Get ready to fall head over heels for the Classic Stromboli Recipe: a bubbling, golden loaf stuffed to the brim with melty cheese, zesty marinara, and your favorite Italian deli meats, all wrapped up in a crispy crust. This classic Italian-American comfort food is pure joy for pizza lovers and sandwich fans alike. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner, prepping for game day, or on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing party snack, this recipe delivers a flavor-packed punch in every slice. Trust me, one bite and you’ll want to make it again (and again)!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true beauty of this Classic Stromboli Recipe lies in its simplicity: every component is easy to find, and each has a vital role—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that irresistible cheesy pull. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your stromboli! Choose homemade or a high-quality store-bought dough for best results—a chewy, crisp crust is key.
- Marinara or pizza sauce: This provides tangy, savory flavor and helps tie the fillings together. Always leave a border for easy sealing.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Nothing beats mozzarella for ooey-gooey meltiness—layer it generously for that signature cheese stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity—don’t skip this flavor booster!
- Sliced pepperoni or salami: The classic choice for spicy, meaty goodness; use your favorite or mix both for extra flavor depth.
- Cooked Italian sausage (optional): For even heartier bites, scatter in sausage crumbles—just make sure it’s fully cooked to avoid adding excess moisture.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings herbaceous notes that make the whole filling sing.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): A gloss of egg gives your stromboli that gorgeous golden sheen after baking.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle on for a burst of color and freshness at the end.
- Olive oil (for brushing): A final swipe after baking adds shine and richness to the crust.
How to Make Classic Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking (and easy cleanup), so you can focus on assembling your personal stromboli masterpiece.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. Aim for an even thickness—it’ll help the stromboli bake uniformly, ensuring crispy edges and a tender interior.
Step 3: Sauce it Up
Spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border all around. This border is your insurance policy: it helps the roll seal tight and keeps the gooey goodness inside where it belongs.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Generously sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, followed by the pepperoni (and sausage, if you’re feeling extra), plus a good pinch of Italian seasoning. Each layer adds a new dimension—don’t skimp on the cheese for maximum melt!
Step 5: Roll and Seal
Now for the fun part: starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough jelly-roll style, tucking in the short ends as you go to keep everything snug. Place the roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet—this helps prevent splitting or leaks while baking.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Score
Brush the surface of your stromboli with the beaten egg for that crave-worthy golden finish. Carefully score the top a few times with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape; this keeps the crust flaky and avoids sogginess.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your stromboli in the hot oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and crisp. This is the moment when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing!
Step 8: Finish and Rest
Pull your stromboli from the oven and brush immediately with olive oil for richness and shine. Let the loaf rest for 5–10 minutes (yes, it’s tough to wait) so the cheese sets and slicing is a breeze. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a pop of green!
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Using a sharp bread knife, cut your Classic Stromboli Recipe into thick slices. Serve warm, ideally with extra marinara sauce for dipping—because more sauce is always a good idea.
How to Serve Classic Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Give every slice a little love: a sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the whole dish, while a dusting of extra Parmesan adds irresistible savory notes. Fresh basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes can offer extra flair, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
The Classic Stromboli Recipe shines with all sorts of sides. A crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette balances its richness, or serve with roasted veggies for a wholesome touch. Garlic bread is a fun (if slightly decadent) pairing, and you can never go wrong with a simple caprese salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the stromboli into bite-size pinwheels and arrange them on a platter. Or serve as a hearty main, sliced thickly alongside little bowls of warm marinara for dunking. You can even pack cold slices for an unbeatable picnic lunch—there are endless ways to make this dish your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal or snack for busy weeks.
Freezing
This Classic Stromboli Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole baked (and cooled) stromboli or individual slices in foil, then place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked taste, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven re-crisps the crust perfectly. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping bliss.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and still gives you fantastic results. If you want a homemade touch, many grocery store bakeries sell fresh dough that works beautifully for this Classic Stromboli Recipe.
What other meats and cheeses can I use?
The possibilities are endless! Try ham, roast beef, cooked bacon, or even sliced turkey. For cheese, provolone, fontina, gouda, or cheddar make tasty swaps or additions—just keep an eye on moisture levels to prevent sogginess.
How do I keep the inside from becoming soggy?
Spread the sauce in a thin layer, avoid overly wet fillings, and always leave a border so the dough can seal properly. Scoring the top before baking also allows steam to escape, keeping the interior perfectly melty (not soggy).
Can I make the Classic Stromboli Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prep and assemble the stromboli a few hours in advance, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven just before guests arrive. Or bake, cool, and slice ahead of time—just reheat briefly in the oven before serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
It’s a big hit with kids! You can customize fillings to suit picky eaters—skip spicy meats or add only cheese for a milder version. Letting little hands help layer ingredients makes it fun for the whole family, too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a satisfying, irresistible dinner that wows every time, the Classic Stromboli Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple, endlessly customizable, and delivers unbeatable flavor with every crispy, melty bite. Give it a try—you might just end up with a new family favorite!
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Classic Stromboli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Stromboli Recipe is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, with a savory filling of cheese, meats, and Italian seasonings all rolled up in pizza dough and baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s great for dinner or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Fillings:
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni or salami
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread marinara sauce, layer cheese, meats, and seasoning.
- Roll up the stromboli: Roll the dough tightly, tuck in the ends, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, score the top, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Brush with olive oil, let rest, slice, and garnish with parsley. Serve with warm marinara sauce.
Notes
- Customize the fillings with your favorite ingredients.
- Avoid overly wet fillings to prevent a soggy center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of stromboli)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
