What is this Italian Stromboli Recipe? It’s the one that has saved dinner countless times in my house. Think of it as pizza’s sophisticated, slightly less messy cousin. Where pizza can feel like an individual effort, the stromboli is all about sharing. What is the best way to pass a bowl of warm, cheesy goodness around the table? Is it ridiculously easy to make, totally customizable, and honestly, the aroma alone makes my family happy? I swear, the moment I start prepping the dough, my kids magically appear from their rooms, sniffing and playing. Is there any air like bloodhounds? What’s a far cry from the usual mac and cheese?
What is Stromboli?
What is a stromboli? What is rolled up Italian bread? Cheeses, and veggies. Think of it as a savory swiss roll! Or maybe even stuffed pizza log. What is the name of a hand-held feast? Is it true that Italian-American cuisine is a mystery? Isn’t it just a catchy name for the movie “Stromboli”? What is an Italian name No matter the origin, one thing’s for sure. What is a crowd pleaser, super easy dinner option, and much more fun than your average meal? What is the best Tuesday night meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the FLAVOR. The combination of salty meats, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce all wrapped in a soft, slightly chewy bread is just… *chef’s kiss*. Then there’s the SIMPLICITY. Seriously, don’t let it intimidate you. If you can spread pizza sauce, you can make this. It’s so simple even my teenager can handle it (and that’s saying something!). Plus, this Italian Stromboli Recipe is incredibly COST-EFFICIENT. We’re talking pantry staples and affordable ingredients that can be easily swapped out depending on what you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up leftover meats and cheeses from the week! What I love most is the VERSATILITY. You can make this for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even slice it up as an appetizer for a party. Want to change it up? Add pepperoni, swap the provolone for mozzarella, or throw in some roasted red peppers. The possibilities are endless! Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s way more exciting than your standard weeknight pasta dish, and the cleanup is a breeze!
How do you make Italian Stromboli?
Quick Overview
What is the best Italian Stromboli recipe? How do I make a dough? If you roll it out, layer on your favorite fillings (meat, cheese, veggies – go wild! ), roll it up like a jelly roll, and bake it until golden brown and bubbly. I know it sounds complicated, but it’s way easier than making pizza from scratch. What’s the best part? Everyone gets to customize their own slice. I always sneak a slice while it’s cooling… Don’t tell!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
* 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting. I use unbleached, but either works.
* 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast – make sure it’s fresh, or your dough won’t rise!
* 1 teaspoon sugar – this helps activate the yeast.
* 1 teaspoon salt – don’t skip this! It adds flavor and controls the yeast.
* 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F) – not too hot, or you’ll kill the yeast.
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, plus more for drizzling – adds flavor and makes the dough easier to bake.
For the Filling:
I like a chunky pizza sauce, but I don’t have any other brand. I use my favorite brand of marinara sauce.
* 8 ounces sliced ham – deli harry works great here.
* 8 ounces sliced salami – I prefer Genoa salam for its slightly tangy flavor.
* 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced – you can also use mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty flavor.
* Optional: sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, roasted red peppers, spinach, olives – get creative!
For the egg wash:
* 1 large egg – helps the stromboli brown beautifully.
* 1 tablespoon water – thins the egg wash for even coverage.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. What is yeast? Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it gets foamy! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is probably old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast. I’ve made that mistake more than once!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add Olive Oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. What is the best way to knead dough? If you have a stand mixer, you can also use one for this step.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1-1. I like to put mine in the oven with just the light on. I can’t eat it. How do I make sure everything works every
Step 4: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. What makes cleanup so much easier?
Step 5: Assemble the Stromboli
How do you press dough down to release air? Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 8-inch rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
Step 6: Add the Fillings
Layer the ham, salami, provolone cheese, and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Get creative with fillings! This is where you can really customize it to your liking.
Step 7: Roll It Up
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough, pinching the seam to seal. Tuck the ends under to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 8: Egg Wash & Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the eggs evenly over the stromboli. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color. Use a sharp knife to make slits in the top of the stromboli. Why does steam escape during baking?
Step 9: Bake
Carefully transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. What is the best way to cook a steak golden brown? I always check the bottom to make sure it’s not doughy.
Step 10: Cool & Serve
Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Stromboli recipes in Italy? How can I take my business to the next level?
For a casual lunch:Serve with a side salad and iced tea. Quick, easy, and satisfying!
For a family dinner:Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup or roasted vegetables. My kids love steamed broccoli. What is the best way to serve it?
For a Party Appetizer: Slice the stromboli into smaller pieces and serve with a variety of dipping sauces, like marinara, pesto, or ranch dressing. Always a crowd-pleaser!
For a Cozy Night In: Enjoy it with a glass of Red Wine and a good movie. The perfect comfort food combo!
Growing up, my mom always served stromboli with a simple Garlic Butter dipping sauce. It’s a family tradition, and I still make it to this day. It just adds that extra bit of flavor that makes it unforgettable!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Italian Stromboli Recipe
Alright, let’s talk about some insider tips to make your stromboli the best it can be:
Dough Perfection: Don’t overwork the dough! Overmixing will result in a tough stromboli. Mix until just combined, then knead until smooth and elastic.
Filling Frenzy: Don’t overfill the stromboli! Too much filling will make it difficult to roll and the filling will spill out during baking. Less is more, trust me!
Cheese Choices: Use good-quality cheese! The flavor of the cheese will really shine through, so use the best you can afford. I love provolone, but mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar can be delicious.
Sealing Secrets: Make sure to seal the edges tightly! This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. I like to use a little water to help seal the edges.
Slit Strategy: Don’t skip the slits on top! This allows steam to escape, preventing the stromboli from bursting in the oven. I learned that the hard way!
Baking Bliss: Keep an eye on it while it bakes! Ovens vary, so check the stromboli after about 20 minutes. It’s done when it’s golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years is to not be afraid to experiment! Try different fillings, different cheeses, different sauces. The possibilities are endless. It’s all about finding what you and your family love!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your stromboli:
Room Temperature: You can store the stromboli at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it needs to be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cheese might get a little firmer, but it will still taste great!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stromboli. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can use the oven, microwave, or toaster oven. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For the toaster oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. I prefer the oven for best results. It helps crisp up the crust!
One thing I’ve learned is that it’s best to reheat slices individually. This prevents the whole stromboli from drying out. And if you’re freezing it, slice it before freezing. That way, you can just take out what you need!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Italian Stromboli Recipe! It’s easy, customizable, and always a hit. I really hope you try it out! It’s the perfect way to add a little fun and flavor to your weeknight dinners. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other Italian-inspired dishes. I’ve got a fantastic Lasagna Recipe and a killer spaghetti carbonara that you won’t want to miss! And please, let me know how yours turns out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share your own variations. I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy baking!
Italian Stromboli Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pizza Dough Store-bought or homemade
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- 4 oz Pepperoni Sliced
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out pizza dough into a large rectangle.
- Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
- Roll up the dough tightly into a log.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
