Italian Stromboli

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

Layer meats and cheese on pizza dough, roll up, brush with garlic butter, and bake until golden. Perfect for dinner or parties.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:38:29 GMT
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Italian Stromboli | kitchenscroll.com

A classic Italian Stromboli transforms simple pizza dough into an impressive rolled feast filled with savory meats, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs. This versatile recipe creates a golden-brown masterpiece that's perfect for everything from casual family dinners to elegant entertaining.

The first time I served this at a family gathering, watching everyone's faces light up as they bit into the crispy exterior to discover the melted cheese and savory meats inside made all the careful rolling worth it.

Perfect Ingredient Selection

  • Pizza dough: Fresh or quality store-bought creates ideal texture
  • Deli meats: Layer premium cuts for best flavor
  • Italian cheeses: Choose whole milk varieties for optimal melting
  • Fresh herbs: Enhance both appearance and taste
  • Garlic butter: Creates irresistible golden crust

Creating Your Stromboli

Dough Preparation:
Stretch dough to proper thickness. Ensure even rectangular shape. Check for any thin spots. Rest dough if needed.
Filling Assembly:
Layer meats evenly. Distribute cheese thoroughly. Add fresh herbs strategically. Leave borders clean.
Rolling Technique:
Start from long edge. Roll firmly but gently. Seal edges completely. Score top carefully.
Final Touches:
Brush with garlic butter. Create steam vents. Position seam-side down. Monitor baking carefully.
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Italian Stromboli Recipe | kitchenscroll.com

My Italian grandmother taught me to brush the edges with egg wash before sealing - it creates an absolutely perfect seal every time.

Serving Suggestions

Present sliced on a rustic wooden board with fresh basil garnish. Serve alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping and a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

Creative Variations

Transform this recipe using different combinations of meats and cheeses, add sautéed vegetables, or create a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and bacon. Experiment with pesto or sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.

Storage Success

Keep leftovers wrapped tightly in foil for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through for best results. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispy texture.

This Stromboli has become my signature party dish - it never fails to impress and brings people together around the table. The combination of crispy crust and melted filling creates those perfect moments of shared culinary joy that make cooking so rewarding.

Close-up Italian Stromboli Save
Close-up Italian Stromboli | kitchenscroll.com

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use different meats?
Yes! Try other Italian deli meats like prosciutto, mortadella, or capicola.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover well, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
→ Why do I need to score the top?
Scoring allows steam to escape while baking, preventing the stromboli from bursting.
→ Can I freeze this?
Yes, wrap well and freeze before baking. Thaw completely before baking.
→ What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara is classic, but try ranch, garlic butter, or pizza sauce too.

Easy Italian Stromboli

A rolled pizza filled with layers of ham, salami, pepperoni, and cheese, topped with garlic butter for the perfect golden crust.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Total Time Required
35 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Recipe Output: 6 Number of Servings (1 stromboli)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

→ Dough and Meats

Contains 01 items 1 tube Pillsbury pizza crust
Contains 02 items 8 slices deli ham
Contains 03 items 10 slices Genoa salami
Contains 04 items 12 slices sandwich pepperoni

→ Cheese and Toppings

Contains 05 items 8 slices provolone cheese or mozzarella
Contains 06 items 2 tablespoons butter
Contains 07 items 2 cloves garlic, minced
Contains 08 items 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
Contains 09 items 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven according to pizza crust package. Mix melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese

Step 02

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Stretch pizza crust to nearly fill the sheet

Step 03

Layer ham, salami, pepperoni, and cheese on the dough

Step 04

Roll dough lengthwise, seal the seam and ends well. Score top with serrated knife for steam vents

Step 05

Brush with garlic butter mixture. Bake according to package instructions until golden brown

Important Tips

  1. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping

Essential Tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Serrated knife
  • Pastry brush

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains wheat