Want pizza with a twist? Try Italian Stromboli. Born in Philadelphia, this rolled-up pizza treat is packed with Italian meats and cheese inside crispy dough. It's perfect for game days or any time you want something tasty to share.
Why Make This Recipe
Think of Stromboli as a pizza rolled into an easy-to-slice log. Every bite has melted cheese, tasty meats like salami and pepperoni, and warm bread crust. It's great for parties, watching sports, or just making dinner more fun. When it bakes, the cheese might bubble out a bit - just like its namesake volcano!
What You Need
- Pizza Dough: Fresh or store-bought works
- Olive Oil: To brush on the dough
- Garlic: Fresh minced is best
- Oregano: Dried Italian herbs
- Red Pepper Flakes: Skip if you don't like heat
- Pecorino Romano: Sharp Italian cheese
- Provolone: Mild sliced cheese
- Ham: Regular deli ham
- Mozzarella: For that melty stretch
- Italian Meats: Salami, pepperoni
- Egg: For the top
- Marinara: For dipping
Steps to Make It
- Heat oven:
- Turn to 375°F. Put parchment paper on a big baking sheet.
- Roll dough:
- On a floured counter, roll dough into a 10x12 inch rectangle. Not too thin or it'll tear.
- Oil it:
- Brush olive oil all over, leaving 1 inch plain around the edges for sealing.
- Add flavor:
- Spread garlic, sprinkle oregano, red pepper if using, and grated Pecorino.
- Layer stuff:
- Put down provolone first, then ham, mozzarella, and Italian meats. Don't pile too high.
- Roll up:
- Brush edges with beaten egg. Fold bottom third up, top third down. Pinch edges tight.
- Let it rise:
- Put on baking sheet, cover loose with plastic. Let sit 1 hour to puff up.
- Get ready to bake:
- Take off plastic. Brush top with egg. Cut 5 small slits to let steam out.
- Bake it:
- Put in oven for 35 minutes until golden brown. Inside should be 200°F.
- Cool and eat:
- Wait 15-20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch slices. Serve with marinara if you want.
What's Stromboli?
Stromboli is a pizza roll that started in Philadelphia. Think of all your favorite pizza toppings wrapped in dough instead of spread flat. Dip it in marinara sauce and you've got the perfect party food. It's so good, it never stays on the plate long!
Picking Your Ingredients
Start with good dough - make it yourself or buy it ready-made. Fill it with tasty meats like salami and pepperoni. Add provolone and mozzarella for that melty cheese pull. Mix in some garlic and oregano to give it that real Italian taste.
Getting the Dough Ready
Roll your dough on a floured counter into a big rectangle. Don't make it too thin - you need it strong enough to hold all the fillings. Brush it with olive oil to keep everything moist and tasty. Add garlic and oregano right on the oil before you put on the cheese and meat.
Putting It Together
Layer everything in order - cheese first, then meats, then more cheese. Spread it all evenly so each slice tastes the same. Fold it up like a letter and seal the edges with egg wash. The egg on top makes it turn golden brown when it bakes.
Baking Your Stromboli
Once it's in the oven at 375°F, watch it turn golden brown. Some cheese might leak out - that's okay! Let it cool for a bit after baking so the cheese sets and you can cut clean slices. Serve it warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
You bet! Make it up to 12 hours before. Keep it wrapped up in the fridge. When ready, just pop it in the oven. Great for busy game days - make it in the morning, bake it right before kickoff. Just don't cut the slits or brush with egg until you're ready to bake.
- How do I keep leftovers?
Wrap any extra pieces in foil or plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge - they'll stay good for 3 days. Want them for lunch tomorrow? Cut into smaller pieces before wrapping. They reheat better that way. Just keep them wrapped tight so they don't dry out.
- Can I freeze it?
Sure can! Skip the egg wash and don't cut slits yet. Wrap it really well - first in plastic, then in foil. It'll keep frozen for 3 months. When you want it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Add egg wash, cut slits, then bake. Fresh-baked taste anytime!
- What should I serve with it?
A big green salad works great - the fresh crunch goes perfect with the warm, cheesy stromboli. Try it with some garlic bread and extra marinara sauce for dipping. Having a party? Cut it smaller and serve with pickled veggies and olives on the side.
- Best way to warm it up?
Heat your oven to 350°. Put the stromboli on a pan and warm it about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy. Cover with foil if the top gets too brown. Don't microwave it - makes the bread soggy. Want it extra crispy? Put it under the broiler for a minute at the end.
Some More Ideas
Love this stromboli? Try these too:
- Pizza Rolls: Like tiny stromboli with pepperoni and cheese
- Stuffed Pizza Pockets: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes inside
- Meatball Subs: Same flavors, but on a roll