Easy Stromboli is a fun and tasty twist on classic pizza, rolled up with lots of melty cheese, savory meats, and your favorite veggies all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. It’s a bit like a pizza sandwich, but way more exciting and super simple to make at home.
I love making stromboli because it feels like such a treat but doesn’t take forever to put together. My favorite tip is to layer the fillings evenly and not overstuff it, so every bite has just the right balance of gooey cheese, flavorful toppings, and flaky crust. Plus, it’s great for using up leftovers in your fridge!
When I serve stromboli, I like to slice it into pinwheels for easy sharing at parties or family dinners. It’s always a hit, especially with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend hangout, this easy stromboli brings everyone to the table and makes meal time fun and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian bread or pizza dough: Using pizza dough gives a soft crust, while Italian bread makes it more like a sandwich roll. If you want gluten-free, try gluten-free dough or a sturdy gluten-free bread.
Marinara or pizza sauce: A good-tasting sauce is important since it adds moisture and flavor. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have it. Tomato-based pasta sauce also works well.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for its melty texture. You can combine shredded and sliced for even melting. If you want a sharper taste, add a little provolone or fontina.
Deli meats: Ham, salami, or pepperoni all work great. Use your favorites or whatever you have on hand. For a vegetarian option, swap meat for sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
Seasonings and toppings: Italian seasoning blends save time by combining herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Parmesan adds a nice crusty finish. Garlic powder gives extra flavor without fresh garlic’s moisture.
How Do You Roll and Seal Stromboli Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling the stromboli tightly helps it hold its shape and keeps the filling inside.
- Make sure your dough or bread is flattened evenly into a rectangle.
- Spread the sauce and toppings evenly but avoid overfilling, which may cause leaks.
- Starting from one edge, roll the dough gently but firmly, tucking in the fillings.
- Pinch the edges and seams well to seal. You can dampen your fingers with water to help the dough stick together better.
- Place the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep it closed while baking.
- Scoring a few slits on top lets steam escape and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil – I like it because it helps prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Rolling pin – makes it easier to roll out the dough evenly into a rectangle.
- Pastry brush – perfect for spreading the garlic and herb mixture evenly over the top.
- Sharp knife or scoring tool – handy for scoring the top to let steam escape and for slicing the stromboli later.
- Mixing bowl – for blending seasonings and oil, which keeps everything organized.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap deli meats for cooked sausage or chicken slices for a different protein option that adds extra flavor.
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers before rolling for extra veggies and color.
- Use a different cheese like provolone or cheddar to shift the flavor profile or add a sharper taste.
- Mix dried herbs into the butter or oil for a more aromatic crust, or sprinkle chili flakes over the top for a spicy kick.
Easy Stromboli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread or pizza dough (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, plus extra for serving
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 6-8 slices of ham or Italian deli meats (such as salami, pepperoni)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This stromboli recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5 minutes for cooling before slicing and serving. In total, plan for roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Roll the Dough or Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. If you are using a loaf of Italian bread, carefully slice it lengthwise to create a flat, rectangular piece. If you’re using pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about ½ inch thick.
2. Add Sauce, Meat, and Cheese:
Spread a thin, even layer of marinara or pizza sauce over your flattened bread or dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, lay the ham or your favorite Italian deli meats evenly over the sauce. Top the meat with mozzarella cheese, either sliced or shredded, making sure it’s spread evenly.
3. Roll, Seal, and Season:
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the bread or dough into a tight log, making sure the filling stays inside. Pinch the edges and seams firmly to seal the stromboli well. Place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a pastry brush to spread this mixture evenly over the top of the stromboli. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for a tasty, crispy crust. If you like, make a few diagonal slits on top with a sharp knife to help steam escape during baking.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and looks crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, easy stromboli!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for the Stromboli?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the dough completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
Can I Make Stromboli Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stromboli and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, brush with the oil and seasoning mixture and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Stromboli?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Customize the Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favorite deli meats, add vegetables like spinach or peppers, or use different cheeses such as provolone or cheddar to suit your taste.
