Delicious Homemade Stromboli: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

1 pizza dough
1 cup of marinara sauce
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers
1/2 cup of sliced onions
1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
1 beaten egg (for the egg wash)
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce.
Arrange the sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms over the cheese.
Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Starting from one of the shorter edges of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Seal the ends of the dough log by pinching them together.
Place the stromboli seam-side-down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the top of the stromboli with the beaten egg.
Using a sharp knife, make a few slits in the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown.
Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle shape.
Baking Sheet - A flat sheet pan used to bake the stromboli in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the stromboli from sticking.
Sharp Knife - Used to make slits on the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.
Pastry Brush - Used to brush the beaten egg on top of the stromboli before baking.
Flour - Used for dusting the surface when rolling out the pizza dough.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat pizza dough instead of regular pizza dough for a healthier twist.
Try using a different type of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of different cheeses.
Experiment with different fillings, such as cooked sausage, ham, or bacon.
Create a vegetarian stromboli by omitting the pepperoni and adding more vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
Make a seafood stromboli by adding cooked shrimp, crab meat, or chunks of cooked fish.
Add some herbs and spices to the filling, like dried oregano, basil, or crushed red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor.
For a spicy kick, incorporate sliced jalapenos or banana peppers into the filling.
Make a gluten-free stromboli by using a gluten-free pizza dough or alternative gluten-free bread dough.
Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli, to serve alongside the stromboli.

Recipe overview

This Stromboli recipe is a delightful twist on traditional pizza that everyone will love. With a crispy, golden brown crust filled with marinara sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, this stromboli is packed full of flavor and fun to make. This recipe is impressively versatile - feel free to experiment with different fillings to make it your own. Making stromboli is a bit like making a rolled up, stuffed pizza, and is a great choice for a casual dinner or a party appetizer. It's also a meal that's just as fun to prepare as it is to eat, making it a perfect interactive family cooking experience. Don't forget to let it cool for a moment after it comes out of the oven. Then, slice it up and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness of homemade stromboli.

Common questions

Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe.
Can I use a different type of sauce? While marinara sauce is commonly used, you can use any sauce of your choice, such as pesto or Alfredo sauce.
Can I add or substitute the toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stromboli with your favorite toppings or substitute any ingredients you prefer.
How do I prevent the stromboli from becoming soggy? To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to not overload the stromboli with too much sauce or wet ingredients. Additionally, pre-baking the rolled stromboli for a few minutes can help create a crispy crust.
Can I make the stromboli ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stromboli ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used to place the stromboli in the oven for baking.
Parchment paper - Helps prevent the stromboli from sticking to the baking sheet.
Rolling pin - Used to roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle shape.
Knife - Used to slice the stromboli into individual servings.
Brush - Used to brush the beaten egg onto the top of the stromboli before baking.

Origin stories

Stromboli, despite its Italian sounding name, did not originate from Italy. It was actually invented in the United States in the 1950s. The story goes that it was first created by Nazzareno Romano, the owner of Romano's Italiano and Pizzeria in Essington, just outside of Philadelphia. The food was named after the Italian island Stromboli, which was made famous in a 1950 movie of the same name. Legend has it that Romano was inspired by the movie and decided to name his rolled, filled pizza invention accordingly. So, while you might think of stromboli as an Italian classic, it's a dish that's as American as apple pie.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.