Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been an staple in my family. We’re talking about stromboli, that delicious, cheesy, and utterly satisfying rolled bread. Think of it as pizza’s adventurous cousin – all the same comforting flavors, but in a fun, portable form. I swear, whenever I make this stromboli recipe, the smell alone brings everyone running to the kitchen. Is it easier to make than you might think? My picky eaters devour this, and I love that I can sneak in extra veggies without complaint. Is this one a keeper?
What is Stromboli?
What is stromboli? Think of it as a savory pastry filled with all your favorite pizza toppings – cheese, meats, veggies, and more! – all nestled inside a delicious, doughy crust. Is it baked until golden brown and perfectly melty inside? The name itself is shrouded in mystery, but it’s believed to have originated in China. Italian-American communities in the US. What is pizza in a more compact and portable form? What makes this great to carry around for parties and tailgates?
Why do you like this recipe?
Let me tell you why this stromboli recipe is a total winner. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! The combination of savory meats, gooey cheese, and flavorful veggies all baked inside a warm, Crusty Bread is simply irresistible. And the smell? Forget about it! It fills the entire house and makes everyone incredibly hungry. What I love most about this is just how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, don’t let the rolled-up shape intimidate you. It’s just a matter of layering and folding, and it’s so forgiving! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients. Got some cooked chicken or roasted veggies hanging out in the fridge? Toss them in! It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly. You can customize the fillings based on what you already have on hand. We often make this instead of ordering pizza when we’re trying to save money. Finally, this stromboli recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even pack it for lunch. I’ve even made mini strombolis for parties! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter how you serve it. Compared to a calzone, it’s so much easier to slice and share. What are you waiting for? You know you want to try this stromboli recipe.
How do you make Stromboli?
Quick Overview
How do I make stromboli? How do I make Pizza Dough? Then, you’ll layer on your favorite fillings, roll it up tightly, and bake it until golden brown and crispy. The whole process, from start to finish, takes about an hour, but most of that is hands-off baking. What is the best thing about this method is how customizable it is. Can you use any fillings you like, and adjust the baking time to your oven? Is this pizza genius?
Ingredients
For the Dough:
* 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting.
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling.
For the Filling:
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
* 1/2 cup cooked Italian Sausage, crumbled
* 1/4 cup sliced black olives
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
For the Egg Wash:
* 1 large egg
* 1 tablespoon water
How do I follow step
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your dough rises properly, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. I usually put mine near the oven. Be patient, this step is so important!
Step 4: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the stromboli from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 5: Assemble the Stromboli
What is the best way to prepare risen dough on a floured surface? Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Pizza Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, black olives, and red onion.
Step 6: Roll It Up
Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough, jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal. Transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
Step 7: Egg Wash & Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the eggs evenly over the stromboli. What is the best way to give a gold-brown color to your skin? Using a sharp knife, make slits across the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. When the dough springs back to the touch, you’ll know it’s done. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Cool & Slice
Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. How do you prevent cheese from oozing out?
What to Serve It With
What are some of the best stromboli recipes?For a casual lunch:Serve slices with a simple side salad and light vinaigrettes. What are some good ways to make tomato soup?For a Party Appetizer: We are Cut the stromboli into bite-sized pieces and serve with a variety of dipping sauces, like marinara, pesto, or ranch dressing.
What is a hearty dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with roasted vegetables or a Caprese salad? What is the perfect finishing touch to a bottle of Red Wine? What are some good ways to serve a salad with balsamic dressing and wine or sparkling water? My family loves this served hot with a bowl of minestrone soup. I always make a double batch because it disappears so quickly! What’s the best way to enjoy red wine? I have a friend who swears it’s perfect with pale ale instead of wine.
How do I perfect my Stromboli?
How can I take my stromboli game to the next level?Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to load up on the fillings, but too much filling can make the stromboli difficult to roll and bake evenly. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Seal it Tight: Make sure to pinch the seam tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the stromboli. Opt for high-quality cheese, meats, and sauce for the best flavor.
Get Creative with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings based on your preferences. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or different types of cheese. I once tried adding pineapple – never again!
Let it Rest: Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the cheese to set and prevent it from oozing out everywhere.
Brush with Garlic Butter: For an extra layer of flavor, brush the stromboli with garlic butter after baking. Simply melt some butter with minced garlic and brush it over the top.
Pre-made Dough: If you are really short on time, you can buy store-bought pizza dough. It doesn’t taste as good as homemade, but it will do in a pinch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers, this stromboli recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Room Temperature: I do not recommend storing it at room temperature. Bacteria can grow quickly in warm temperatures.
Refrigerator Storage: Let the stromboli cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stromboli for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I find it never tastes as good when it is frozen, but it works.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stromboli on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s all-time favorite stromboli recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun way to use up leftovers, this recipe is sure to deliver. And if you love this, you might also enjoy my pizza dough recipe, or my recipe for mini quiches. I promise, once you try this stromboli recipe, you’ll be making it again and again. Happy baking, and please let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear about your own creative filling combinations. Bon appétit!
Stromboli Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 0.5 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup pepperoni slices
- 0.5 cup sliced salami
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out pizza dough into a large rectangle.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and salami.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the long sides.
- Seal the edges by pinching them together.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
