Description
This homemade stromboli recipe features a delicious cheesy meat filling wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. Packed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, ham, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection. Serve it with warm marinara sauce for a satisfying Italian-American main course that’s great for family meals or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Sauce
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
Meats
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage or pepperoni slices
- 1/2 pound sliced ham or salami
Cheeses and Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×16 inches, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Add Sauce: Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges to help seal the stromboli when rolled.
- Layer Fillings: Evenly layer the Italian sausage or pepperoni slices followed by the ham or salami. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the meat. Finally, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams and both ends carefully to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to maintain its shape. Brush the top with the egg wash made from beaten egg and water for a beautiful golden crust. Cut 3–4 small slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is thoroughly cooked and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the stromboli to rest for 10 minutes after baking to let the filling set, making it easier to slice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite fillings such as cooked ground beef, sautéed vegetables, or different cheese varieties to suit your taste.
- Stromboli can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to bake, making it convenient for meal prep.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Ensure there is a proper seal on the dough roll to avoid cheese and fillings leaking during baking.
