Homemade Stromboli

Homemade Stromboli is a savory, flavor-packed dish that combines layers of deli meats and cheeses, all rolled up in a sheet of pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. This Italian-American favorite is a versatile meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner, a game day snack, or even a party appetizer. The stromboli is seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs, brushed with a rich egg wash for a beautiful crust, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Customize it with your favorite meats and cheeses, and enjoy a delicious, homemade stromboli that’s sure to satisfy any craving!

Homemade Stromboli is a delicious, savory dish that combines your favorite deli meats and cheeses rolled up in pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. This Italian-American classic is perfect for a quick dinner, a game day snack, or even as a party appetizer. Let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to create this flavorful and cheesy stromboli.

INGREDIENTS

• Pizza Dough: 1 can, unrolled to serve as the base for your stromboli.
• Garlic Butter: Used to brush the bottom of the dough for added flavor and to prevent sticking.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Provides a bit of spice and melts beautifully inside the stromboli.
• Pepperoni: Adds a classic, savory flavor that pairs well with the other meats.
• Salami: A flavorful, cured meat that enhances the taste of the stromboli.
• Ham: A tender, savory addition that balances the other meats.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a creamy, gooey texture that holds the stromboli together.
• Garlic Powder: Sprinkled over the fillings for an extra kick of garlic flavor.
• Italian Seasonings: A blend of herbs that gives the stromboli an authentic Italian taste.
• Egg Wash: 1 egg, whisked, to brush over the top of the dough, helping it achieve a golden brown finish.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’ve assembled the stromboli.
2. Unroll the pizza dough onto a flat, clean surface. You can use a baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Brush the bottom side of the dough with garlic butter, adding flavor and helping to prevent the dough from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

1. Begin by layering the pepper jack cheese over the garlic-buttered dough, leaving about 1 1/2 inches around the edges for sealing the dough later.
2. Add the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, followed by the salami and ham slices.
3. Top the meats with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese for that gooey, melted effect.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasonings over the fillings to enhance the overall flavor.

Step 3: Roll and Seal the Stromboli

1. Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough over the fillings, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go to keep the ingredients inside.
2. Once rolled, place the stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet to prevent it from unrolling during baking.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash.
2. Brush the top of the rolled dough with the egg wash, ensuring an even coating. This will help the stromboli achieve a golden brown color while baking.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits on top of the dough. These slits allow steam to escape during baking, which helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Place the stromboli in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
2. Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Slice the stromboli into pieces and serve hot, enjoying the delicious combination of melted cheese and savory meats.

Serving and Storage Tips

Homemade Stromboli is best served hot, fresh out of the oven, with the cheese still gooey and the crust golden and crispy. This dish is perfect as a main course, served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or as an appetizer for parties. Slice the stromboli into smaller pieces for a crowd-pleasing snack or keep the slices larger for a hearty meal.

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled stromboli in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stromboli in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or heat individual slices in a toaster oven for a quick snack. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soggy.

Helpful Notes

This recipe is highly versatile and can be customized with your favorite fillings. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a healthier twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or gouda, to create a unique flavor profile.

If you prefer a spicier stromboli, add a layer of sliced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the fillings before rolling. For a more decadent version, try adding a layer of ricotta cheese along with the other cheeses.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests using a combination of meats and cheeses to create a balanced flavor in your stromboli. Mixing different textures and flavors adds depth to the dish.

Chef Michael Symon recommends using a hot pizza stone for baking stromboli, as it helps achieve a crispier crust by evenly distributing heat.

Chef Lidia Bastianich advises letting the stromboli cool slightly before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out and to allow the flavors to meld together.