
Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is my go-to when I need something crowd-pleasing fast. The golden dough wraps around bubbling mozzarella and savory pepperoni, giving you all the comfort of classic pizza but with a fun, sliceable twist. This is that recipe you make when you want to see everyone’s eyes light up at the table.
When the weather gets chilly or we have friends over, I pull out this stromboli recipe because it never fails to disappear instantly. The gooey cheese and zigzags of pepperoni make it a weekly request at my house.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: gives you a chewy yet crisp base make sure it is fresh or well-rested for a good rise
- Mozzarella cheese: brings stretchy meltiness Try to buy whole-milk mozzarella and shred it yourself for the best pull
- Pepperoni: supplies bold punchy flavors Opt for stick pepperoni and cut it thick for more texture
- Parmesan cheese: layers on extra savory notes Choose real Parmigiano Reggiano if you can
- Italian seasoning: perfumes the whole loaf with herbs A high-quality blend makes a difference here
- Egg: helps the top bake up shiny and golden Look for large eggs with bright yolks
- Marinara sauce: is your dipping side Homemade or a great jarred sauce both work just taste before serving
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Make sure the oven rack is in the middle so your stromboli bakes evenly
- Shape the Dough:
- Dust a surface lightly with flour and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle Focus on even thickness about a quarter of an inch Leave a small border to avoid cheese leaks
- Add the Fillings:
- Evenly scatter shredded mozzarella all over the dough leaving about one inch clear on all sides for sealing Next arrange the pepperoni slices in a thorough layer so each bite has pep in every slice
- Season and Cheese Again:
- Dust the surface with grated Parmesan and sprinkle Italian seasoning for an herby lift Parmesan tucked inside helps the filling stay creamy and offers depth
- Roll It Up:
- Working from a long edge gently start rolling the dough tightly Keep the filling inside and tuck in the ends as you go Lay the roll seam-side down so it stays sealed while baking
- Brush and Vent:
- Transfer to a greased baking sheet Brush the entire top with a beaten egg to encourage shine and golden color Use a paring knife to cut a few tiny slits across the top so steam can escape this prevents sogginess
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking sheet in the hot oven Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes The loaf should be deeply golden and firm tapping the crust will sound hollow
- Slice and Serve:
- Allow the stromboli to cool for five to ten minutes This helps the cheese set and gives cleaner slices Cut with a sharp knife and serve with warm marinara for dipping

When I first made this I was amazed at how the Parmesan inside seemed to disappear into the mozzarella and poke through only in flavor so now I never skip it. My kids love helping layer the fillings and it has definitely become a hands-on family tradition for us.
Storage Tips
Leftovers hold well in the fridge for up to three days. I wrap slices in foil and pop them in a toaster oven to restore the crisp crust. You can also freeze unbaked stromboli double-wrapped in plastic and foil and bake from frozen just add extra minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try cooked sausage for the pepperoni if you want to switch it up. Swap out mozzarella for provolone or fontina when you are in the mood for a fancier melt. Customize with sautéed mushrooms or spinach tucked into the layer for veggie fans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stromboli on game days with small cups of warm sauce for dunking. It is also fantastic with a big salad and some roasted veggies for a weeknight dinner. At parties I cut slices into two-inch pieces for easy finger food.
Cultural Context
Stromboli is the Italian-American answer to rolled pizza and was born in Philadelphia in the nineteen fifties. Unlike calzones which are like stuffed pizza pockets stromboli is baked as a roll stuffed with hearty Italian flavors. It is beloved for its crispy crust to gooey center ratio.

This stromboli is unforgettable comfort food that brings everyone together. Once you taste that molten cheese and crispy edge, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of dough works best for stromboli?
Classic pizza dough creates a chewy, golden crust. Store-bought or homemade dough are both suitable options.
- → How can I prevent the stromboli from leaking cheese during baking?
Seal the edges well by pinching them closed and tuck the ends under. Slice small vents on top for steam to escape.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Yes, provolone or fontina can be mixed with mozzarella for variety while maintaining gooey texture.
- → How should I serve stromboli?
Slice into portions and accompany with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Serve warm for best flavor.
- → What variations work well with stromboli?
Try adding sautéed vegetables, different cured meats, or herbs like oregano and basil for unique flavor twists.