If you’re searching for a cheerful, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat, look no further than this Classic Stromboli Recipe. With melty cheese, savory meats, a crisp golden crust, and a hint of Italian herbs, this dish wraps up all the flavors of your favorite pizzeria in a portable package. Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a weeknight dinner, this stromboli never fails to impress—and it’s easier to whip up than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Classic Stromboli Recipe is its straightforward, vibrant ingredients, each one layering on flavor and contributing to that irresistible texture and color. Here’s what you’ll need for stromboli success—don’t skip these essentials!
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The foundation for that crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside bite you crave.
- Pizza sauce or marinara (1/2 cup, optional): Adds moisture and a zesty, tomato kick; go thin for the perfect balance.
- Sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese (6 ounces): Choose your favorite or do a mix for extra melty goodness.
- Pepperoni (4 ounces): Provides that classic, spicy, savory punch everyone loves in stromboli.
- Salami (4 ounces): Brings a deeper, slightly tangy flavor and extra richness.
- Ham (2 ounces): Lends a subtle sweetness that ties all the meats together.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Use for lightly greasing your work surface, ensuring easy rolling.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle on top adds aroma and that signature Italian flair.
- Egg, beaten (1): An egg wash ensures your stromboli bakes up shiny and golden brown.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Finishes the top with a salty, nutty crunch.
- Flour for dusting: Prevents sticking when rolling out your dough—just a light touch will do.
How to Make Classic Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F, letting it get nice and hot so the stromboli bakes evenly and crisps up beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking—trust me, you’ll be glad you did later!
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10 by 14 inches. This shape gives you plenty of space for all those fabulous fillings, and you can patch the dough gently if it tears.
Step 3: Layer on the Flavors
If you’re a sauce lover, spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a one-inch border all around. This helps prevent leaks and keeps your crust crisp. Next, layer the provolone (or mozzarella), followed by the pepperoni, salami, and ham. Each layer brings its own kick of flavor and gorgeous melty texture.
Step 4: Roll, Seal, and Shape
Now comes the fun part! Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking in the ends as you go to seal in all that cheesy, meaty goodness. Place the stromboli seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to help it keep its shape during baking.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush the top of your stromboli with beaten egg for an extra-glossy finish. Sprinkle on Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese—don’t be shy!—then carefully make 3 to 4 small slits on top with a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape, ensuring the inside cooks perfectly. Slide your stromboli into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Enjoy
Once your Classic Stromboli Recipe is golden and aromatic, transfer it to a wire rack and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the cheese settle and makes slicing a breeze. Serve in thick slices, and brace yourself for the applause!
How to Serve Classic Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh aroma. A dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving cranks up the savory factor. A small bowl of warm marinara on the side makes every bite dip-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Classic Stromboli Recipe shines alongside a fresh green salad tossed with Italian dressing, or a crisp Caesar salad for some crunch. Roasted broccoli, garlic breadsticks, or even a simple antipasto platter all pair beautifully, making your meal feel like an Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the stromboli into rounds and arrange on a wooden board with dipping sauces in small ramekins. Want a cozy touch? Serve thick wedges tucked into napkins for a handheld treat. Or make mini strombolis with smaller rectangles of dough—perfect for snacking and sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. The Classic Stromboli Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a stellar lunch option or quick dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your stromboli! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the whole log or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months—just be sure to label for easy grabbing later.
Reheating
Pop refrigerated or thawed slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it can make the crust soggy. For that just-baked taste, reheating in the oven is worth the extra few minutes!
FAQs
Can I make the Classic Stromboli Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the stromboli, cover it tightly, and store in the fridge a few hours ahead. When you’re ready, just egg wash and bake—add a couple extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold.
What other fillings work in this stromboli?
Get creative! Sautéed peppers, mushrooms, olives, cooked sausage, or a blend of cheeses all taste fantastic inside a stromboli. Just avoid any fillings with too much moisture, which could result in a soggy crust.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes this Classic Stromboli Recipe weeknight-friendly. Let it come up to room temperature so it’s easier to roll out, and you’re ready to go.
My dough tore while rolling—what should I do?
No stress! Simply pinch and patch any tears with your fingers. Stromboli is forgiving, and everything bakes up beautifully in the end.
How do I know when my stromboli is cooked through?
Your stromboli should be deeply golden on top and feel firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, insert a knife into the center—if the cheese is bubbly and the bottom is crisp, you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to roll up your sleeves and try this Classic Stromboli Recipe soon! It’s a recipe close to my heart and always sparks joy at the table. Gather your favorite people, serve up some slices, and watch how quickly it disappears—that’s the magic of true comfort food.
Print
Classic Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of Italy in this classic stromboli recipe, featuring a delicious combination of meats, cheese, and seasonings all rolled up in pizza dough and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara (optional)
- 6 ounces sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 4 ounces sliced salami
- 2 ounces sliced ham
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add the fillings: Layer cheese, pepperoni, salami, and ham over the dough. Roll into a log and seal.
- Brush and season: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan.
- Bake: Cut slits in the top, bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Customize the fillings to your preference with veggies, sausage, or different cheeses.
- Best served warm with extra marinara for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
