Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is an irresistible Italian-American classic, featuring golden-brown pizza dough wrapped around layers of gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and savory Parmesan. It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing snack or main course for pizza lovers, ready in under an hour with minimal prep and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Stromboli
- 1 pound (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, warmed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- Prepare the Dough – On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 12×8 inches. Try to keep the thickness even for uniform baking.
- Add the Fillings – Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese, then sprinkle with the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Roll the Stromboli – Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams and ends to seal the filling inside. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush and Score – Whisk the egg and brush it over the surface of the stromboli for a golden finish. Slice several shallow slits on top to allow steam to escape as it bakes. Alternatively, brush with olive oil for a crispier crust.
- Bake – Transfer the stromboli to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Slice and Serve – Let the stromboli rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding sautéed vegetables, cooked sausage, or different cheeses.
- Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or your favorite homemade recipe.
- Letting the stromboli rest after baking helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven for best texture.