Stromboli

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Golden, crispy, and filled with layers of savory meats and gooey cheese, Stromboli is the ultimate comfort food wrapped in a flaky crust. Whether you’re serving it up on game day, slicing it for a party, or making it a cozy dinner at home, this baked roll of Italian-American deliciousness delivers big on both flavor and fun. It’s essentially pizza’s rolled-up cousin — only way cheesier and more portable.

The beauty of Stromboli is in its versatility. Want to load it up with pepperoni and mozzarella? Go for it. Prefer turkey, provolone, and spinach? That works too. This recipe offers a tried-and-true version with classic deli meats and melty cheese, tucked into a golden crust and served with warm marinara for dipping. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on any night of the week.

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What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Stromboli?

For the most authentic and delicious Stromboli, go with classic pizza dough. It gives the perfect chewy yet crisp base when baked and can handle all your fillings without getting soggy. You can use store-bought dough or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. Avoid puff pastry or crescent roll dough here – they’ll bake up too soft or flaky and won’t hold up to the hearty fillings.

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Ingredients for the Stromboli

Pizza Dough – This is your foundation. A good-quality pizza dough gives you that chewy, slightly crisp crust that holds everything together.

Mozzarella Cheese – You need lots of melty cheese in Stromboli. Mozzarella brings the perfect gooeyness and flavor.

Provolone Cheese – A sharp, slightly smoky cheese that complements the mozzarella and adds depth.

Pepperoni Slices – Classic and bold, pepperoni brings spice and a pop of flavor in every bite.

Salami or Ham – Add savory richness. You can mix and match depending on what you love or have on hand.

Egg – Whisked and brushed on top to give your Stromboli a golden, glossy crust.

Italian Seasoning and Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Sprinkle over the top before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Marinara Sauce – Not baked in, but served warm on the side for dipping. Don’t skip it!

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How To Make the Stromboli

Step 1: Roll Out the Dough

Start by rolling your pizza dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10×14 inches. This gives you enough space to layer all your fillings without overstuffing. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes if it feels too tight to roll out.

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

Begin with a layer of provolone cheese, followed by slices of salami and pepperoni. Then add a generous handful of shredded mozzarella. Leave about 1 inch of space around the edges to make sealing easier later.

Step 3: Roll and Seal

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal, then fold and pinch the ends to keep everything inside. Place the seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Brush the top of the rolled Stromboli with a whisked egg. If you want extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget to cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve with Marinara

Slice into thick rounds and serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The cheese will be gooey, the crust flaky, and the flavor absolutely addictive.

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How to Serve and Store Stromboli

Stromboli is best served fresh and hot from the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melty and the crust is golden and crisp. Slice it into thick rounds and serve it with a bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. It makes a fantastic appetizer, game day snack, or even a hearty main dish when paired with a simple green salad.

If you have leftovers, let the Stromboli cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crust texture intact.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Stromboli and calzone?

Stromboli is rolled like a log and sliced, while a calzone is folded like a pocket. Calzones are sealed like turnovers, and Strombolis are baked as a log and then sliced into rounds.

Can I make Stromboli ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the Stromboli a few hours in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.

What other fillings work well in Stromboli?

You can customize Stromboli with cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, fresh basil, ricotta cheese, or even buffalo chicken. Just make sure not to overfill it so it doesn’t burst during baking.

Can I freeze Stromboli?

Definitely. Bake it first, let it cool, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is a must for meltiness. Provolone, fontina, cheddar, or a little Parmesan all add extra layers of flavor. Use a mix for the best result.

Is Stromboli kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love the cheesy, savory flavors, and you can even make mini versions for smaller hands or lunchbox portions.

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Want More Savory Dinner Ideas?

If you love this cheesy, meaty Stromboli, here are some other savory favorites from the blog to satisfy your dinner cravings:

• Try the Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a baked pasta dish that oozes comfort.
• Love bold pasta? Don’t miss this Red Pepper Rigatoni packed with creamy, spicy goodness.
• For a weeknight win, check out the One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta—easy and loaded with flavor.
• Craving comfort food? You’ll fall in love with the Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Mustard Dip.
• Looking for a lighter meal? The Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are healthy and delicious.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it when cravings strike.

And let me know in the comments how your Stromboli turned out! Did you stick to the classic filling or add your own twist? Maybe extra veggies or a spicy sauce?

I always love hearing how readers make these recipes their own. Questions or suggestions? Leave a note—we’re here to make dinner easier and tastier together.

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out my daily shares on Pinterest at Life with Jam.

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