Introduction & Inspiration
Every now and then, I crave something hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. That craving usually leads me to one of my favorite comfort meals: homemade stromboli. It’s like a warm hug wrapped in dough, packed with all the flavors you love in a pizza, but rolled into a golden, crusty loaf.
What I love most about this recipe is that it brings everyone to the table. It’s an easy dinner solution that doesn’t require hours of preparation, and yet it feels indulgent and special. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a game night with friends, this easy stromboli recipe never fails to impress.
This dish has become a staple in my home. Once you make it for the first time, it quickly earns a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Nostalgic Appeal
Stromboli brings back memories of cozy Friday nights from my childhood. I remember my family gathering in the kitchen, the smell of garlic and cheese filling the air, and all of us eagerly waiting for the golden roll to come out of the oven.
It wasn’t just about the food—it was the warmth of the moment. Everyone could customize their slice, and somehow the simple act of dipping it into marinara sauce turned it into something exciting.
The nostalgia of that tradition continues today, especially when I share this recipe with others. There’s something comforting about revisiting a dish that has brought joy to so many dinners.
Now, whenever I bite into that crispy crust and melty center, it feels like a little trip back in time.
Homemade Focus
There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from preparing stromboli at home. While you can certainly grab one from a deli or freezer aisle, nothing compares to the homemade version.
Making it yourself means you get to choose the ingredients you love and control the flavors. Plus, it’s fun to work with the dough, build layers of fillings, and create something delicious with your own hands.
Homemade stromboli also allows you to cater to dietary needs, preferences, or seasonal availability. You’re not just cooking; you’re crafting a dish tailored to your taste.
Once you see how simple and rewarding it is, you’ll skip store-bought versions entirely.
Flavor Goal
My goal with this stromboli recipe is to deliver bold, savory flavors in every single bite. The trio of meats—ham, salami, and pepperoni—creates a rich and satisfying base.
The mozzarella melts beautifully, offering a gooey texture that contrasts with the crispy crust. The garlic butter brushed both inside and outside enhances every layer, infusing it with an irresistible aroma and taste.
Then there’s the Parmesan and parsley topping, which adds a final punch of flavor and a touch of elegance. Dipped in marinara sauce, the result is a balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness.
If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something truly comforting, this stromboli hits all the right notes.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s talk about what goes into this glorious roll. First, the pizza dough. It acts as the vessel that holds all the goodness together. You can use store-bought or homemade, but make sure it’s pliable and fresh.
Butter is used in two ways—first mixed with garlic to brush inside the dough, then again on top with Parmesan and parsley. It adds flavor and gives that golden sheen after baking.
Garlic is a flavor booster. Minced fresh garlic brings pungency and warmth to the base layer, setting the tone for the other ingredients.
The meats—ham, salami, and pepperoni—bring saltiness, spice, and rich umami. They complement one another and create a layered bite that’s both indulgent and balanced.
Mozzarella cheese acts as the glue. It’s stretchy, melty, and perfectly mild, letting the meats shine while making the whole roll irresistible.
Egg is used as a sealant and wash. It helps keep the stromboli intact during baking and gives a beautiful color to the crust.
Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley add the final savory garnish. They create a crusty, herby top that’s as pretty as it is flavorful.
Lastly, marinara sauce is for dipping. It’s not baked into the stromboli, but it brings moisture and zing to each bite.
Essential Equipment
To make stromboli, a few kitchen tools are helpful. A rolling pin makes it easy to shape the dough evenly and get that ideal rectangle.
You’ll need parchment paper or a floured surface to keep the dough from sticking. It also helps when transferring the rolled stromboli to the baking tray.
A small mixing bowl comes in handy for the garlic butter and egg wash mixtures. A pastry brush ensures even application of both.
A sharp serrated knife is essential for scoring the dough. This allows steam to escape and gives the finished product those bakery-style cuts.
You’ll also need a baking sheet or pizza stone to bake the stromboli to golden perfection. Measuring spoons keep your flavor balance accurate.
Ingredients with Measurements
1 pizza dough
3 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
12 thin slices ham
15 slices salami
15–17 slices pepperoni
1 egg, beaten
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Marinara sauce, for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the dough bakes evenly and becomes golden brown. Let it heat fully while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the pizza dough into a 12 x 14-inch rectangle. For convenience, you can roll it directly onto parchment paper.
Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter Base
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush this mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Make sure to cover the corners for full flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese across the dough, leaving a border. Lay down the ham slices. Follow with another layer of cheese, then salami and pepperoni, and top with the final portion of mozzarella.
Step 5: Seal and Roll
Brush the beaten egg along the border edges. Starting from the long edge without egg wash, roll the stromboli tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and fold the ends under.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Mix the remaining butter with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the roll. Use a serrated knife to make shallow diagonal slashes across the top.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice the stromboli into 8 pieces. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately while the cheese is gooey.
Troubleshooting
If your dough tears during rolling, don’t panic. Just patch it with a small piece of dough and continue.
If the bottom crust gets too dark, it might be from a hot baking sheet. Next time, try using parchment or lowering the rack position.
If the roll starts to open during baking, the seam might not have been sealed tightly. Make sure to pinch it well and position it seam-side down.
Cheese leaking out can happen, but it’s okay. Those crispy edges are actually delicious!
Tips and Variations
Try different meats like turkey or prosciutto. You can also add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Want it spicy? Add crushed red pepper or use hot salami.
For a vegetarian version, replace meats with roasted veggies and swap mozzarella with provolone.
You can prep this ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Great for meal planning or entertaining.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Stromboli is best served warm, right out of the oven. Pair it with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.
Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
If serving for a party, cut into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers.
It also goes great with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 8 servings. Per serving, expect approximately:
Calories: 320–350
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: Moderate to High, due to meats and cheese
Nutritional content will vary based on exact ingredients used.
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Easy Stromboli Dinner Recipe
Description
Every now and then, I crave something hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. That craving usually leads me to one of my favorite comfort meals: homemade stromboli
Ingredients
1 pizza dough
3 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
12 thin slices ham
15 slices salami
15–17 slices pepperoni
1 egg, beaten
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the dough bakes evenly and becomes golden brown. Let it heat fully while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the pizza dough into a 12 x 14-inch rectangle. For convenience, you can roll it directly onto parchment paper.
Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter Base
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush this mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Make sure to cover the corners for full flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese across the dough, leaving a border. Lay down the ham slices. Follow with another layer of cheese, then salami and pepperoni, and top with the final portion of mozzarella.
Step 5: Seal and Roll
Brush the beaten egg along the border edges. Starting from the long edge without egg wash, roll the stromboli tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and fold the ends under.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Mix the remaining butter with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the roll. Use a serrated knife to make shallow diagonal slashes across the top.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice the stromboli into 8 pieces. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately while the cheese is gooey.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
This easy stromboli dinner recipe brings the comfort of pizza with a fun, rollable twist. Loaded with meats, cheese, and garlic butter, it’s a surefire hit.
Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep, this dish is versatile and satisfying. It’s easy to customize, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again.
Can I freeze stromboli?
Yes, bake it fully, let it cool, and freeze in slices. Reheat in the oven.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, but it will be flakier and more delicate.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Marinara is classic, but garlic butter or pesto also work great.
How long will leftovers last?
Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
And that’s it! This recipe is truly one of my favorites—and I hope it becomes one of yours too