If you’ve never had homemade Stromboli, you’re in for a treat. Imagine all your favorite pizza toppings—savory meats, gooey cheese, and flavorful veggies—wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. It’s the ultimate Italian Stromboli recipe that’s easier to make than you think.
Check out this classic Italian Stromboli Recipe here
What is Stromboli?
Think of Stromboli recipes as a hybrid between a pizza and a burrito. Originating from Italian-American cuisine, it’s rolled like a log, baked until crispy, and sliced into perfect bite-sized pieces. Unlike a calzone, which is folded over, Stromboli is rolled up, allowing layers of ingredients to blend deliciously.
Why You’ll Love This Stromboli Recipe Easy Version
You don’t need to be a chef to make homemade Stromboli. This recipe is simple, quick, and completely customizable. Whether you love classic pepperoni, a fully loaded meat lovers’ version, or a veggie-packed option, Stromboli is the ultimate Italian dish to satisfy every craving.
Pair it with this Italian Pizza Dough Recipe for the perfect homemade crust
Ingredients for the Perfect Homemade Stromboli
To make the best Stromboli recipe easy, you’ll need:
- Dough – Store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- Meat – Pepperoni, salami, ham, or cooked sausage
- Cheese – Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan
- Vegetables – Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives
- Sauce – Pizza sauce, marinara, or even Alfredo
- Egg wash – For a golden crust
- Seasonings – Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes
Choosing the Right Dough
A great homemade Stromboli starts with the right dough. While store-bought works in a pinch, nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade dough. If you’re up for it, try this authentic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe for an extra crispy, airy crust.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Stromboli
1. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 10×15 inches. Don’t stress about getting the perfect shape—just aim for a general rectangle to make rolling easier.
2. Spread the Sauce
Use a thin, even layer of pizza sauce or marinara. Too much sauce will make the dough soggy, so resist the urge to overdo it.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Start with half the cheese, then add your meats, followed by any veggies. Top with the remaining cheese to help everything hold together when rolling.
4. Roll and Seal
Carefully roll from the long side, tucking the edges as you go. Pinch the seams closed and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush with an egg wash for a golden crust.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing—it’s worth the wait!
Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Stromboli
- Avoid a soggy Stromboli by cooking any watery vegetables beforehand.
- Rest your dough if it keeps springing back when rolling.
- Seal the edges tightly to prevent the fillings from oozing out.
Pair this with a homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe for the ultimate Italian feast
Different Stromboli Variations
Meat Lover’s Stromboli
Pile on the pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham for a hearty feast.
Veggie Stromboli
Use mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, and olives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
BBQ Chicken Stromboli
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add grilled chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese.
What’s the Difference Between Stromboli and Calzone?
Both use pizza dough, but a calzone is folded over and sealed like a half-moon, while Stromboli recipes are rolled up like a log. The difference affects texture, with Stromboli offering more crispy, layered bites.
Can I Make Homemade Stromboli Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble your Stromboli up to a day in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Need another Italian dish? Try this Italian Lasagna al Forno Recipe!
Storing & Reheating Stromboli
- Fridge: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry for a crispy texture.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Homemade Stromboli
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Garlic butter sauce for extra flavor
- Crisp side salad to balance out the richness
Pair it with these Italian Eggplant Recipes for a full meal
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Stromboli Recipes
Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely! It will make your homemade Stromboli taste even better.
Can I freeze unbaked Stromboli?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 30 minutes.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is a must, but provolone and Parmesan add extra flavor.
Can I make Stromboli without sauce?
Yes, but it may taste dry. Try brushing the inside with garlic butter instead.
Why did my Stromboli burst open?
It wasn’t sealed well enough. Pinch the edges tightly and cut slits on top to release steam.
Homemade Stromboli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup provolone cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup salami thinly sliced
- ½ cup cooked sausage crumbled
- ½ cup bell peppers diced
- ½ cup onions diced
- ½ cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10×15-inch rectangle.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and provolone cheese over the sauce.
- Layer pepperoni, salami, cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Add remaining cheese and season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log, tucking in the edges as you go.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush with the egg wash.
- Cut small slits on top to release steam. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, brush the crust with garlic butter before baking.
- Use any of your favorite pizza toppings—get creative!
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes before rolling if it’s too elastic.
- To store, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
The Best Homemade Stromboli Recipe
There’s nothing better than a homemade Stromboli packed with melty cheese, savory meats, and fresh vegetables. It’s easy, satisfying, and customizable to fit your favorite flavors. Whether you’re a pizza lover or just looking for a fun Italian dish to try, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
For more Italian recipes, check out this Classic Italian Stromboli Recipe
