knife to create diagonal slits across stromboli’s surface, then liberally coat exterior with prepared garlic butter mixture.
  7. Transfer stromboli to preheated oven and bake until exterior turns golden brown and cheese begins bubbling, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  8. Allow stromboli to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, then slice diagonally and serve alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Customize meats by swapping out ham, salami, or pepperoni with turkey, chicken, or vegetarian protein alternatives to suit different dietary preferences.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by using a preheated pizza stone or placing the baking sheet on the lowest oven rack for crispier crust results.
  • Create a gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free pizza dough and checking ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano between meat and cheese layers for an extra aromatic touch.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1180 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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