Italian Stromboli

A Cheesy, Meaty, and Irresistibly Savory Baked Delight

Looking for a delicious, hearty snack or a quick meal that’s sure to please everyone? This Italian Stromboli is a warm, golden-brown rolled pizza crust stuffed with layers of savory meats and melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together easily with just a few ingredients and is perfect for game day, casual dinners, or weekend treats.

 Ingredients:

• 1 tube of Pillsbury refrigerated pizza crust (or any store-bought pizza dough)

• 8 slices of deli ham

• 10 slices of Genoa salami

• 12 slices of sandwich pepperoni

• 8 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese (or about 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese)

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

Optional for topping:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan (for garnish)

 Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allowing the oven to reach full temperature before baking ensures that your stromboli bakes evenly with a beautiful golden crust.

2. Prepare the Dough

Open the pizza dough tube and unroll the dough onto a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Gently stretch the dough out into a large rectangle, about 10×15 inches, if it’s not already that size.

3. Layer the Fillings

Now for the fun part—layering! Start by placing the slices of ham evenly across the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides. Next, layer the salami over the ham, followed by the pepperoni slices. Finally, place the cheese slices over the top.

You can use provolone for a smooth, mild flavor or mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy cheese pull. For extra cheesiness, use a combination of both or add shredded cheese on top of the slices.

4. Roll It Up

Carefully begin rolling the dough from the long side, just like you would for cinnamon rolls. As you roll, gently tuck in the ends to seal the filling inside. Roll tightly but not too tight—you don’t want the dough to tear or the ingredients to squeeze out.

Once fully rolled, position the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent it from opening while baking.

5. Score the Top

Using a sharp knife, cut 3 to 4 shallow diagonal slits across the top of the dough. This step is essential because it allows steam to escape during baking, helping the stromboli cook evenly and preventing it from becoming soggy.

6. Brush with Butter

Melt the butter and use a pastry brush to coat the top of the stromboli. This gives it that rich, golden sheen once it bakes. For extra flavor, you can mix in a pinch of garlic powder and Italian seasoning with the melted butter before brushing.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet on the center rack of your oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and fully cooked through. Ovens may vary slightly, so check at the 18-minute mark and continue baking if needed. The outside should be crisp and the inside should be gooey and melty.

8. Let It Rest and Slice

Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to slice and helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all ooze out.

Use a serrated knife to slice the stromboli into 1-inch thick pieces. Each slice reveals gorgeous spirals of melted cheese and savory meats—pure comfort food!

 Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Italian Stromboli warm with marinara sauce or garlic butter dip on the side for dunking. It’s perfect for game nights, parties, or as a simple dinner with a side salad or roasted veggies.

You can also make mini strombolis by cutting the dough in half and rolling smaller logs—great for portion control or lunchboxes!

 Tips & Variations:

• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced banana peppers for a kick of heat.

• Veggie-friendly: Substitute with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian twist.

• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 6 hours in advance. Just brush with butter before baking.

• Freezable: After baking and cooling, wrap slices individually and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

This Italian Stromboli is a flexible, flavorful, and fuss-free recipe that delivers big on taste. Whether you’re feeding a family, a group of friends, or just treating yourself—you’re going to love every cheesy bite.