If you’ve ever found yourself torn between ordering a pizza or a sub stuffed with all your favorite toppings, let me introduce you to the ultimate happy medium: Homemade Stromboli. Picture this—layers of gooey mozzarella, spicy and savory meats, and a touch of herby tomato sauce, all bundled up snugly in golden-baked pizza dough. It’s warm, cheesy, slightly crisp on the outside, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry group for movie night or just craving a little comfort food, this recipe brings the pizzeria experience right to your kitchen table… only better, because you made it yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Stromboli is that every single ingredient is essential, not only for flavor, but also for that classic texture and appearance. Simple, staple items come together to create something truly special—don’t underestimate their power!
- Pizza Dough: The foundation! Store-bought is great for convenience, but homemade delivers a little extra love.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce: Spreads a tangy, herby flavor base throughout the roll. Go for a thicker sauce for less run-off.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides those beloved melted, stretchy cheese pulls in every bite.
- Sliced Pepperoni or Salami: Adds a punch of savory flavor and a touch of spice—choose your favorite or mix both.
- Cooked and Crumbled Italian Sausage (optional): Gives heartiness and extra flavor; customize with your favorite sausage.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A dash of salty, nutty richness sprinkled inside for depth and on top for aroma.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings together the aromatics—think oregano, basil, and thyme—for that classic pizzeria aroma.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor with that familiar, comforting hit of garlic.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter (for brushing): Brushing the dough ensures a crisp, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant touch to finish—totally optional, but always pretty!
How to Make Homemade Stromboli
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This might seem like a small step, but it guarantees your stromboli won’t stick and bakes up perfectly crisp. While your oven gets hot, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface—it’s rolling time!
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Grab your pizza dough and roll it into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. If the dough fights you, let it rest a few minutes, then try again. This shape is perfect for layering and rolling, and ensures even baking (plus, it gives you those mouthwatering swirl slices later).
Step 3: Spread the Sauce and Layer the Fillings
Using a spoon, spread a thin, even layer of marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, making sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges. Pile on the mozzarella, scatter the pepperoni or salami, and add the Italian sausage if you’re using it. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This layering is what gives homemade stromboli its irresistible flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Roll It Up!
Now comes the fun part. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log—just like a jelly roll! Pinch the seam and the ends closed so nothing escapes in the oven. This is what holds all your tasty fillings safely inside.
Step 5: Ready for the Oven
Gently place your stromboli seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top generously with olive oil or melted butter for that golden finish, then cut 3 to 4 slits across the top. These are more than just pretty—they let steam escape, keeping the crust from getting soggy.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for beautiful golden brown crust and bubbling cheese peeking through the top. Let it rest on the tray for about 5 to 10 minutes after baking; this helps the cheese set slightly so your slices hold together.
Step 7: Slice and Garnish
Once your homemade stromboli has cooled just a bit, slice it into rounds and shower with chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve with extra marinara for dunking, and get ready for the “wow” factor!
How to Serve Homemade Stromboli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up each slice, adding a dash of color and a touch of freshness. For a little extra pizzazz, try a dusting of extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes just before serving. Even a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can make each bite feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Homemade Stromboli is hearty enough to stand alone, but some simple sides take it to a whole new level. Pair it with a classic Caesar or mixed green salad to balance that cheesy richness. Roasted veggies, antipasto skewers, or even a bowl of minestrone soup turn this into a satisfying Italian-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the stromboli into smaller, bite-sized rounds and arrange them on a big platter with a bowl of warm marinara in the center—instant appetizer heaven! Or, let everyone customize their own mini stromboli with different fillings for a build-your-own night. Trust me, it’s a crowd favorite every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra slices (lucky you!), simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick lunch or next-day snack.
Freezing
Homemade Stromboli freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole roll in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When the craving hits, just move to the fridge to thaw overnight, then reheat.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven—arrange slices on a foil-lined sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) until hot and the crust is crispy again, about 10 minutes. A minute or two in the microwave works for a softer finish, but the oven keeps everything tasting fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Homemade Stromboli?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and makes this recipe quicker. If you have time to make dough from scratch, it adds a special homemade touch, but no judgment either way—deliciousness is guaranteed.
What are the best fillings for Homemade Stromboli?
The classic combo is mozzarella, pepperoni or salami, and sausage, but feel free to make it your own. Try mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist. Just don’t overload or the roll can become tricky to manage!
Can I make Homemade Stromboli vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the meats and load up on sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, olives, or artichokes. Keep the cheese, sauce, and seasonings, and it’ll be just as tasty and satisfying.
Why let the stromboli rest before slicing?
Allowing it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking helps the cheese firm up a bit, so your slices hold their shape and you get nice, clean spirals of filling without everything sliding out. Plus, it saves you from burning your fingers on that molten cheese—bonus!
Can I prepare Homemade Stromboli in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the stromboli up to the rolling stage, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Just let it come to room temperature while the oven heats up before baking as usual.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Homemade Stromboli at home, now’s your moment! It’s hearty, fun, and endlessly customizable—basically everything you love about pizzeria fare, minus the delivery wait. Give it a go and share with friends or family; you might just start a delicious new tradition.
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Homemade Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delicious flavors of a pizzeria favorite at home with this easy Homemade Stromboli recipe. A savory combination of pizza dough filled with marinara, cheeses, and meats, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Fillings:
1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami, 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For Finishing:
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing), 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add Fillings: Spread marinara, layer with cheeses, meats, and seasonings.
- Roll and Bake: Roll the dough, place seam-side down on the baking sheet, brush with oil, vent, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the Stromboli rest before slicing and garnishing with parsley.
Notes
- Customize with preferred ingredients for a personalized touch.
- Pair with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
