The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of gooey cheese, savory meats, and a beautifully golden crust, you have to try The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite. This mouthwatering roll-up of all things delicious is an Italian-American classic that’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests. Every bite captures that magical balance of melty mozzarella, zesty sauce, and crisped dough—and you can easily make it with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. This recipe has truly become a cherished tradition in our house!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s astonishing how just a handful of basic ingredients can create something as crave-worthy as this stromboli. Each component brings a special touch, from perfect stretch in the dough to irresistible gooeyness in the cheese. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!).
- Pizza dough: The foundation of The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite—homemade or store-bought both work splendidly. Fresh dough yields the best crusty exterior.
- Marinara or pizza sauce: Lends the classic Italian flavor and just enough moisture inside every slice. Don’t forget extra for dipping!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy goodness is a must. Shred it yourself for ultimate melt factor!
- Sliced pepperoni or salami: Delivers spicy and savory notes in every bite. Choose your favorite or mix both!
- Cooked Italian sausage (crumbled): For depth and a satisfying, hearty texture—browning sausage first builds big flavor.
- Sliced black olives (optional): Add pops of briny flavor for those who adore them, but they’re totally optional.
- Sliced bell peppers or onions (optional): Bring sweet crunch, color, and a veggie boost. Thin slices cook best inside the roll.
- Italian seasoning: This blend infuses every bite with aromatic herbs for that authentic, pizzeria-style aroma.
- Egg (beaten): The secret to a beautifully glossy, golden crust. Don’t skip the egg wash!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A generous sprinkle amps up the salty, nutty flavor of the crust.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Brings a pop of color and a hint of freshness just before serving.
How to Make The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough
Start things off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep clean-up a breeze later. On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large 10×14-inch rectangle. Don’t worry about perfect edges—rustic is beautiful, and it all bakes up delicious.
Step 2: Sauce and Layer the Fillings
Spread a thin but even layer of marinara sauce over the dough, staying about an inch away from the edges. Next, scatter the mozzarella cheese to guarantee that oozy cheese pull. Pile on your pepperoni or salami, crumbled sausage, olives, and peppers or onions if you’re using them. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning for that unmistakable herby essence that makes The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite stand out.
Step 3: Roll, Seal, and Transfer
Here’s where the magic happens: starting from one long side, tightly roll up your loaded dough jelly roll-style. Work gently, tucking as you go to keep things neat. Pinch the seam closed and tuck under the ends—this keeps all the cheesy, meaty goodness inside. Carefully move the roll to your prepared baking sheet, seam-side down for best results.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Parmesan Sprinkle
Brush the entire top of your stromboli with the beaten egg. This step is well worth the little extra time, yielding a crisp, golden crust that looks straight out of a bakery. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese generously over the surface, then use a sharp knife to cut 3 or 4 small slits in the top to let steam escape (this helps avoid sogginess!).
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stromboli is beautifully golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the cheese settle and make slicing clean and easy. Now, slice into thick rounds and serve with more warm marinara sauce for dipping. The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite delivers on every promise with this step!
How to Serve The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite
Garnishes
Finish your stromboli slices with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a fragrant herby hit. Extra Parmesan on top before serving gives even more savory depth, and a drizzle of garlic butter is pure decadence!
Side Dishes
This stromboli is incredibly versatile, so pair it with a crisp Italian salad, roasted veggies, or a simple soup like minestrone for a hearty meal. Garlic bread is never unwelcome, and a bowl of olives or marinated artichokes adds an elegant touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game day, try slicing The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite into bite-sized pinwheels and threading onto skewers for easy grabbing. Arrange the slices on a wooden board with an array of dipping sauces—think pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or classic ranch—and let everyone build their own snack plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra, simply wrap leftover stromboli slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The fillings stay moist, and the crust holds up beautifully for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite is a dream to prep in advance! Assemble and roll (don’t bake yet), wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual—just add a few minutes to the baking time if still slightly chilled.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the crust re-crisps, about 10–12 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for a quick fix. Microwaving works if you’re in a hurry but may soften the crust slightly.
FAQs
Can I make The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meats and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, and onions. You might add extra cheese for richness, too. Just avoid overstuffing so the roll stays intact.
What’s the difference between stromboli and calzone?
A calzone is typically a folded half-moon shape and sealed at the edges, whereas The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite is rolled up into a log and sliced into pinwheels. Both are delicious, but stromboli is easier to slice and share!
Can I prepare stromboli in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolled stromboli, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for prepping before guests arrive or for a make-ahead family meal.
How can I avoid soggy dough?
Spread the sauce in a thin layer and keep all toppings fairly dry—pat any veggies, olives, or meats with paper towels beforehand. The steam slits on top are important to let moisture escape as it bakes.
What other fillings work well in this recipe?
The possibilities are endless! Try ham and Swiss, chicken Alfredo, roasted vegetables, or a medley of your favorite cheeses. The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite is endlessly adaptable to your tastes and fridge inventory.
Final Thoughts
Once you make The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite, it’s bound to become a regular star at your table. With its crispy crust, oozy cheese, and crowd-pleasing fillings, it’s cozy comfort food anyone can master. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and discover just how much fun homemade stromboli night can be!
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The Ultimate Homemade Stromboli: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate homemade stromboli filled with savory ingredients like pepperoni, sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a golden crust. This family favorite is perfect for a cozy dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Fillings:
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers or onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Add Fillings: Spread marinara sauce, cheese, meats, veggies, and seasoning over the dough. Roll it up tightly, seal, and transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake until golden brown, about 20–25 minutes. Let cool slightly, slice, and serve with extra marinara sauce.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite fillings like ham and cheese or veggies. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 8 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
