Stromboli Recipe

Stromboli is a classic Italian-American baked dish that brings together pizza dough, savory fillings, and melty cheese in a beautifully rolled loaf.

Crispy on the outside and warm, cheesy, and flavorful on the inside, stromboli is perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual weekend meals.

Unlike pizza, stromboli is rolled and baked as a log, making it easy to slice and serve.

This recipe walks you through everything you need to know to make a perfect homemade stromboli from scratch.

Stromboli is made using pizza dough that is rolled flat, layered with meats, cheeses, and vegetables, then tightly rolled and baked until golden brown.

The result is a soft, chewy interior with gooey cheese and a crisp, slightly crunchy crust.

What makes stromboli special is its versatility—you can customize the fillings to suit your taste, from classic pepperoni and mozzarella to vegetarian or chicken-based options. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for sharing.

Ingredients

For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):

1 pizza dough ball (homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Filling:

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sliced pepperoni or salami
½ cup cooked sausage (optional)
¼ cup sliced bell peppers
¼ cup sliced onions
¼ cup sliced black olives

For Topping:

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.

Make sure the dough is evenly rolled so it bakes uniformly.

Brush the surface lightly with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the dough.

Step 2: Add the Fillings

Begin layering the fillings, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Start with mozzarella cheese, followed by pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, and olives.

Avoid overfilling, as this can cause the stromboli to burst while baking.

Step 3: Roll the Stromboli

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, tucking in the fillings as you go. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal. Place the stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash and Seasoning

Brush the top with beaten egg to achieve a golden crust. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and dried oregano on top.

Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the stromboli for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.

Different Variations

Classic Italian Stromboli

Use mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni, salami, and ham for a traditional deli-style flavor. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Chicken Stromboli

Replace cured meats with cooked chicken, cheddar or mozzarella cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers. A light spread of ranch or garlic sauce adds extra flavor.

Vegetarian Stromboli

Fill the dough with mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, olives, and plenty of cheese. This version is lighter but still packed with flavor.

Best Sauces to Serve with Stromboli

Stromboli pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces.

Classic marinara is the most popular choice, but garlic butter, creamy ranch, or spicy arrabbiata sauce also work well.

Serving a sauce on the side enhances flavor without making the stromboli soggy.

Tips for the Perfect Stromboli

Do not overload the filling to prevent leaking
Seal the edges tightly for a neat roll
Let the stromboli rest before slicing
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded

How to Store and Reheat Stromboli

Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispness.

Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soft.

Conclusion

This homemade stromboli recipe is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to customize and simple to prepare.

With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and endless filling options, stromboli is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or special gatherings.

Once you master the basic technique, you’ll find yourself making this versatile recipe again and again.

Stromboli Recipe