Introduction
Stromboli is a savory, Italian-American dish that combines the best elements of pizza and a stuffed bread roll. It’s essentially a rolled-up pizza, filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, then baked until golden brown and crispy. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a delicious lunch, Stromboli is a versatile and satisfying meal that can be customized with your favorite fillings.
Overview of the Recipe
This homemade Stromboli recipe features a base of pizza dough rolled out and layered with pizza sauce, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and a variety of classic fillings such as pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, black olives, and onions. After rolling up the dough, it’s brushed with an egg wash and baked to golden perfection. The result is a flavorful, cheesy, and crispy dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough: Provides the base for the Stromboli, delivering a soft and chewy texture when baked.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Adds moisture and a rich tomato flavor to the filling.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy interior.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Provides a classic, spicy flavor.
- 1/2 cup sliced cooked sausage: Adds a hearty, savory element to the Stromboli.
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers: Introduces sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives: Adds a slightly tangy, salty contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped onions: Brings a mild, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme adds an aromatic, traditional Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile of the filling.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Helps achieve a golden, glossy finish on the Stromboli.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12Ă—16 inches. Rolling the dough evenly ensures that the Stromboli bakes uniformly.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the sauce from leaking out during baking. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Next, layer the sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, black olives, and chopped onions over the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the dried Italian herbs and garlic powder over the top to enhance the flavor of the fillings.
Step 4: Roll and Seal the Stromboli
Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring that the fillings stay inside. Once rolled, pinch the edges of the dough to seal the Stromboli, preventing any of the fillings from escaping during baking. Place the rolled Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
Using a pastry brush, apply a thin layer of the beaten egg over the top of the Stromboli. This egg wash will help the Stromboli achieve a golden, glossy finish as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake the Stromboli
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The crust should be firm to the touch and slightly crisp.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the Stromboli from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the cheese set, making it easier to slice. Use a sharp knife to slice the Stromboli into 1-2 inch pieces and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Stromboli is a hearty dish that pairs well with simple sides and dipping sauces. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It’s also great with a bowl of soup, such as minestrone or tomato basil, for a complete meal.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the Stromboli.
- Soup: Serve with a bowl of tomato basil soup or Italian minestrone for a cozy, comforting meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing as dipping options.
- Beverages: Pair with sparkling water, iced tea, or a light citrus soda for a refreshing drink.
Variations of the Recipe
Stromboli is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize the fillings to suit your tastes:
- Vegetarian Stromboli: Skip the meats and load up on vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes. Add extra cheese, such as provolone or ricotta, for a creamy texture.
- Meat Lovers Stromboli: Add more meats like turkey bacon, chicken ham, or ground beef for a heartier version.
- Cheesy Stromboli: Increase the cheese variety by adding mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or even blue cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Spicy Stromboli: Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or use spicy sausage for a kick of heat.
Health Benefits and Notes
While Stromboli is a delicious indulgence, there are ways to make it a bit healthier:
- Whole Wheat Dough: Substitute regular pizza dough with whole wheat dough to add fiber and nutrients.
- Lean Proteins: Use leaner meats like turkey bacon or chicken ham instead of pepperoni or sausage to reduce fat content.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate more vegetables into the filling for added vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Portion Control: Consider serving smaller slices alongside a big salad to create a more balanced meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Stromboli ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Stromboli ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q: Can I freeze Stromboli?
A: Absolutely! Stromboli freezes well both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the Stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding additional baking time. To freeze after baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q: What other fillings can I use?
A: Stromboli can be filled with virtually anything you like. Consider using ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, artichokes, roasted red peppers, or different cheeses to create unique flavor combinations.
Q: How do I prevent the Stromboli from getting soggy?
A: To prevent sogginess, avoid overfilling with sauce and ensure that the dough is rolled tightly. Additionally, you can par-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the fillings to help it hold up better.
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Homemade Stromboli is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or simply as a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. With endless possibilities for customization, you can tailor the fillings to your preferences, creating a dish that’s uniquely yours. Serve it warm, with your favorite sides and dips, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious, rolled-up pizza treat.