If you love the comforting flavors of pizza wrapped up in a warm, golden crust, you absolutely need to try this Homemade Stromboli. This Italian-American classic is a delightful mash-up of crispy, cheesy, and savory, all in one easy-to-share roll. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or simply elevating your weeknight dinner, Homemade Stromboli brings everyone together around the table with pure, melting joy. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, quick to prep, and absolutely irresistible when fresh from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off a mouthwatering Homemade Stromboli only requires a handful of everyday ingredients, each one adding its own punch of flavor and pizzazz. Think melty cheeses and zesty meats encased in pillowy dough—every bite is just unforgettable.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The soft, stretchy foundation; feel free to use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you’re extra ambitious.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Adds tang, moisture, and a burst of tomato flavor—spread it evenly for optimal taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Brings gooey, stringy richness to every slice; the melt factor is everything here.
- Sliced pepperoni or salami (1/2 cup): Gives that signature meaty bite and a hint of spice—choose your favorite or mix them up.
- Cooked Italian sausage (1/2 cup, optional): For extra heartiness and a little fennel kick—totally optional but so good.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sharp, nutty, and the perfect umami boost sprinkled inside.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For brushing or drizzling—brings subtle flavor and golden color to the crust.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A dried herb blend that infuses every bite with classic Italian notes.
- Egg (1, beaten): The magic behind a beautifully shiny, appetizing finish—don’t skip the egg wash!
- Flour (for dusting): Keeps your dough from sticking while you roll and shape your stromboli masterpiece.
How to Make Homemade Stromboli
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when your Homemade Stromboli goes in, it’ll get a quick rise and the crust will turn that beautiful golden brown. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking—trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the crust perfect.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, place your pizza dough and roll it out into a big rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Try to keep the dough even for uniform baking. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly shaped—rustic charm adds to the homemade appeal!
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Spread your pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a one-inch border around the edges. Next, shower on the shredded mozzarella, followed by your pepperoni (or salami) and sprinkling in the cooked sausage if you’re using it. Finally, dust the top with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning—this is where your Homemade Stromboli starts smelling like an Italian deli.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll the long side of your dough up into a log—just like a cinnamon roll, but savory! Pinch the seams and tuck the ends underneath to seal everything in. Place your stromboli seam-side down on the parchment-lined sheet to keep it snug during baking.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg, which will give your Homemade Stromboli that gorgeous golden shine. Don’t forget to make a few small slits across the top—these will let the steam escape so the inside stays perfectly gooey and the crust doesn’t burst.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a stromboli that’s deeply golden brown with bubbling cheese peeking through the slits. The irresistible aroma will let you know you’re almost there!
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let your Homemade Stromboli cool for at least 5 minutes so the melted cheese sets up and slicing is easier. Grab a sharp knife and cut into thick, satisfying slices—each one filled with stretchy cheese, savory meats, and crisped dough. Serve warm, and bask in the applause.
How to Serve Homemade Stromboli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh basil goes a long way on Homemade Stromboli. Add a light drizzle of olive oil for shine, or a dusting of red pepper flakes for that little pop of heat. Even a few leaves of arugula look gorgeous on top and add a peppery bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade Stromboli with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside classic Caesar salad for something a bit more robust. A side of marinara or ranch for dipping is always a hit, and garlic knots round out the ultimate Italian-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the whole Homemade Stromboli on a big wooden board for dramatic flair at the center of your table. For parties, slice it into smaller pieces and stack them with toothpicks so guests can grab-and-go. For a family movie night, arrange the slices around a warm bowl of sauce for everyone to share and dip as they please.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Homemade Stromboli, simply wrap the cooled slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—perfect for lunches and quick snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Homemade Stromboli cool completely. Wrap it whole or in individual slices with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for extra protection. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a stromboli fix, just thaw and reheat!
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through—the crust crisps up beautifully this way. You can also use a toaster oven for convenience. While the microwave works in a pinch, it may soften the crust, so use it only if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Stromboli vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the meats for plenty of sautéed veggies like mushrooms, peppers, onions, or spinach. Add extra cheese or even some olives for an even more flavorful vegetarian twist.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Homemade Stromboli?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and makes the whole process super convenient. If you have homemade dough on hand, even better—but don’t stress, both are delicious!
Can I customize the fillings?
Definitely! Homemade Stromboli is all about making it your own. Change up the deli meats, try different cheeses, or add fresh herbs. Mixing in some roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes is a great way to boost the flavor.
How do I keep my stromboli from getting soggy?
The secret is to use a light hand with the sauce, and be sure your filling ingredients aren’t too wet. Baking at a high temperature also helps create a nice crust that stays crisp and delicious.
Can I prep Homemade Stromboli ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and keep in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off and help it cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling, golden Homemade Stromboli from the oven and watching everyone reach for a slice. It’s simple enough for beginners and customizable enough for endless fun. Give it a try and let the cheesy, savory aroma fill your kitchen—this just might become your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Homemade Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 Stromboli (serves 4-6) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Homemade Stromboli with this easy recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner, this stuffed bread is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Pizza Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce, cheese, meats, Parmesan, and seasoning over the dough.
- Roll the Stromboli: Roll the dough into a log, seal, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, make slits, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite deli meats and cheeses.
- Add sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
