Italian Stromboli Recipe
Introduction
Few dishes capture the heart of Italian-American comfort food quite like Stromboli. Imagine a golden, flaky crust wrapped around layers of savory deli meats, gooey cheese, and brushed with garlic butter. It’s essentially a rolled-up pizza, but with its own unique charm.
This Italian Stromboli recipe is simple yet impressive. Using store-bought pizza dough makes it approachable for home cooks, while the combination of ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone delivers bold, classic flavors. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner, party centerpiece, or game-day snack, Stromboli is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Breakdown
1 tube Pillsbury pizza crust – Convenient and reliable base; stretches easily.
8 slices deli ham – Mild, savory flavor.
10 slices Genoa salami – Adds spice and depth.
12 slices sandwich pepperoni – Brings bold, smoky flavor.
8 slices provolone or mozzarella – Melts beautifully; mozzarella is milder, provolone adds tang.
2 tbsp butter – For garlic butter topping.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Infuses aromatic flavor.
2 tsp chopped parsley – Adds freshness and color.
3 tbsp Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Garlic Butter
Melt butter in microwave.
Stir in garlic, parsley, and Parmesan.
Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Dough
Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Stretch pizza crust to nearly the size of sheet.
Step 3: Layer Meats and Cheese
Start with ham, then salami, then pepperoni.
Finish with cheese slices.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Roll Stromboli lengthwise.
Seal seam tightly.
Pinch ends and tuck underneath.
Step 5: Score and Top
Score top with serrated knife.
Brush with garlic butter mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake according to pizza dough package instructions (usually 15–20 minutes at 375–400°F).
Stromboli should be golden brown and bubbling.
Step 7: Serve
Cool slightly before slicing.
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Success
Seal edges well to prevent filling leaks.
Don’t skip scoring—it prevents soggy dough.
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Let rest before slicing—helps cheese set.
Brush extra garlic butter after baking for shine.
Variations
Classic Stromboli: Add marinara sauce inside before rolling.
Veggie Stromboli: Use sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach.
Cheesy Stromboli: Mix mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.
Breakfast Stromboli: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Spicy Stromboli: Add jalapeños or hot giardiniera.
Serving Ideas
Slice into rounds for party appetizers.
Serve whole as a family-style dinner.
Pair with salad for a balanced meal.
Offer dipping sauces: marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked Stromboli slices for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~18g
Fat: ~16g
Carbs: ~28g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: Uses store-bought dough.
Customizable: Fill with your favorite meats and cheeses.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings.
Comfort food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Beautiful presentation: Golden crust with garlic butter shine.
Conclusion
This Italian Stromboli is the ultimate rolled-up comfort food. With its layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, and garlic butter topping, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you dip it in marinara or enjoy it plain, Stromboli is a recipe worth adding to your rotation.