Classic Stromboli Recipe
If you are craving a warm, cheesy, and savory meal that truly satisfies, this Classic Stromboli Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine golden, crisp dough wrapped around layers of melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and an irresistible trio of salami, ham, and pepperoni. This hearty stromboli is bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Every bite offers a perfect balance of gooey cheese, seasoned meats, and flaky crust that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Classic Stromboli Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so unforgettable.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your stromboli, providing a soft but crisp crust once baked.
- Pizza sauce: Adds a rich, tangy tomato flavor that complements the cheeses and meats.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, stretchy texture inside.
- Salami slices: Bring a bold, spiced and slightly smoky flavor to the filling.
- Deli ham slices: Offer a mild, tender layer that balances the stronger meats.
- Pepperoni slices: Add a little heat and savory punch to the mix.
- Egg, beaten: Used to seal the dough and give the crust a golden, shiny finish.
- Garlic powder: Sprinkled to enhance the overall flavor with a subtle kick.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty crust topping that elevates the dish.
- Additional pizza sauce: Perfect as a warm, flavorful dip on the side.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish to finish off your stromboli beautifully.
How to Make Classic Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling your room-temperature pizza dough out into a large rectangle, roughly 12 by 14 inches. Doing this on parchment paper makes transfer to the baking sheet seamless, keeping your workspace clean and ensuring easy handling.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, but be sure to leave a 2-inch border around the edges so it won’t leak out during baking. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring every bite will be melty and cheesy.
Step 3: Layer the Meats
Now the fun part: layering! Evenly arrange slices of salami, ham, and pepperoni over the cheese. This trio delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the spicy punch of pepperoni to the savory smoothness of ham.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Brush the dough edges with the beaten egg to help everything stick together. Then, starting from one long edge, roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll. Pinch the edges to seal and tuck the seams underneath the stromboli to keep all the goodness inside while baking.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Season
Brush the entire top of your stromboli with the remaining beaten egg. This gives it a gorgeous golden brown color. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder on top to create a flavorful, slightly crunchy crust.
Step 6: Score and Bake
Make shallow diagonal cuts about every 2 inches across the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape and add decorative flair. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp and the bottom is cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing—this helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t ooze out. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into 8 to 10 generous slices, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve piping hot with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Classic Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also a mild, herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. You can also add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This Classic Stromboli Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to lighten up the meal. Roasted vegetables or a simple garlic bread also complement the hearty flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the stromboli into bite-sized pinwheels perfect for parties or game days. You can also serve it alongside a colorful dipping station featuring marinara, ranch, and spicy mustard for an interactive eating experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, leftover stromboli keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat slices to enjoy a quick, satisfying snack or meal.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the whole stromboli or individual slices in foil and then place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
For a crispy crust and melty interior, reheat stromboli in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that wonderful crispness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time, while still giving you a fantastic crust texture.
What cheeses work well besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in provolone or fontina for extra flavor and a beautiful melt.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the meats with sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, spinach, and your favorite cheeses.
How do I prevent the stromboli from leaking sauce?
Leaving a 2-inch border free of sauce and tightly sealing the dough edges with egg wash are key to keeping everything inside.
What is the difference between stromboli and calzone?
Stromboli is rolled into a log shape and sliced, with fillings spread evenly inside, while calzones are folded over pockets sealed on three sides.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Stromboli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, delicious hug after a long day. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll quickly find it among your favorite go-to meals for cozy nights or casual gatherings.
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Classic Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Classic Stromboli recipe combines a flavorful blend of Italian cured meats and melted mozzarella cheese encased in a golden, crispy pizza dough roll. Perfectly baked to a golden brown and served with warm pizza sauce, this stromboli makes for a comforting appetizer or satisfying main dish ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Stromboli
- 1 pizza dough (enough to roll into about 12x14 inch rectangle)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10–12 slices salami
- 12 thin slices deli ham
- 12–13 slices pepperoni
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Additional pizza sauce for dipping
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Roll the room-temperature pizza dough out on a piece of parchment paper into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 14 inches. Transfer the parchment paper along with the dough onto a baking sheet to prepare for assembly.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Evenly spread ½ cup of pizza sauce over the dough surface, leaving a 2-inch border around all edges free of sauce. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Add Meats: Layer the 10-12 slices of salami, 12 slices of deli ham, and 12-13 slices of pepperoni evenly on top of the cheese. Distribute the meats so they cover the surface evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Roll and Seal: Brush the 2-inch border edges of the dough with beaten egg to help seal. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly up like a jelly roll. Once rolled, pinch the edges firmly together and tuck the seams under the stromboli to secure the filling inside during baking.
- Egg Wash and Season: Using the remaining beaten egg, brush the entire top surface of the stromboli for a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder evenly over the top for additional flavor and aroma.
- Score and Bake: Gently make shallow diagonal cuts about every 2 inches across the top of the stromboli with a sharp knife. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the top is nicely golden brown and the bottom is cooked through and firm.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the stromboli to cool for a few minutes out of the oven before slicing. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut into 8-10 equal slices. Garnish the slices with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is at room temperature before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Use parchment paper to simplify transferring and cleanup.
- Adjust the types and amounts of meats to your preference.
- Allow the stromboli to rest briefly after baking to prevent the cheese from oozing out upon slicing.
- For a crispier bottom, place the baking sheet on a lower rack in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American