Golden, crisp dough wrapped tightly around savory layers of salty meats and gooey cheese pulls apart with every bite. This Italian stromboli recipe has become a Friday night staple in our house because it delivers all the satisfaction of a pizzeria visit without the delivery fee. I love watching Ethan try to sneak a piece of pepperoni while we assemble it, reminding me that the best meals are the ones we build together. It's a simple, comforting dinner that requires minimal prep but feels incredibly special when pulled fresh from the oven, just like a classic homemade stromboli recipe.
Why You'll Love This
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use store-bought dough for a quick meal or your own homemade version if you have time. The Italian stromboli cooks faster than a deep-dish pizza but offers that same satisfying ratio of crust to filling. Plus, it serves as an excellent Italian bread pizza alternative that is less messy to eat and perfect for dipping.
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Ingredients
You only need a handful of items to create this impressive dish, making it a budget-friendly option for family dinners. Using Italian stromboli with pizza dough from the grocery store saves hours of prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredients and step-by-step directions.
Main Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade works equally well; just ensure it is at room temperature for easy rolling.
- Pepperoni: Deli-sliced pepperoni provides a better texture and flavor coverage than the small bagged rounds.
- Capicola: This Italian cured meat adds a distinct, slightly spicy richness that pairs perfectly with the mild cheese.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts evenly and creates that classic cheesy pull.
- Pizza Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder brings the filling to life.
Optional Extras
If you want to customize your filling, sautéed bell peppers or onions add a nice sweetness and crunch. You can also brush the top with garlic butter instead of an egg wash for a richer, more savory pizza crust stromboli finish.
How to Make Italian Stromboli (Step-by-Step)
This method ensures a crisp crust and a hot, melted center without any sogginess, making easy stromboli with pizza dough achievable for any home cook.
Prep Surface
Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly dust a large flat surface and rolling pin with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures the dough rolls out smoothly without tearing.
Roll Dough
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 8x13 inches in size. Aim for an even thickness so the Italian stromboli cooks uniformly from end to end.
Layer Fillings
Layer the pepperoni over the dough, followed by one-third of the cheese, then the capicola, and finally the remaining cheese. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of pizza seasoning plus a pinch of salt and pepper over the filling to enhance the savory flavors.
Roll and Seal
Roll the dough up tightly jelly-roll style, starting from the long edge.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out? Tucking the ends over and pinching the seams closed tightly ensures the melted cheese stays inside during baking.
Finish
Transfer the roll to a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray, placing it seam-side down. Brush with the egg wash (if using) and sprinkle with the remaining pizza seasoning for a golden, herb-crusted finish.
Bake
Bake for about 20 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Tips
Achieving the perfect Italian stromboli is all about moisture control and the tightness of your roll.
Use room temp dough → makes rolling much easier → feel the dough stretch without snapping back like a pizza dough stromboli.
Avoid wet ingredients → prevents a soggy bottom → look for a crisp, dry lower crust.
Don't roll too thin → keeps the filling contained → notice a sturdy outer shell that doesn't burst.
Score the top gently → allows steam to escape → watch for a smooth surface without large air bubbles.
Let it rest before cutting → keeps the cheese inside the slice → observe clean layers rather than a messy spill.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
There are endless ways to switch up this recipe based on what you have in your fridge. You can swap the red meats for turkey and ham, or create a meat and veggie stromboli by adding spinach and mushrooms. For a breakfast twist, try filling it with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar cheese for a hearty morning meal.
Storage
Wrap leftovers tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispy texture better than a microwave, ensuring your homemade stromboli dinner tastes just as good the next day.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, which adds a bright acidity to cut through the rich meat and cheese. A crisp Caesar salad or a side of roasted garlic broccoli rounds out the meal perfectly, turning this simple pizza stromboli recipe easy into a balanced family feast.
FAQs
What is the difference between stromboli and a calzone?
A stromboli is rolled like a burrito or jelly roll, creating layers of dough and filling inside, whereas a calzone recipe easy is typically folded in half like a taco and crimped at the edges.
Why is my stromboli doughy in the middle?
This usually happens if the dough is rolled too thick or the oven temperature is too high, cooking the outside before the inside. Ensure you roll it out to the specified dimensions and check for that golden color.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap so the dough doesn't dry out.
Can I use puff pastry instead?
While traditional stromboli uses yeast dough, puff pastry can be used for a flaky, lighter version. However, it will have a different texture and flavor profile than the classic pizza dough version.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy this hearty Italian stromboli, you will love these other family-friendly dinner ideas that are just as satisfying as a homemade pizza stromboli.
Whipped this up already? Show it off on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your version might inspire someone!
Easy Italian Stromboli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly dust a large flat surface and rolling pin with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures the dough rolls out smoothly without tearing.
- Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 8x13 inches in size. Aim for an even thickness so the Italian stromboli cooks uniformly from end to end.
- Layer the pepperoni over the dough, followed by one-third of the cheese, then the capicola, and finally the remaining cheese. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of pizza seasoning plus a pinch of salt and pepper over the filling to enhance the savory flavors.
- Roll the dough up tightly jelly-roll style, starting from the long edge. Tucking the ends over and pinching the seams closed tightly ensures the melted cheese stays inside during baking.
- Transfer the roll to a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray, placing it seam-side down. Brush with the egg wash (if using) and sprinkle with the remaining pizza seasoning for a golden, herb-crusted finish.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Easy Italian Stromboli Recipe:
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