The Ultimate Italian Stromboli Recipe: A Cheesy Delight

Crafting a delectable italian stromboli brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen adventure.

Rolled dough transforms into a savory masterpiece filled with layers of melted cheese and premium meats.

Adventurous cooks adore how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each carefully constructed slice.

Soft, warm bread embraces rich fillings that promise satisfaction in every bite.

Cheese lovers will swoon over this classic Italian specialty.

Grab your apron and prepare to wow everyone at the dinner table.

Best Pairings For Italian Stromboli

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, savory meats and melted cheeses in the stromboli.
• Refreshing Beverage Companion: Grab a crisp, cold Italian pilsner or amber ale that cuts through the heaviness of the stromboli and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Perfect Dipping Sauce Strategy: Whip up a zesty homemade marinara with fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes to enhance the stromboli's robust flavor profile and add a tangy kick.

How To Store Italian Stromboli After Baking

• Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Slice stromboli into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen stromboli stays good for 2-3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place stromboli on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Quick option for individual slices. Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed to avoid soggy texture.

Italian Stromboli FAQs You’ll Find Handy

• What ingredients give stromboli its unique flavor?

The combination of cured meats like pepperoni, salami, and ham, along with provolone and mozzarella cheeses, creates a rich, savory taste profile that makes stromboli delicious.

• Can I use different types of meat in my stromboli?

Absolutely! You can substitute or add other meats like prosciutto, capicola, or even cooked Italian sausage to customize your stromboli’s flavor.

• Why do I need to let the dough rise?

Rising allows the yeast to develop flavor and creates a lighter, more tender texture in the final bread, making the stromboli soft and airy instead of dense.

What Makes Italian Stromboli So Satisfying

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this stromboli delivers bold flavors that will impress friends and family with its hearty Italian-inspired filling.
• Master an Impressive Technique: Learn the art of rolling and sealing dough, gaining a valuable cooking skill that looks more complicated than it actually is.
• Customize with Ease: Swap meats and cheeses to match personal preferences or pantry ingredients, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different tastes.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, saving precious kitchen time while ensuring a delicious meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Italian Stromboli

• Bread Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and chewiness to the stromboli.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough and strengthens the gluten network.
• Yeast: Essential for creating rise and developing a light, airy texture in the bread.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender, flavorful crust.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps combine the dough ingredients.

• Pepperoni, Salami, Ham: Classic Italian-style cured meats that provide rich, savory flavor and protein to the stromboli.

• Provolone Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a gooey, delicious interior and add creamy texture.

• Egg: Used for creating a golden, shiny exterior when brushed on the dough.
• Dried Oregano, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasonings that add depth of flavor and visual appeal to the stromboli's surface.

Simple Instructions For Italian Stromboli

Step 1: Prepare Delicious Stromboli Dough

Mix yeast with warm water and let it get bubbly and alive for several minutes. The yeast will start to foam and become super active.

Step 2: Create Flour Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Make a little crater in the center of the flour mixture to hold the liquid ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the activated yeast and olive oil into the flour crater. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and stretchy. Work the dough for about 8-10 minutes, developing its gorgeous texture.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which takes around one hour.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the puffy dough and roll it out on a floured surface. Shape into a nice rectangular form, making it about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 6: Layer Meats

• Pepperoni
• Salami
• Ham

Leave a small border around the edges to help seal the roll.

Step 7: Add Cheese Layer

• Provolone
• Mozzarella

Make sure the cheese covers the meat completely.

Step 8: Roll the Stromboli

Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log. Pinch the edges closed to seal in all the delicious ingredients.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Place the stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 10: Add Final Touches

• Dried oregano
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder

Cut a few diagonal slits on top to let steam escape during baking.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crispy.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips For Perfect Italian Stromboli

• Boost Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast performance and quick rising.
• Knead with Confidence: Work the dough on a clean surface, using the heel of your hand to develop gluten and create a smooth texture.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle cornmeal or semolina on the baking sheet to create a crispy base and prevent moisture buildup.
• Layer Meats Strategically: Slice cured meats thinly and overlap them slightly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the stromboli.
• Seal Edges Perfectly: Use a fork or pinch edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking and maintain a neat appearance.

Creative Ideas For Italian Stromboli

• Vegetarian Stromboli: Replace cured meats with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and caramelized onions for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Stromboli: Swap bread flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain dough structure and texture.
• Chicken Pesto Stromboli: Substitute cured meats with shredded chicken, spread basil pesto sauce, and add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Stromboli Roll-Ups: Use large cheese or turkey slices as wrap instead of traditional dough, creating a protein-packed alternative for carb-conscious eaters.

Italian Stromboli Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy Italian Stromboli rolls with savory salami and pepperoni create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. Melted provolone and herbed dough invite passionate cooks to savor each delicious, hearty slice.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water

Filling Ingredients:

• 4 oz pepperoni, sliced
• 4 oz salami, sliced
• 3 oz provolone cheese, sliced
• 3 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 oz ham, sliced

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp marinara sauce (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture.
3. Pour the activated yeast and olive oil into the flour, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
6. Layer the cured meats (pepperoni, salami, and ham) evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Distribute the provolone and mozzarella cheeses over the meat layer, ensuring even coverage.
8. Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log and sealing the edges by pinching them closed.
9. Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Brush the exterior with beaten egg and sprinkle with dried oregano, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
11. Make a few diagonal slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
12. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
13. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
14. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely in water between 105-110°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the live cultures.
• Knead dough thoroughly on a clean surface, using the heel of your hand to develop gluten and create a stretchy, smooth texture.
• Customize filling by substituting meats with vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables or plant-based protein for dietary restrictions.
• Allow stromboli to cool slightly before cutting to prevent filling from spilling out and maintain structural integrity of the rolled dough.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg