This Italian Stromboli is a delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with Italian flavors of marinara, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, this Stromboli is like a rolled-up pizza that’s easy to make and share. Serve it as a fun appetizer or a satisfying dinner!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite Italian meats)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. The dough should be thin but not so thin that it tears. - Layer the Filling:
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni slices. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. - Roll the Stromboli:
Starting from one of the shorter sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams and tuck the ends under to seal the Stromboli. - Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the Stromboli to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Cool and Slice:
Let the Stromboli cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it into 1-inch thick pieces. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Additional Tips (Serving & Storage):
- Serving: Serve this Stromboli with a side of marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping. It’s perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or party appetizers.
- Storage: Store any leftover Stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs About Italian Stromboli:
- Can I use different fillings?
Yes! You can customize your Stromboli with your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, ham, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even spinach. - What if I don’t have pizza dough?
You can use store-bought crescent dough or puff pastry as an alternative. Just adjust the baking time as necessary. - How do I prevent the Stromboli from becoming soggy?
Make sure not to overload the dough with sauce or wet ingredients. Pat any toppings like vegetables dry to avoid excess moisture. - Can I make this Stromboli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Stromboli up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. - Can I freeze Stromboli?
Yes! You can freeze the Stromboli either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion: This Italian Stromboli is a fun and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and always a hit! With a crispy, golden crust and a cheesy, savory filling, it’s the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this Stromboli is sure to please!
Meta Section:
- Keyphrase: Italian Stromboli
- Description: This easy and cheesy Italian Stromboli is filled with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Perfect for dinner or a party snack!