Introduction
Transform simple ingredients into a delicious Italian Stromboli that’ll have your family begging for seconds! This recipe is all about easy-to-follow steps and big, bold flavors. Get ready for a fun night in the kitchen, creating a comforting classic that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easier than you think!
Why This Works
This Stromboli recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful experience without the fuss of making pizza dough from scratch. Plus, it’s fun to assemble – making it a great family activity!
Key Ingredients
- 🍕 1 lb refrigerated pizza dough
- 🧀 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🍅 1 (24 ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- pepperoni 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 🍄 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 🧅 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 🫑 1/2 cup sliced green bell peppers
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and gently roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2️⃣ Layer the Deliciousness: Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
3️⃣ Cheese Please: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4️⃣ Toppings Time: Arrange the pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with the Italian parsley if using.
5️⃣ More Cheese!: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6️⃣ Roll It Up: Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it well.
7️⃣ Curve It: Curve the log into a crescent shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8️⃣ Bake It!: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9️⃣ Rest & Slice: Let the Stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a pizza cutter for clean, even slices.
- If your dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Don’t pack the toppings too tightly; give them some room to cook.
Heat Control
Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures the crust gets perfectly golden brown while the cheese melts beautifully and the toppings cook through. It is important not to bake it too long and dry out the filling.
Crunch Factor
The perfect balance of a crispy crust and melted, gooey cheese is the key here! The pepperoni adds a delightful salty crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or oregano to the sauce.
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience.
- To make it ahead of time, assemble the Stromboli and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a little extra baking time.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for best results.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Slice the cooled Stromboli and arrange it beautifully on a platter lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap individual slices in foil or parchment paper for easy gifting.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Stromboli: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
🌟 Veggie Stromboli: Substitute the pepperoni with your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant.
🌟 Meat Lovers Stromboli: Add sausage, ham, or bacon for extra protein.
🌟 Mediterranean Stromboli: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives for a Greek twist.
Troubleshooting
- Burnt Crust: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and keep a closer eye on it.
- Soggy Crust: Make sure your dough isn’t too wet before you start assembling the Stromboli, and ensure the sauce isn’t too runny.
- Undercooked Filling: Bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
FAQ
- Can I freeze this Stromboli? Yes! Freeze the unbaked Stromboli before baking or freeze baked slices for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen.
- What kind of marinara sauce is best? Use your favorite! A chunky marinara sauce works great.
- Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely! Provolone, Parmesan, or a blend would be delicious.
- Can I make it smaller for a smaller family? Yes, simply use a smaller portion of dough. You do not need to reduce the other ingredients proportionally.
- What can I do with leftover pizza dough? Try making small pizzas, garlic knots, or breadsticks!
Conclusion
This Easy Peasy Italian Stromboli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s perfect for family dinners, game night, or any occasion where you want a comforting and delicious meal. Make one today, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us on RateMyRecipes! Enjoy!
Crazy Good Italian Stromboli Your Family Will Beg For
A deliciously stuffed Italian bread filled with savory meats, cheeses, and vegetables, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200u00b0C.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the surface.
- Layer the mozzarella and provolone cheese over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onion, and black olives on top of the cheese.
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges as you go.
- Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cut a few slits on top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For a crispier crust, bake on a pizza stone if you have one.
- Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or different cheeses.