Italian Stromboli Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, let me introduce you to Italian Stromboli. This irresistible rolled bread is packed with gooey cheese, flavorful marinara, savory meats, and colorful veggies—all wrapped in golden, crusty pizza dough. It’s a showstopper that brings bold, classic Italian flavors to your table in a way that feels downright cozy and communal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Italian Stromboli is that it comes together with just a handful of accessible ingredients. Each one adds a special pop of flavor, texture, or melty goodness to the finished roll, so make sure you don’t skimp on quality!

• Pizza dough: This is your base—soft, chewy, and magical when baked. You can grab store-bought or use homemade for even more bragging rights.
• Marinara sauce: A classic tomato sauce brings that punchy, tangy flavor, plus moisture for each bite.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create those stretchy, cheesy layers every Italian Stromboli needs.
• Sliced pepperoni or salami: Adds hearty, zesty flavor and a little bit of spice—pick your favorite or use a mix!
• Sliced ham: Savory and slightly sweet, ham lends depth along with great texture.
• Sliced bell peppers: They give crunch, sweetness, and vibrant color, making each slice look and taste incredible.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For salty, nutty flavor that takes things up a notch—don’t hold back!
• Italian seasoning: This aromatic blend ties all the ingredients together and delivers the true taste of Italy.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushing the top before baking gives your Stromboli that irresistible, glossy, golden crust.

How to Make Italian Stromboli

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your work surface and use a rolling pin to shape your pizza dough into a large rectangle. Try aiming for about 12×8 inches—it doesn’t have to be perfect, but the bigger the rectangle, the more fillings you can layer in!

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

Spoon a thin, even layer of marinara sauce across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides to avoid leaks. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously, then evenly distribute the pepperoni or salami, the ham, and the sliced bell peppers for a rainbow effect. Top everything off with a dusting of Parmesan cheese and a healthy pinch of Italian seasoning. These layers are where all the flavor magic happens!

Step 3: Roll the Stromboli

Starting from one of the long sides, gently but tightly roll up the dough into a log. Take your time and try to keep the fillings from spilling out. Once rolled, carefully pinch both the seam and the ends to seal everything in, then place your Italian Stromboli, seam-side down, on a lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Beat the egg and use a pastry brush to coat the top of your Stromboli. This golden touch is what gives it that irresistible color and a bit of sheen. Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is deeply golden and the kitchen smells like a pizza-loving daydream!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Let your Italian Stromboli rest for a minute before slicing; this helps all the cheesy goodness stay inside. Cut it into thick rolls, set out some extra marinara sauce for dipping, and get ready for lots of oohs and aahs at the table!

How to Serve Italian Stromboli

Garnishes

Give your Italian Stromboli a sprinkle of fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a little extra Parmesan right before serving. A little drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of red pepper flakes can also add a finishing touch that makes each bite pop with even more flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this showy loaf with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or keep it classic with a bowl of minestrone or roasted veggies. It also teams up well with baked potato wedges or a bowl of marinated olives for a casual, crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice your Italian Stromboli into bite-sized pieces and skewer each with a festive toothpick. If you’re hosting a game day, offer a dipping trio—think garlic aioli, extra marinara, and pesto. Or arrange slices on a rustic board with fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for an Italian snacking platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Italian Stromboli will keep fresh in the fridge for up to three days, still tasting great even after a night’s rest.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Italian Stromboli! Just make sure it’s completely cool, then wrap the whole (or sliced) Stromboli in plastic wrap followed by foil. It’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, making it a lifesaver on busy days or for last-minute guests.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap your Stromboli and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust gets crispy again. A quick zap in the microwave will work for smaller, individual pieces, but the oven keeps that golden crust intact.

FAQs

Can I customize the fillings in Italian Stromboli?

Absolutely! Italian Stromboli is super versatile—swap out the meats for cooked sausage, add olives or mushrooms, or try roasted veggies for a vegetarian version. The fillings are all about what makes you happy.

Is there a difference between Stromboli and calzone?

Yes! While both are delicious, Italian Stromboli is a rolled loaf that’s sliced into spirals, whereas calzones are folded over like a pocket or turnover. The presentation and texture are distinct, but both are irresistible.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Definitely! Store-bought dough makes the process fast and fuss-free, and you’ll still get all the pillowy, golden goodness you crave. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling for best results.

How do I keep my Stromboli from getting soggy?

The key is not to overload the fillings, especially the sauce—use a thin layer and keep that 1-inch border. Also, letting the baked Italian Stromboli rest for a few minutes before slicing will help keep the crust crisp.

Can I make Italian Stromboli ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate it (covered) up to a day ahead, then bake just before serving. You can also freeze an unbaked Stromboli; bake it straight from the freezer, just add a few more minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Italian Stromboli at home, now’s your chance to wow your family and friends with this warmly satisfying roll. It’s every bit as fun to assemble as it is to eat—and trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds. Happy baking and buon appetito!