Easy Stromboli is a delicious handheld meal that’s perfect for when you’re craving something cheesy, meaty, and full of classic Italian flavors. This Stromboli is filled with layers of melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a sprinkle of herbs all wrapped up in soft, golden dough. The combination of gooey cheese and crispy crust is what makes this dish so satisfying.
I love making this Stromboli when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part is how simple it is to throw together—the ingredients are easy to find and you can customize the fillings to your liking. I always add a little extra cheese because, honestly, you can never have too much cheese! Plus, it’s fun rolling up the dough and watching it bake to a perfect golden brown.
My favorite way to serve this Stromboli is hot out of the oven with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It makes for a cozy meal that everyone at the table loves to share. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a game day snack, this easy Stromboli is always a winner in my book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated dough saves time and gives a soft crust. If you can’t find it, you can use homemade dough or premade bread dough as a substitute.
Meats: Ham and salami add nice flavor. Feel free to swap salami for pepperoni or omit meat for a veggie stromboli. Cooked sausage or bacon work well, too.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving a gooey texture. Try fresh mozzarella or a shredded blend with provolone for extra flavor.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade marinara. If you want less mess, consider turning the sauce into a thicker paste by simmering it a bit first.
Herbs and Spices: Garlic powder, oregano, and basil bring classic Italian touches. Fresh herbs can be used instead, just sprinkle them on after baking.
How Do I Roll and Seal Stromboli Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling stromboli tight and sealing edges is key to keeping all fillings inside during baking. Here’s how:
- Roll the dough out evenly to avoid thin spots that can tear.
- Spread sauce and fillings, leaving a 1-inch border free of toppings.
- Starting from the long edge, roll carefully but tightly, like a jelly roll.
- Pinch the dough edges together firmly to seal the seam and ends.
- Place the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep it closed while baking.
I find that brushing with egg wash helps the top get a nice golden color and also helps hold the sprinkled herbs and cheese in place. Let it cool a bit before slicing to avoid cheese escaping.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
- Rolling pin – helps flatten the pizza dough evenly into a nice large rectangle.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing the stromboli with beaten egg for a shiny, golden top.
- Knife or pizza cutter – essential for slicing the stromboli into neat pieces before serving.
- Measuring spoons and cups – keeps your spices and sauce portions just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace ham and salami with cooked chicken, turkey, or add sautéed veggies like bell peppers and onions for a veggie twist.
- Swap mozzarella for a different cheese like provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for a flavor change.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chili powders into the sauce for some heat.
- Mix in sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes to boost savory flavors and texture.
Easy Stromboli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (about 16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 6 oz sliced ham
- 6 oz sliced salami or pepperoni
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil, for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 to 30 minutes to bake, plus 5 minutes to cool before serving. In total, expect roughly 40 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easy!
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a clean, floured surface, roll the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 14 inches. Try to roll it evenly so the stromboli cooks through nicely.
3. Add Sauce and Fillings:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around all edges free of sauce. Then layer the sliced ham, salami (or pepperoni), and mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
4. Roll and Seal the Stromboli:
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log like a jelly roll. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal so nothing leaks out during baking. Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add the Finishing Touches and Bake:
Brush the top with the beaten egg to give it a lovely golden shine. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and looks cooked through.
6. Cool, Garnish, and Serve:
Once baked, remove your stromboli from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or Italian seasoning for a fresh finish. Slice into pieces and enjoy with warmed pizza sauce for dipping!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen pizza dough in the fridge overnight before using. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out to make it easier to work with.
Can I Prepare the Stromboli Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stromboli, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Stromboli?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Customize the Fillings?
Definitely! Swap ham and salami for cooked chicken, sausage, or veggies like peppers and mushrooms. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add spices to suit your taste.