Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a delightful Italian-American family favorite, featuring a golden, crispy rolled pizza dough stuffed with gooey mozzarella and provolone cheeses, pepperoni slices, and flavorful seasonings. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and served with marinara sauce, it makes a fun and satisfying main course that kids and adults alike will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Stromboli Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 25–30 slices of pepperoni
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle roughly 10 by 14 inches, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Spread 1 cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the sauce for added flavor.
- Layer Cheeses and Pepperoni: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese over the sauce and seasonings. Arrange 25–30 slices of pepperoni evenly over the cheese layer.
- Roll the Stromboli: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough jelly-roll style into a tight log, tucking in the ends as you go to seal the filling inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the stromboli seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top generously with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Vent the Dough: Use a sharp knife to cut 4–5 small slits on the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stromboli rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to settle. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, slice into 6 servings, and serve warm with extra pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Get the kids involved by letting them help layer the ingredients or pick their favorite toppings to make mealtime fun.
- Customize your stromboli by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or other favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Ensure the dough is rolled evenly to promote even baking and prevent undercooked spots.
- If you prefer a spicier stromboli, increase the crushed red pepper flakes slightly or add your favorite hot sauce to the pizza sauce.
