Zesty Homemade Cheesy Italian Stromboli Recipe for All to Enjoy

Tucked away in the heart of Italian cuisine, a mouthwatering stromboli recipe promises pure culinary delight.

Rolled dough packed with savory meats and melted cheeses creates an irresistible meal that speaks to comfort and tradition.

This classic Italian-American favorite brings layers of flavor in every single bite.

The stromboli blends crispy exterior with a soft, warm interior that melts in your mouth.

Cheese and salami intertwine, creating a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Packed with protein and bursting with authentic flavors, this dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

You’ll want to slice this golden-brown masterpiece and watch as steam and cheese ooze out, inviting everyone to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Bring Italian Stromboli to Life

• Flour: Essential for creating the stromboli's foundational structure, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture.
• Yeast: Providesal rising power, ensuring a light and fluffy bread texture, select fresh active dry yeast for optimal results.
• Sugar: Helps activate yeast and adds subtle sweetness, use granulated white sugar.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and strengthens gluten development, use fine sea salt.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps bind ingredients, use filtered water at precise lukewarm temperature.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and softens dough, select extra virgin olive oil for authentic Italian flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy melting texture, choose fresh whole milk mozzarella for best stretch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor, select freshly grated authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Marinara Sauce: Creates moisture and tangy base, use homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce.
• Italian Herbs: Elevates overall flavor profile, mix fresh or dried basil and oregano.
• Deli Meats: Adds protein and savory depth, select high-quality pepperoni or salami.

• Egg: Creates golden brown glossy exterior when brushed, use fresh large egg.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides aromatic herbal notes, choose blend with oregano, basil, and thyme.

Tools for Rolling and Baking Italian Stromboli at Home

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and kneading dough ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for flour, sugar, salt, and other ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
• Rolling pin: Helps flatten and shape the dough into a rectangle.
• Pastry brush: Used to apply beaten egg wash on top of stromboli.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing the stromboli into serving pieces.
• Kitchen towel: Covers dough during rising process to maintain moisture.
• Cutting board: Provides surface for rolling and preparing ingredients.

How to Stuff and Cook a Golden Italian Stromboli

• Whip Up the Dough

Create a soft, stretchy dough by mixing flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in warm water and olive oil, blending until a cohesive mixture forms. Knead the dough on a dusty surface for 5-7 minutes until silky smooth. Let the dough rest in a greased bowl, covered, for an hour until it doubles in size.

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Shape and Prep

Gently deflate the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangular canvas, spreading a light layer of marinara sauce, leaving a border around the edges.

• Layer the Goodies

Scatter mozzarella and Parmesan across the sauce. Arrange your favorite meats evenly, then sprinkle remaining cheese and fragrant herbs.

• Roll and Seal

Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight spiral. Tuck in the sides to lock in the delicious fillings. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg and dust with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest briefly after removing.

• Slice and Serve

Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the flavor explosion!

Tasty Fillings and Additions for Your Homemade Stromboli

• Ensure your water is warm (not hot) when activating yeast to prevent killing the delicate microorganisms, which helps create a perfectly risen, fluffy stromboli.
• Grab store-bought pizza dough if you're short on time, reducing preparation complexity while maintaining delicious flavor profiles.
• Replace traditional wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain proper dough structure and texture for those with dietary restrictions.
• Swap meats with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, creating a hearty plant-based version that's equally satisfying and packed with flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or gouda to add depth and complexity to your stromboli, elevating the traditional recipe with unique taste dimensions.

Serve Italian Stromboli Hot and Melty for Any Meal

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice stromboli into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at gatherings, game nights, or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Picnic Companion: Wrap individual stromboli slices in foil for a portable, delicious lunch option that travels well and stays warm.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside extra marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for guests to customize their flavor experience and enhance the meal's enjoyment.
• Side Dish Upgrade: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, meaty stromboli and create a complete, satisfying meal.

Store Stromboli That Reheats Without Losing Crispness

• Store leftover Stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy exterior and melty cheese. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Completely cool Stromboli before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Assemble the Stromboli up to 24 hours before baking, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow dough to reach room temperature for even cooking.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I use for the Stromboli filling?

You can customize your Stromboli with various deli meats like pepperoni, salami, ham, or prosciutto. Add different cheeses such as provolone or ricotta. Include vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or olives for extra flavor.

• How do I know if my dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and feel soft and puffy when touched. When you gently press the dough with your finger, it should slowly spring back, leaving a small indentation. This indicates the yeast has worked correctly and the dough is ready.

• Can I make the Stromboli ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and fill the Stromboli a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. This helps the dough rise and bake evenly.

• Is it necessary to use a specific type of flour?

Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can also work, which will give a slightly chewier texture. Avoid using cake or pastry flour, as they lack the protein content needed for a good bread dough structure.

Cheesy Italian Stromboli Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory Italian Stromboli rolls layers of zesty meats, melted cheeses, and herbed dough into a hearty meal. Crisp edges and melted fillings promise a delicious adventure that satisfies hungry diners completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (226.8 g) sliced salami
• ½ lb (226.8 g) sliced pepperoni
• ½ lb (226.8 g) sliced ham or prosciutto
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant dry yeast (2 ¼ tsps)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Kneading and Rising: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60-75 minutes.
3. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Dough Rolling and Layering: Roll the dough into a rectangular shape. Spread marinara sauce evenly, leaving a small border. Layer mozzarella, Parmesan, cured meats, additional cheese, and fresh herbs across the surface.
5. Rolling and Sealing: Tightly roll the dough from the longest edge, ensuring fillings are completely enclosed. Seal the edges and position seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Finishing and Baking: Brush the exterior with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Bake for 22-27 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serving: Allow the stromboli to rest briefly, then slice and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Prevent Soggy Dough: Pat down excess moisture from meat and cheese to avoid a wet, soggy interior that compromises the stromboli’s structural integrity.

Knead with Precision: Develop proper gluten formation by kneading consistently – under-kneading creates dense texture, while over-kneading makes the dough tough and chewy.

Temperature Control: Let dough rise in a draft-free zone between 75-85°F for optimal yeast activation and smooth, consistent rising without temperature interruptions.

Sealing Technique: Pinch and fold dough edges meticulously to create a tight seal, preventing filling from leaking during baking and maintaining a clean, professional presentation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg