Let’s be honest—there’s just something magical about cheesy, gooey, pepperoni-stuffed goodness wrapped in golden, crispy dough. If you’ve never had a homemade stromboli, you’re in for a treat. It’s like a cousin to pizza, but easier to grab and even more satisfying to bite into. Today, I’m going to walk you through my all-time favorite recipe for a tremendous cheesy pepperoni stromboli. Trust me, this is going to be a hit at family dinners, parties, or even just a cozy night in.
What Exactly Is a Stromboli?
Okay, quick rundown for anyone who’s not familiar. A stromboli is like a rolled-up pizza. It’s usually stuffed with cheese, meats, and sometimes veggies, then baked to golden perfection. You slice it up and serve it like a savory bread roll. Think of it as a portable, less messy pizza roll but way more satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheese, Cheese, and More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover like me, this recipe is loaded with mozzarella and provolone for that stretchy, melty goodness.
- Crispy and Golden Outside: The dough bakes up with the perfect crunch, so every bite is pure heaven.
- Pepperoni Perfection: You get that spicy, smoky kick from the pepperoni in every slice.
- Customizable: Don’t love pepperoni? You can switch it up with sausage, ham, or even veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the basics. You don’t need anything fancy here—just pantry staples and some goodies from the deli aisle.
For the Dough:
- 1 pound of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade—your call)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 6 ounces of pepperoni (the more, the merrier)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- A sprinkle of dried oregano (optional)
For Dipping:
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing (because, duh, dipping is life)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now comes the fun part—rolling, stuffing, and baking this cheesy masterpiece.
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking (and to make cleanup easier—yay!).
2. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 12×14 inches. Don’t stress if it’s not a perfect rectangle—imperfections make it homemade!
3. Layer the Cheese
Spread the mozzarella and provolone evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This keeps the filling from spilling out when you roll it.
4. Add the Pepperoni
Layer the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. You can overlap them slightly to make sure every bite has that savory pepperoni flavor.
5. Season It Up
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the pepperoni and cheese. This adds an extra pop of flavor.
6. Roll It Like a Pro
Starting from one long edge, gently roll the dough into a log. Go slowly to keep the filling in place. Pinch the seam and the ends to seal everything inside.
7. Brush and Top
Transfer the stromboli seam-side down onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the egg wash and sprinkle on Parmesan cheese. For extra pizzazz, add a dash of dried oregano.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
9. Slice and Serve
Let it cool for 5 minutes (if you can wait that long). Then slice it into 1-inch pieces and serve with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Stromboli
- Use Cold Dough: Cold pizza dough is easier to work with and less likely to tear when you roll it.
- Don’t Overload the Filling: As tempting as it is to pile on the cheese and pepperoni, too much filling can make the dough soggy.
- Egg Wash Is Key: This step gives your stromboli that bakery-style, golden crust.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the stromboli a few hours before baking. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Why Homemade Is Better
Sure, you can grab a pre-made stromboli from the store, but homemade gives you complete control. You can use fresh, high-quality ingredients, skip preservatives, and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about pulling your own cheesy creation out of the oven, don’t you think?
FAQs About Stromboli
Absolutely! Pre-made pizza dough saves time and still tastes amazing. Just pick one with good reviews, or grab it fresh from your grocery store’s bakery section.
Go wild! Try cooked sausage, ham, salami, or even roasted veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms. For a different twist, swap the marinara for Alfredo sauce.
Wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy.
Yes! Wrap the unbaked stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
Great question! Stromboli is rolled and sliced, while a calzone is folded over like a pocket. Both are delicious, but stromboli wins for easy sharing.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite cheesy pepperoni stromboli recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and ridiculously delicious. Whether you’re making it for game day, a potluck, or just because, this stromboli is guaranteed to impress. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to roll!
What do you think—ready to give it a try? If you do, let me know how it turns out! Oh, and don’t forget to stock up on extra marinara. You’re gonna need it.
