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- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni - 1/2 cup assorted bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced - 1/2 cup sliced black olives - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Flour, for dusting - Olive oil, for drizzling To make a delightful Stromboli, you need the right ingredients. You can choose between store-bought or homemade pizza dough. Homemade dough gives a fresh taste, but store-bought saves time. I often use a good quality dough from my local market when I’m in a rush. For the sauce, I recommend a classic marinara. It adds great flavor and moisture. You can also use pizza sauce or even pesto for a twist. Cheese is key! I suggest using shredded mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey texture. Add a bit of grated Parmesan to give it a salty kick. You can mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar if you like. For fillings, pepperoni is a favorite, but you can customize it. Thinly sliced bell peppers add color and sweetness. Black olives bring a nice salty bite. Feel free to mix and match your favorite meats and veggies. Lastly, don’t forget the seasonings. Italian seasoning ties everything together. It brings out the best in your Stromboli. You’ll also need an egg for the wash to give it that lovely golden color. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds flavor and shine. With these ingredients ready, you're set to make a stunning Stromboli! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is key for a crispy crust. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the Stromboli from sticking. 2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough. Aim for a rectangle about 12x18 inches. This size helps hold all the tasty fillings. 3. Grab a spatula and spread the marinara sauce evenly on the dough. Leave a 1-inch border around the edges. This space keeps the filling inside. 4. Now, top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, layer on the pepperoni, bell pepper slices, and black olives. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. 5. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over everything. This blend adds a burst of flavor that makes each bite special. 6. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly away from you. Pinch the edges to seal your Stromboli. This step is important to keep the filling from spilling out. 7. Place the rolled Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. This way, it stays secure while baking. 8. Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish after baking. It adds nice color and texture. 9. Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits on top of the Stromboli. This allows steam to escape and keeps the inside from getting soggy. 10. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. This adds flavor and makes it look even more appetizing. 11. Bake the Stromboli in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color to know it’s ready. 12. Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier and keeps the juices inside. To make a great Stromboli, start with rolling and sealing the dough. Use a lightly floured surface to roll your pizza dough into a rectangle. Aim for 12x18 inches. Keep the dough even for uniform baking. When rolling the dough, start from one long edge. Roll tightly to hold in the filling. Pinch the edges firmly to seal it well. This step keeps your delicious fillings inside. Letting steam escape is key to a perfect Stromboli. Before baking, cut diagonal slits on top of the Stromboli. This allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess. If you skip this, the inside may get too wet. Achieving the perfect crust color and texture is all about baking. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for flavor. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. You want it golden brown and crisp. This gives you a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the inside warm and gooey. Enjoy your tasty creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and quality cheese to enhance the flavor of your Stromboli. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your Stromboli with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables based on your taste preferences. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to roll, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle. Let it Rest: Allow the Stromboli to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out. {{image_4}} You can make your Stromboli unique with different fillings and cheeses. Here are some fun ideas: - Alternative fillings: Try ham, salami, or spinach. You can mix meats and veggies to fit your taste. - Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda. Each cheese adds a new flavor. - Vegetarian or vegan options: Use mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. For cheese, try vegan cheese or leave it out. - Regional variations: In some areas, people add different spices or local meats. Explore local flavors to create your own twist. These choices let you create a Stromboli that fits your cravings. Feel free to experiment and enjoy! Stromboli is great, but you might have leftovers. Here’s how to keep them fresh. - Short-term storage in the refrigerator: Wrap the Stromboli tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep it cool. - Long-term storage in the freezer: For longer storage, slice the Stromboli. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you want. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - Reheating tips for best taste: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Stromboli on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it warm and crispy again. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just heat for 1-2 minutes, but it won’t be as crispy. Storing and reheating Stromboli this way ensures it tastes almost as good as fresh! How do I know when my Stromboli is fully cooked? Your Stromboli is ready when it turns golden brown and is firm to the touch. You can also use a food thermometer. The center should reach 190°F (88°C). If you see steam escaping from the slits you made, it’s a good sign too. Can I use different sauces besides marinara? Yes, you can! You can try pesto, alfredo, or even barbecue sauce. Each sauce adds its own flavor. Just spread it on the dough like you did with marinara. What is the origin of Stromboli? Stromboli comes from Italy, but it’s popular in the U.S. too. It is named after the Stromboli volcano in Italy. It’s a fun dish that many enjoy. How can I make Stromboli ahead of time? You can prepare the Stromboli and wrap it well. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking. Stromboli is a fun dish that you can customize easily. We covered ingredients like pizza dough, marinara, cheese, and fillings. The step-by-step guide helps you create and seal your Stromboli well. Tips on how to get that perfect crust take your dish to the next level. Plus, variations let you try new flavors, and I shared storage advice to keep your leftovers yummy. With these tools, making Stromboli will be simple and enjoyable. So, get creative and have fun with your next Stromboli night!

Mouthwatering Homemade Italian Stromboli

A delicious Italian Stromboli filled with cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables, perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (plus additional for dipping)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 0.5 cup assorted bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup sliced black olives
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • None for dusting Flour
  • None for drizzling Olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to achieve a rectangular shape, roughly measuring 12x18 inches. Make sure it is evenly rolled for consistent cooking.
  • With a spatula, spread the marinara sauce evenly across the dough, carefully leaving a 1-inch border around all edges to keep the filling secure.
  • Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese atop the sauce, followed by layering on the pepperoni, bell pepper slices, black olives, and finally, the grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Generously sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the entire array of toppings, enhancing the flavors with each bite.
  • Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough away from you to form a tight log, making sure the filling stays intact. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the Stromboli securely.
  • Position the rolled Stromboli seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
  • Brush the surface of the Stromboli with the beaten egg; this will result in a deliciously golden, glossy exterior once baked.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut several diagonal slits across the top of the Stromboli. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess.
  • Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of the Stromboli for an extra touch of flavor and a beautiful finish.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Stromboli is golden brown and heated through to the center.
  • Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting period will make slicing easier and help retain the juices.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, serve slices on a rustic wooden board with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword homemade, Italian, pizza, Stromboli