Stromboli is a classic, versatile Italian-American dish that can be made with countless fillings and flavors. This cheesy pepperoni stromboli brings together the beloved flavors of melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and a golden, crispy crust, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun family meal, this dish is sure to impress both adults and kids alike. With a simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients, it’s easy to make but delivers a restaurant-quality result. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this stromboli is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying dish that’s both simple and delicious.
The combination of gooey mozzarella cheese, salty pepperoni, and a homemade dough makes for a perfect balance of flavors in each bite. It’s great for sharing, customizable to suit your taste, and can be served with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor. Whether you’re looking to prepare it for a casual dinner or need something to feed a crowd, this cheesy pepperoni stromboli will become a family favorite in no time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the best elements of pizza and a sandwich, all rolled up into one convenient, hand-held meal. The golden, crispy crust and melting cheese are undeniably comforting. Pepperoni adds the right amount of savory richness, and the mozzarella creates a stretchy, gooey experience that everyone enjoys. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings, making it as simple or loaded as you want. Plus, it’s baked to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside while staying tender on the inside. If you love pizza but want a new twist, this stromboli will become your go-to recipe.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Flour
- Yeast
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Warm water
- Sugar
For the Filling:
- Pepperoni slices
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
For the Egg Wash:
- Egg
- Water
Variations
There are several ways you can mix up this cheesy pepperoni stromboli recipe to fit your preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace pepperoni with vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a veggie-packed alternative.
- Cheese Lovers: Add other types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda, for a more robust flavor profile.
- Low-Carb: Use a low-carb pizza dough substitute, like a cauliflower-based crust or almond flour dough, to make a keto-friendly version.
- Spicy: Add some jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling to give your stromboli a spicy kick.
How to Make the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast in warm water with a little sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and yeast mixture in a bowl. Mix until the dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, for about 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, gather all the ingredients for the filling. Shred the mozzarella cheese, grate the Parmesan, and gather your pepperoni slices. You can also mix some Italian seasoning and garlic powder to enhance the flavor of the filling.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 inches by 18 inches.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Evenly distribute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the dough. Add the pepperoni slices, making sure to leave some space around the edges. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top for extra flavor.
Step 5: Roll the Stromboli
Carefully roll the dough from one edge to the other, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling secure. Pinch the edges to seal the stromboli completely.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Place the stromboli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Whisk the egg with a little water to make an egg wash, then brush it on the top of the stromboli for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once baked, allow the stromboli to cool for a few minutes before slicing into thick pieces. Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Tips for Making the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli
- Ensure the dough has plenty of time to rise for a light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t overstuff the stromboli—too much filling can cause it to spill out during baking.
- If you like your crust extra crispy, bake the stromboli for a few extra minutes or brush the bottom with a little olive oil before baking.
- For even cooking, slice the stromboli into smaller pieces before serving.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
How to Serve
Cheesy pepperoni stromboli is best served warm, straight out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch, or even a tangy garlic butter dip. For a complete meal, serve with a side of cooked quinoa, salad, or even roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetizer for a casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. Leftover stromboli will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing
You can also freeze the unbaked stromboli for later use. Simply prepare the stromboli as directed, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake according to the instructions.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover stromboli in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge to rise overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
3. Can I use other meats besides pepperoni?
Absolutely! You can substitute pepperoni with other meats such as sausage, ham, or even cooked chicken.
4. Can I add vegetables to the stromboli?
Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
5. Can I freeze leftover stromboli?
Yes, you can freeze leftover stromboli by wrapping it tightly and storing it for up to 3 months.
6. How do I prevent the stromboli from getting soggy?
Make sure to not overstuff the stromboli and seal the edges well to prevent the filling from spilling out. You can also bake it on a preheated baking sheet for extra crispiness.
7. What’s the best way to slice stromboli?
Use a sharp knife to slice the stromboli into thick, even pieces, allowing the cheese and filling to stay intact.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda.
9. Can I add spices to the dough?
Yes, adding garlic powder, oregano, or basil to the dough will give it extra flavor.
10. Can I make the stromboli without pepperoni?
Yes, you can make a cheese-only stromboli or add other meats like sausage, bacon, or chicken instead of pepperoni.
Conclusion
This cheesy pepperoni stromboli is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. The combination of warm, melty cheese, flavorful pepperoni, and golden, crispy crust is irresistible. Customize it with your favorite fillings, and enjoy it with your choice of dips and sides. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner, party, or just a cozy meal at home, this stromboli is sure to hit the spot.
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PrintCheesy Pepperoni Stromboli
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is an irresistible Italian-American dish featuring a golden, crispy crust filled with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a blend of Italian spices. Perfect for dinner, appetizers, or a casual family meal, this easy-to-make recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s like a pizza wrapped up in a handheld delight!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Flour
- Yeast
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Warm water
- Sugar
For the Filling:
- Pepperoni slices
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, olive oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, shred the mozzarella, grate the Parmesan, and gather your pepperoni slices. In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning and garlic powder to add flavor to the filling.
-
Roll Out the Dough:
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12 inches by 18 inches).
-
Add the Filling:
- Evenly spread shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on the dough. Layer with pepperoni slices and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
-
Roll and Seal the Stromboli:
- Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling inside. Pinch the edges to seal the stromboli securely.
-
Apply the Egg Wash and Bake:
- Place the stromboli on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk the egg and water together, then brush it over the top of the stromboli for a golden finish.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
-
Slice and Serve:
- Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing it into thick pieces. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with other meats like sausage, ham, or chicken.
- To make it extra crispy, brush the bottom of the stromboli with olive oil before baking.
- You can add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for a more customized flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian