Homemade Stromboli

There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, freshly baked stromboli, with its golden crust giving way to layers of savory fillings and melted cheese. This Italian-American creation bridges the gap between pizza and calzone, offering the perfect portable meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for game day, this homemade stromboli delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly little effort.

My version keeps things simple while maximizing flavor, using store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The beauty of stromboli lies in its versatility – you can fill it with virtually any combination of meats, cheeses, and vegetables you have on hand. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy exterior and tender, flavor-packed interior that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why I Love These

Stromboli transforms basic ingredients into an impressive meal that looks like it took hours but comes together in just 45 minutes.

The rolled presentation creates perfect meat-to-cheese ratios in every bite, with a satisfyingly crisp exterior and cheesy, savory interior.

I make these whenever I need a crowd-pleaser that works equally well for casual family dinners, potlucks, or as grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Homemade Stromboli

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

How To Make

  1. Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a nice rectangle shape.
  2. Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, but leave about an inch of space around all the edges. Sprinkle both kinds of cheese over the sauce.
  3. Add the pepperoni, crumbled sausage, black olives, bell pepper, and mushrooms in an even layer over the cheese.
  4. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log shape, then pinch all the edges together to seal everything inside.
  5. Place the stromboli seam-side down on your baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the outside is golden brown and you can see the cheese is melted. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Stromboli offers a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making it a filling meal option. The combination of various meats provides substantial protein, while the cheese adds calcium and additional protein to keep you satisfied longer.

To create a lighter version, consider using part-skim mozzarella and leaner meat options like turkey pepperoni or ham. You can also boost the nutritional profile by incorporating vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, which add fiber, vitamins, and minerals without significantly increasing calories.

This recipe contains common allergens including wheat (in the dough) and dairy (in the cheeses). For gluten-sensitive individuals, gluten-free pizza dough can be substituted, though it may require slightly different handling. Dairy-free cheese alternatives work well for those avoiding lactose, though they may not melt as smoothly as traditional cheese.

Tips & Variations

  • Prepare the stromboli up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until ready to bake – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace meats with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts – just be sure to cool completely and drain well to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Create a breakfast stromboli using scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese, or try a Mediterranean version with feta, olives, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Ways To Serve Them

  • Alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stromboli
  • With a variety of dipping sauces beyond marinara, such as garlic butter, ranch dressing, or pesto
  • As part of an Italian-inspired buffet with antipasto skewers and roasted vegetables
  • Cut into smaller pieces as an appetizer for parties, served with olives and marinated vegetables

Proper Storage

  • Fridge: Allow stromboli to cool completely before wrapping in aluminum foil or storing in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer: Baked stromboli freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices or the entire stromboli (cooled completely) in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheat: For best results, reheat refrigerated stromboli in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. From frozen, reheat covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
Homemade Stromboli

Homemade Stromboli

Recipe by

There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, freshly baked stromboli, with its golden crust giving way to layers of savory fillings and melted cheese. This Italian-American creation bridges…

Servings6
Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Calories385 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Steps

  1. Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a nice rectangle shape.
  2. Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, but leave about an inch of space around all the edges. Sprinkle both kinds of cheese over the sauce.
  3. Add the pepperoni, crumbled sausage, black olives, bell pepper, and mushrooms in an even layer over the cheese.
  4. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log shape, then pinch all the edges together to seal everything inside.
  5. Place the stromboli seam-side down on your baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the outside is golden brown and you can see the cheese is melted. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 385 kcal

Notes

  • Prepare the stromboli up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until ready to bake – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace meats with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts – just be sure to cool completely and drain well to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Create a breakfast stromboli using scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese, or try a Mediterranean version with feta, olives, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

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