Description
This Ultimate Homemade Stromboli recipe is a crowd-pleasing family favorite featuring a crispy golden crust filled with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and flavorful Parmesan cheese seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfectly rolled and baked to perfection, this stromboli makes a delicious appetizer or meal served with warm marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour (for dusting the surface)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
Filling
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Finishing
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the stromboli evenly.
- Prepare the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to contain the filling.
- Add cheese and pepperoni: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, then layer the sliced pepperoni on top for a classic flavor base.
- Season: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni and season with Italian seasoning to enhance the savory taste.
- Roll it up: Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, tucking in the edges as you go to seal the filling inside securely.
- Prepare for baking: Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking, then brush the top with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden shine.
- Allow steam to escape: Make a few small slits along the top of the dough to let steam escape during baking, preventing sogginess inside.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp, ensuring the cheese is melted and bubbly inside.
- Serve: Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is rolled evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Use a sharp knife to make the steam slits to avoid tearing the dough.
- You can substitute pepperoni with any cooked meats or vegetables of your choice for variations.
- Allowing the stromboli to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its structure and prevents the filling from spilling out.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
