Quick and Easy Stromboli: A Delicious Homemade Delight

Stromboli is a mouthwatering Italian-American dish that combines the best elements of pizza and a stuffed sandwich. This baked, rolled-up delight is loaded with gooey cheese, savory meats, and flavorful seasonings, all wrapped inside a golden, crispy crust. 

If you love pizza but want a fun and convenient way to enjoy it, Stromboli is the perfect dish for you. In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy and quick Stromboli recipe, along with useful tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Customizable: Fill it with your favorite toppings and flavors.

• Crispy and cheesy: The perfect combination of textures and tastes.

• Great for leftovers: Reheats well for a delicious meal the next day.

Ingredients

To make a delicious homemade Stromboli, you’ll need:

Dough:

• 1 store-bought pizza dough (or homemade if you prefer)

Fillings:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ lb sliced pepperoni, salami, or ham (or a mix of all three)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon water

Topping:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle (approximately 12x14 inches). If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.

Step 3: Add the Fillings

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about 1-inch borders around the edges. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Layer the meats on top, distributing them evenly. Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes over the fillings.

Step 4: Roll Up the Stromboli

Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a log, tucking in the edges as you go to seal the fillings inside. Place the rolled Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Brush the egg wash over the Stromboli to give it a golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings

Brush olive oil over the top of the Stromboli, then sprinkle it with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the Stromboli to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Stromboli

• Don’t overfill: Too many ingredients can make rolling difficult and cause the dough to tear.

• Seal the edges well: Pinch the seams tightly to prevent leaks while baking.

• Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

• Experiment with fillings: Try different cheeses, meats, or even vegetarian options.

Variations to Try

1. Classic Italian Stromboli

• Swap pepperoni for prosciutto and add roasted red peppers and fresh basil.

2. BBQ Chicken Stromboli

• Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara, add shredded cooked chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese.

3. Veggie Lovers Stromboli

• Fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and ricotta cheese for a vegetarian twist.

4. Breakfast Stromboli

• Add scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions for a morning treat.

FAQs About Stromboli

1. What’s the difference between Stromboli and Calzone?

A Stromboli is rolled like a log and baked, whereas a calzone is folded in half and sealed like a pocket. Calzones often have ricotta cheese, while Stromboli does not.

2. Can I make Stromboli ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the Stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze Stromboli?

Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.

4. What’s the best way to reheat Stromboli?

For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

5. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes! Store-bought dough makes this recipe super quick and easy. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

6. What other dipping sauces work well with Stromboli?

Besides marinara, try ranch, garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.

7. How do I prevent my Stromboli from getting soggy?

Avoid using too much sauce inside, and be sure to drain any watery ingredients like cooked veggies before adding them.

Final Thoughts

This quick and easy Stromboli recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even meal prepping. With endless variations and a foolproof method, you’ll never get bored of this delicious dish. Give it a try, experiment with different fillings, and enjoy a homemade Stromboli that’s better than takeout!

What’s your favorite way to make Stromboli? Let us know in the comments!