Italian Stromboli

Italian Stromboli is a delicious and versatile dish that combines the best of Italian flavors wrapped in golden, flaky dough. Often described as a rolled-up pizza, Stromboli is filled with layers of cured meats, cheeses, and flavorful herbs, making it a savory delight that’s perfect for a family dinner, game-day snack, or potluck gathering. Originating in the United States, Stromboli is a close cousin to calzones and has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine.

This recipe captures the essence of a classic Italian Stromboli, packed with favorites like pepperoni, salami, ham, mozzarella, and a touch of marinara sauce. The beauty of Stromboli is that it can be customized with your favorite ingredients, whether you love vegetables, spicy meats, or a mix of both. With its easy preparation, delicious flavors, and eye-catching presentation, Stromboli is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Stromboli recipe is simple to make yet packed with irresistible flavors. Its crispy exterior and cheesy, meaty filling make it a comforting and satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a weeknight meal, Stromboli is a versatile option that everyone will enjoy.

One of the best things about Stromboli is its adaptability. You can tailor the ingredients to suit your tastes, making it vegetarian, spicy, or loaded with fresh vegetables. It’s also an excellent make-ahead recipe—prepare the Stromboli in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Plus, its golden, spiraled slices make a stunning presentation, perfect for entertaining guests.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving size: 1-2 slices

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Filling

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 slices pepperoni
• 10 slices salami
• 10 slices deli ham
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Dipping Sauce (optional)

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×14 inches.

Step 2: Assemble the Stromboli

3. Spread the marinara (optional): If using marinara sauce inside the Stromboli, spread a thin layer over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Layer the fillings: Start by evenly sprinkling the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the dough. Then layer the pepperoni, salami, and ham slices on top, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Season and add herbs: Sprinkle the oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the meats. Add fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.

Step 3: Roll and Seal the Stromboli

6. Roll it up: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, tucking in the ends as you go.
7. Seal the edges: Pinch the seam and ends to seal the Stromboli completely, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking. Place the Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

8. Apply the egg wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top and sides of the Stromboli to give it a golden, glossy finish.
9. Sprinkle with seasoning: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the top for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Stromboli

10. Bake until golden: Place the Stromboli in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
11. Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and let the Stromboli cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

12. Slice and plate: Use a sharp knife to cut the Stromboli into 1-inch slices. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Ingredient Background

Pizza Dough

The foundation of Stromboli is its dough, which should be soft, pliable, and easy to work with. Store-bought dough is convenient, but making your own pizza dough at home adds a personal touch and lets you control the ingredients.

Cured Meats

Pepperoni, salami, and ham are traditional choices for Stromboli, offering a flavorful mix of smoky, spicy, and savory notes. Feel free to substitute with your favorite meats, such as prosciutto, turkey, or even spicy chorizo.

Cheese

Mozzarella is the classic choice for its meltability, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor. For extra creaminess, you can include ricotta or provolone.

Herbs and Spices

Oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes are essential for infusing the filling with bold Italian flavors. Fresh basil adds brightness and a touch of authenticity.

Technique Tips

1. Chill the dough: If the pizza dough becomes too sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Don’t overfill: Avoid overloading the dough with fillings, as this can make it difficult to roll and cause leaks during baking.
3. Vent the dough: Make a few small slits on the top of the Stromboli before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
4. Use parchment paper: Baking on parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Mini Stromboli: Divide the dough into smaller rectangles and create individual Strombolis for a fun, handheld snack.
2. Braided Stromboli: Instead of rolling, braid the dough around the fillings for an elegant and unique presentation.
3. Vegetarian Stromboli: Fill the dough with roasted vegetables, spinach, and cheese for a meat-free version.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Preheat your oven: A hot oven is key to achieving a perfectly crispy crust. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
2. Seal tightly: Ensuring the edges are properly sealed prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
3. Cool before slicing: Let the Stromboli rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier and prevent the cheese from oozing out.

Recipe Variations

Meat Lovers’ Stromboli

Add cooked Italian sausage, bacon crumbles, and extra pepperoni for a hearty, meat-packed version.

Veggie Stromboli

Use a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and artichokes for a vegetarian twist.

Spicy Stromboli

Incorporate spicy meats like chorizo or spicy salami, and add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery kick.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

Wrap leftover Stromboli in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Freezing

Stromboli can be frozen either before or after baking:

• Before baking: Assemble the Stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• After baking: Allow the Stromboli to cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole wheat dough: Use whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Light cheese: Opt for part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of cheese to cut calories.
3. More veggies: Add a generous amount of roasted vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Italian Stromboli is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks:

• For casual gatherings: Serve with marinara dipping sauce, a crisp green salad, and garlic knots.
• For game day: Pair with buffalo wings, chips, and a selection of craft beers.
• For a dinner party: Serve slices of Stromboli alongside a charcuterie board and a glass of Chianti.

Special Equipment

• Rolling pin: To roll out the pizza dough evenly.
• Baking sheet: For baking the Stromboli.
• Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Stromboli with store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.

2. Can I freeze Stromboli?

Absolutely! Stromboli freezes well both before and after baking. See the “Freezing and Storage” section for details.

3. What other cheeses can I use?

Provolone, ricotta, or gouda are great alternatives to mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Don’t overfill the dough, and make sure to seal the edges tightly. Adding a few venting slits on top also helps.

5. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?

Yes, puff pastry creates a flaky, buttery crust that works wonderfully for Stromboli.

6. How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the meats with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

7. Can I reheat Stromboli in the microwave?

While you can use the microwave, reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispness of the crust.

8. Is Stromboli the same as a calzone?

No, Stromboli is rolled like a log, while a calzone is folded over into a half-moon shape.

Conclusion

Italian Stromboli is a flavorful and versatile dish that brings together the best of Italian-American cuisine. With its crispy golden crust, cheesy and savory filling, and endless customization options, Stromboli is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or a casual snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and experience the irresistible flavors of homemade Stromboli!

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