I am genuinely excited to share this Italian Stromboli Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that makes every weeknight feel like a celebration. When I first tried this, the combination of melty mozzarella, savory deli meats, and that perfectly golden crust blew me away-it s like pizza, but wrapped up and so much fun to slice and serve. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe always gets compliments and empty plates.

You ll find that this Italian Stromboli Recipe is incredibly forgiving and customizable, which is a huge bonus if you like experimenting or catering to picky eaters. Plus, it’s straightforward to make and doesn t demand tons of fancy ingredients, making it perfect for a flavorful meal without stress. Trust me, once you make this, it ll become one of your go-to comfort foods as it has for me and my family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and deli meats you likely already have on hand.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing with family and friends – everyone goes crazy for it!
  • Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
  • Customizable Flavors: Swap meats, cheeses, or seasonings easily to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, giving you that classic Italian Stromboli flavor. I always recommend grabbing a good quality pizza crust and fresh deli meats to keep it tasting authentic and delicious.

  • Refrigerated Pizza Crust: A convenient base that ensures a crispy yet chewy crust every time.
  • Pizza Sauce: Adds the classic tangy base layer-choose your favorite jarred brand or homemade if you re feeling ambitious.
  • Deli Ham: Offers a mild, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the other meats.
  • Deli Salami: Gives a nice spicy kick and texture contrast.
  • Deli Pepperoni: A pizza favorite that crisps up nicely during baking.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: This melty cheese makes the Stromboli irresistibly gooey and satisfying.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings that signature herbaceous note to the filling.
  • Butter (melted): Brushing this on top creates a golden, flavorful crust.
  • Garlic Powder: A subtle boost that complements the rich meats and cheese.
  • Dried Parsley: Adds a fresh, colorful garnish for the final touch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love switching up the fillings depending on what s in my fridge or what my family s into that day. The great thing is that Italian Stromboli Recipe is a blank canvas, so you can get creative and make it your own.

  • Vegetarian Variation: I ve swapped out all the meats for roasted veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach-still packed with flavor!
  • Spicy Kick: Adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling gave it a delicious heat that my husband can t resist.
  • Cheese Mix: Mixing mozzarella with provolone or even a little parmesan on top is how I like to add a richer cheese flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Using a gluten-free pizza crust makes this friendly for gluten-sensitive friends without compromising taste.

How to Make Italian Stromboli Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Roll out your refrigerated pizza crust right onto the sheet, then brush it generously with about 1/4 cup of pizza sauce. This sauce layer isn’t just for moisture but also adds that vibrant tomato flavor throughout.

Step 2: Build Your Layers of Goodness

Now comes the fun part-layering! Start with a layer of thinly sliced ham, then sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over it. Repeat with salami and cheese, followed by pepperoni and a final layer of cheese. Don t forget to sprinkle on the Italian seasoning to infuse those classic flavors that make this Stromboli so authentic.

Step 3: Roll, Seal, and Prep for Baking

Carefully roll the crust up like a jelly roll, making sure you tuck the sides under and pinch all the seams tightly so none of the cheese or meats leak out while baking. Brush the entire top with melted butter for that beautiful golden color and sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley on top. Don t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust-this helps keep steam from building up and making your crust soggy.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. I watch carefully towards the end because every oven bakes a little differently. Once it s done, let your Stromboli rest for 5 minutes before slicing – this step is a game-changer to help the cheese set and keeps everything neat and tidy when you cut into it.

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Pro Tips for Making Italian Stromboli Recipe

  • Pinch Those Seams Well: If you skip this step, you ll end up with melted cheese oozing everywhere-take the time to seal it tight.
  • Don t Overload the Filling: I learned the hard way that too much filling makes rolling tricky and the Stromboli messy.
  • Use Melted Butter on Top: It creates that gorgeous golden crust and helps your garlic powder and parsley stick beautifully.
  • Let It Rest Before Slicing: Cutting right out of the oven leads to a gooey mess; resting firms up the filling for perfect slices.

How to Serve Italian Stromboli Recipe

A white round plate holds six folded sandwich pieces arranged in a circle around a small white bowl filled with thick red marinara sauce topped with a sprinkle of white cheese. Each sandwich piece has a golden brown crispy crust with a light sprinkling of green herbs and visible layers inside that include melted white cheese, bright red pepperoni slices, and a glossy layer of red sauce. In the top right, a woman's hand with purple nail polish is dipping one sandwich piece into the sauce. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra dried parsley on top just before serving for a fresh pop of color. Sometimes I like tossing on a bit of grated Parmesan right after baking, too-it adds a nice sharp finish that everyone notices. And of course, a small bowl of warmed pizza sauce on the side makes every bite even better for dipping.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or some roasted garlic broccoli. These lighter veggies balance out the rich, cheesy Stromboli perfectly. Sometimes, I even serve it alongside a cup of minestrone soup when I want a cozy Italian-inspired meal night.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I cut the Stromboli into neat bite-sized pinwheels, which always disappear fast. One holiday, I even shaped the dough into a wreath before baking and arranged the meats and cheese beautifully-everyone loved the festive twist! Presentation can be as casual or fancy as you want.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I ve found that storing them this way preserves the crust s texture fairly well and keeps the filling flavorful. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing Stromboli is a total lifesaver. I let it cool, slice it if I want smaller portions, and then wrap each piece and freeze. When I m ready, I reheat directly from frozen with great results-perfect for busy nights when I want dinner ready in minutes.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes-it keeps the crust crispy and melts the cheese just right. Microwaving tends to make the crust a bit soggy, so I avoid that when possible. Pro tip: Cover loosely with foil if the top is browning too fast while reheating.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Italian Stromboli Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare your Stromboli, assemble it, and then refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, bake it ahead of time and reheat leftovers when ready to serve.

  2. What can I use instead of refrigerated pizza crust?

    If you prefer, homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a fresh touch. Alternatively, store-bought pre-rolled pizza dough is a great option and can be found in most grocery stores.

  3. How do I avoid sogginess in Italian Stromboli Recipe?

    Brushing the crust with melted butter and ensuring you cut slits on top helps steam escape, preventing sogginess. Also, don t overload with sauce or fillings, which can make the interior too moist.

  4. Can I substitute different meats or make this vegetarian?

    Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap meats with your favorites or use vegetables and extra cheese for a delightful vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Stromboli Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it combines ease, flavor, and that comforting homemade touch all in one. I encourage you to make it your own and share it with people you love-it’s such a satisfying dish that s bound to bring smiles around the table. Try it out this week, and I promise you ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

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Italian Stromboli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Italian Stromboli recipe features a delicious combination of ham, salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza crust. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, this baked stromboli is great for a family meal or party appetizer, served with warm pizza sauce for dipping.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Crust and Sauce

  • 1 Refrigerated Pizza Crust about 13 oz
  • 1 Jar of Pizza Sauce (approximately 1 cup)

Meats

  • 1/4 lb Thinly Sliced Deli Ham
  • 1/4 lb Sliced Deli Salami
  • 1/4 lb Sliced Deli Pepperoni

Cheese and Seasonings

  • 3 cups Grated Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Butter, melted
  • Garlic Powder, to taste
  • Dried Parsley, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is hot enough for a crispy stromboli crust.
  2. Prepare crust: Roll the refrigerated pizza crust out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the crust evenly with 1/4 cup of pizza sauce to infuse flavor and prevent dryness.
  3. Layer toppings: Start by adding a layer of thinly sliced ham on top of the sauce, then sprinkle 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese over the ham. Repeat with a layer of salami followed by cheese, then a layer of pepperoni and cheese on top. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning evenly over the layers for added herb flavor.
  4. Roll and seal: Carefully roll the crust over the layered ingredients to form a log. Pinch all the seams firmly closed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  5. Add finishing touches: Brush the melted butter all over the top of the rolled stromboli. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley generously on top for aroma and taste. Cut several slits across the top to allow steam to escape while baking.
  6. Bake: Place the stromboli in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set for easier slicing. Slice into portions and serve warm with extra warmed pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • This recipe is highly customizable; feel free to substitute or add any toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or different types of cheese.
  • Use a pizza stone if available for an even crispier crust.
  • Allowing the stromboli to rest before slicing helps prevent the cheese from oozing out excessively.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of stromboli)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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