Stromboli recipe lovers, this one is going to blow you away. Think of it as pizza rolled up into a golden, cheesy loaf packed with ham, salami, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella. I started making this on Friday nights when my kids kept asking for pizza, and now it is our most requested weeknight dinner by a long shot.
The first time I pulled a stromboli out of the oven, the whole house smelled like a pizzeria. There is something about that golden crust, the bubbling cheese peeking through the slits on top, and the smell of garlic and melted mozzarella that just stops everyone in their tracks. It comes together with simple ingredients and takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Serve it with warm marinara for dipping and watch it disappear in minutes. This one is a keeper!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Stromboli
I always keep these ingredients stocked because stromboli nights happen on a whim in our house. I recommend rolling your dough on parchment paper so you can lift it straight onto the baking sheet without it falling apart.
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted — I usually brush this on in two stages for extra richness
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (fresh or jarred both work great)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided into three 1/2 cup portions — my preference is to shred it fresh for better melt
- 12 thin slices ham
- 4 oz Pepper Jack cheese, sliced — I recommend this for a mild kick, but swap for all mozzarella if you prefer
- 15 to 17 salami slices
- 15 slices pepperoni
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce, for dipping — in my experience, warm marinara makes all the difference
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend rolling your dough on parchment paper right from the start since it makes transferring to the oven nearly foolproof and saves a lot of stress.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper and roll your pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 by 14 inches.
Step 2: Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with minced garlic.
Step 3: Sprinkle the first 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the dough, leaving a 1 to 2 inch border along one long edge and both short ends. Layer on the ham, then the Pepper Jack slices, then the salami.
Step 4: Sprinkle the second 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the salami. Add the pepperoni, then the final 1/2 cup of mozzarella. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Step 5: Brush the three exposed edges with egg wash. Starting from the long edge that did not get egg wash, roll the stromboli tightly like a cinnamon roll. Seal the seam with wet fingertips and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet. Fold and press the ends under with wet fingers to seal.
Step 6: Brush the outside with melted butter or remaining egg wash. Sprinkle with Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut shallow diagonal slits across the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top and bottom are deep golden brown.
Step 7: Let rest for a few minutes before slicing into 8 to 10 rounds. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Perfect Pairings for Your Stromboli Dinner
The best sides for stromboli balance its rich, cheesy filling with something fresh, light, or crunchy. Here are some crowd-pleasing options that work beautifully:
Italian Meatballs: Serve these alongside your stromboli for a full Italian-inspired dinner spread. They share the same marinara dipping sauce and make the meal feel extra hearty and satisfying.
Mushroom Spinach Lasagna: This makes a great vegetable-forward companion dish when you are feeding a larger crowd and want a complete Italian dinner table.
Cold Pasta Salad: A cool, tangy pasta salad is one of the best sides for stromboli at a party or potluck. It contrasts the warm, cheesy loaf beautifully and can be made ahead of time.
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks: Double down on the cheesy Italian theme with pull-apart breadsticks for a dinner party or game-day spread. Kids go absolutely crazy for this combo.
Easy Vegetable Soup: A light, brothy vegetable soup rounds out the richness of the stromboli and adds a warm, nourishing element to the meal on cooler evenings.
Light Mediterranean Couscous Salad: Fresh herbs, lemon, and vegetables in this salad cut right through the richness of the meat and cheese, making it a smart and refreshing pairing.
How to Store and Reheat Stromboli
Leftover stromboli keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes so the crust crisps back up nicely. Individual slices can go in the microwave for a quick reheat, but the edges will be softer. An air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes also works really well for getting that golden crust back.
Pro tip: stromboli makes a fantastic next-day lunch. Slice it cold and pack it just like a sandwich. The flavors actually get even better after a night in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this stromboli recipe?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves a lot of time. Look for fresh dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or grab it from your local pizza shop. Let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling so it stretches more easily.
How do I keep my stromboli from unrolling in the oven?
Roll it as tightly as you can and seal the seam firmly with wet fingertips. Place it seam-side down on the baking sheet so gravity helps hold it together. Scoring the top with diagonal slits also helps it bake evenly without cracking or bursting open.
Can I customize the fillings in this stromboli recipe?
Absolutely. The fillings are as flexible as pizza toppings. Try swapping in cooked sausage, roasted red peppers, black olives, or mushrooms. Just avoid overly wet fillings since too much moisture can make the dough soggy. Pat any wet ingredients dry before layering.
Conclusion
This stromboli recipe is one of those dinners that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to pull off. Whether you are making it for a quick family dinner or setting it out as a party appetizer, it always gets rave reviews. Roll it up, bake it golden, and serve it with warm marinara. Your family is going to love every bite!
The Best Stromboli Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper and roll pizza dough into a 12 by 14 inch rectangle.
- Brush the dough surface with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with minced garlic.
- Sprinkle the first 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the dough, leaving a 1 to 2 inch border along one long edge and both short ends. Layer on ham, Pepper Jack cheese slices, then salami.
- Sprinkle the second 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the salami. Add pepperoni, then the final 1/2 cup of mozzarella. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Brush the three exposed edges with egg wash. Starting from the long edge without egg wash, roll tightly like a cinnamon roll. Seal the seam with wet fingertips and place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Press and tuck the ends under to seal.
- Brush outside with remaining melted butter or egg wash. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Score the top with shallow diagonal slits using a sharp serrated knife.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes until the top and bottom are deep golden brown.
- Let rest a few minutes, then slice into 8 to 10 rounds. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
