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If you have been searching for a hearty, flavorful dish to impress friends or just treat yourself, the Classic Stromboli Recipe is the answer. This delightful Italian-inspired rolled pizza bursts with layers of savory salami, ham, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in perfectly golden, flaky dough. It’s like a pizza and a sandwich had the best possible baby—a satisfying, shareable meal that is as fun to make as it is to eat. Once you try this Classic Stromboli Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic with this recipe. Each item is simple but plays a vital role—from the rich, melty mozzarella to the fragrant blend of meats that give this stromboli its irresistible savory punch. Armed with these essentials, you’ll be on your way to stromboli perfection.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your stromboli, its texture determines the final chewiness and crispness.
- Pizza sauce: A tangy layer that adds moisture and classic Italian flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that iconic gooey, stringy texture.
- Salami slices: Adds a slightly spicy, cured meat flavor that complements the other toppings.
- Deli ham slices: Brings a mild, savory sweetness to balance the stronger meats.
- Pepperoni slices: For that classic peppery kick that many stromboli fans love.
- Beaten egg: Used to seal and brush the dough for a shiny, golden crust.
- Garlic powder: Sprinkled on top, it adds a subtle savory depth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty finish to the crust’s exterior.
- Additional pizza sauce for dipping: Elevates each slice with extra saucy goodness.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that livens up the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Classic Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by rolling out your pizza dough at room temperature into a rectangle roughly 12 by 14 inches. Doing this on parchment paper helps with later transfer and cleanup. The dough’s thin, even layer is essential for a reliable roll without breaks or tears, setting the stage for all those delicious fillings.
Step 2: Layer with Sauce and Cheese
Next, spread pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a 2-inch border for sealing. This careful technique ensures you get great flavor without the risk of sauce leaking out. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce for that rich, melty layer everyone loves.
Step 3: Add the Meats
Now comes the fun part: layering the salami, ham, and pepperoni over the cheese. Distribute them evenly for every bite to have a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory meat flavors. This trio is what makes the Classic Stromboli Recipe truly spectacular and satisfying.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Brush the dough edges with beaten egg to help seal your stromboli tightly. Begin rolling from one long edge just like a jelly roll. Once rolled, pinch the edges and tuck them under carefully. This sealing step locks in those wonderful juices and flavors during baking.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Brush the top of your stromboli with the remaining egg wash for a gorgeous golden finish. Sprinkle garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a burst of flavor and an irresistible aroma as it bakes.
Step 6: Score and Bake
Make shallow diagonal cuts every two inches into the top of the stromboli—this allows steam to escape while baking and creates a lovely pattern. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Be sure to check the bottom to ensure your stromboli is perfectly cooked through and not soggy.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once baked, let your stromboli rest for a few minutes—this step helps the cheese set, making slicing much neater. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into 8 to 10 hearty slices. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Classic Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a touch of color and a subtle herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the rich meats and melted cheese. You can also consider a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness.
Side Dishes
Serve your Classic Stromboli Recipe alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a simple tomato basil soup also make fantastic pairings, making it a well-rounded meal perfect for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the stromboli into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange them on a platter with small bowls of pizza sauce and unusual toppings like giardiniera or roasted red peppers for dipping. Alternatively, wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a fun, portable lunch or picnic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover stromboli keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. Reheat gently to keep the crust crisp without drying out the filling.
Freezing
Classic Stromboli Recipe freezes wonderfully either before or after baking. Wrap the assembled roll firmly in plastic and then foil before freezing for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, allow extra time in the oven and keep it covered with foil to avoid over-browning.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust regains its crispiness. Microwaving is quicker but can make the dough chewy, so use it only if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for the Classic Stromboli Recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-made dough works perfectly and saves time. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
What can I substitute for the meats in this recipe?
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the meats with grilled vegetables, mushrooms, or even marinated tofu. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.
Is there a recommended cheese blend besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for a more complex, melty, and flavorful cheese experience.
Can I make the stromboli ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven for more even cooking.
What should I do if my stromboli cracks while rolling?
A few cracks are normal, especially if the dough is cold. Let it warm a bit longer or patch small tears with a bit of dough. Thoroughly sealing the edges with egg wash helps prevent filling from leaking.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Stromboli Recipe is a celebration of comforting, rich flavors wrapped up in a golden, crispy crust. It’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo, and once you master it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get rolling on one of the most delicious meals you’ll create in your kitchen.
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Classic Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Classic Stromboli recipe features a golden, crispy crust filled with layers of savory salami, ham, pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and tangy pizza sauce. Perfectly baked and sliced, it offers a delicious combination of Italian-inspired flavors ideal for a satisfying meal or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Stromboli Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (approximately 12×14 inches)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10–12 slices of salami
- 12 thin slices of deli ham
- 12–13 slices of pepperoni
Topping and Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional pizza sauce for dipping
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Roll the room-temperature pizza dough out into a large rectangle about 12 by 14 inches on parchment paper, then transfer the whole setup onto a baking sheet.
- Spread sauce and cheese: Evenly spread ½ cup of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add the meats: Layer the salami, ham, and pepperoni evenly over the mozzarella cheese.
- Roll and seal: Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg, then roll it up tightly like a jelly roll starting from one long edge. Pinch the edges to seal and tuck the ends underneath the stromboli to secure.
- Apply topping: Brush the entire top of the stromboli with the remaining beaten egg. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Score and bake: Make shallow diagonal cuts every 2 inches on top to vent during baking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bottom is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let the stromboli rest for a few minutes before slicing with a sharp serrated knife into 8-10 slices. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the dough is room temperature to prevent tearing when rolling.
- Seal the edges well to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- You can substitute or add other deli meats or cheeses as desired.
- Letting the stromboli rest after baking helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
- Use a serrated knife to get clean slices without squishing the stromboli.
