Pepperoni Stromboli
A golden-baked crust wrapped around layers of spicy pepperoni, provolone, and gooey mozzarella. This easy stromboli is the ultimate party food or a fun family dinner, ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Oven and Dough
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- c.On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the room-temperature pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 10x14 inches and about 1/4-inch thick.
- d.Carefully transfer the dough rectangle to the prepared baking sheet.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Layer the Fillings
- b.Leaving a 1-inch border on all sides, sprinkle the dough evenly with the garlic powder and half of the Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp).
- c.Arrange the provolone slices in a single layer over the seasoned dough.
- d.Distribute the pepperoni slices evenly over the provolone, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Roll and Seal the Stromboli
- b.Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough up into a log, like a jelly roll.
- c.Pinch the seam firmly along the entire length to seal it completely. Tuck the ends under the log and pinch them closed to prevent any filling from leaking out.
- d.Position the stromboli on the baking sheet with the seam-side facing down.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare for Baking
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash.
- c.Brush the egg wash evenly over the top and sides of the stromboli log. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color.
- d.Using a sharp knife, cut 4-5 diagonal slits across the top of the dough, about 1-inch deep, to allow steam to vent during baking.
- e.Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake to Perfection
- b.Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- c.The stromboli is done when the crust is a deep golden brown, and you can see the cheese is melted and bubbly through the vents.
- d.If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with a piece of aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the cheese to set, ensuring clean slices.
- c.Using a serrated knife, cut the stromboli into 8 thick slices.
- d.Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use room temperature pizza dough. It's much easier to stretch and roll without shrinking back.
- 2Don't overfill the stromboli, as it can cause the dough to tear and the filling to leak out during baking.
- 3Ensure you seal the seams and ends very well. A little water on your fingertips can help create a stronger seal.
- 4Low-moisture mozzarella is key. Fresh mozzarella will release too much water and make the dough soggy.
- 5The slits on top are crucial for allowing steam to vent, preventing the stromboli from becoming hollow or bursting.
- 6Letting the stromboli rest before slicing is important. It allows the cheese to set, so you get clean slices instead of a melted mess.
- 7For an extra crispy bottom, preheat your baking sheet in the oven before placing the stromboli on it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the pepperoni with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and well-drained spinach. Add a layer of ricotta for extra creaminess.
Meat Lover'sMeat Lover's
In addition to pepperoni, add layers of cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, crispy bacon, or thinly sliced ham.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Sprinkle a generous pinch of red pepper flakes over the cheese layers or add a layer of spicy salami or hot giardiniera for extra heat.
Chicken Bacon RanchChicken Bacon Ranch
Use cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle with ranch dressing before rolling and serve with extra ranch for dipping.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The combination of pepperoni and cheese provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
Mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses are excellent sources of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Provides Energy
The carbohydrates from the pizza dough serve as a primary source of energy, fueling your body and brain for daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
Pepperoni Stromboli is an indulgent dish that is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium due to the cheese and processed meat. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a treat within a balanced diet.