Italian Stromboli

Stromboli is a beloved Italian-American dish that’s packed with savory flavors, featuring a hearty filling of meats, cheese, and herbs, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden pizza crust. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner option or a delicious appetizer for a gathering, this Italian Stromboli will definitely hit the spot. With layers of deli ham, Genoa salami, pepperoni, and melty cheese, all baked to perfection, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and absolutely delicious.

Let’s dive into how to make this savory, cheesy treat!

1. Why Italian Stromboli is a Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Italian Stromboli is incredibly versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or preparing food for a game day or picnic, Stromboli is the perfect choice. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a universally loved dish.

2. Gathering Your Ingredients

This Italian Stromboli recipe uses a few key ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering result. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 tube of Pillsbury pizza crust: The dough is the foundation of this dish, providing a soft, fluffy inside with a golden, crispy exterior once baked.

8 slices of deli ham: Adds a nice, tender texture with a mild flavor that complements the other meats.

10 slices of Genoa salami: A flavorful Italian salami that brings a savory, slightly tangy element to the Stromboli.

12 slices of sandwich pepperoni: Classic and spicy, pepperoni adds that perfect touch of heat and smokiness.

8 slices of provolone cheese or mozzarella: Either of these cheeses melts beautifully and creates that gooey, cheesy filling that everyone loves.

2 tablespoons of butter: For brushing over the Stromboli before baking to ensure a golden, crispy crust.

3. Prepping the Pizza Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the Pillsbury pizza dough on a baking sheet, making sure to press it into an even rectangle. If you have parchment paper, you can line the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

4. Assembling the Stromboli

Next, it’s time to layer the ingredients onto the dough. Start by placing the slices of deli ham down the center of the dough. Then, layer the Genoa salami and sandwich pepperoni on top. This mix of meats will give your Stromboli the perfect savory, salty flavor profile.

Once the meats are layered, place the slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed. This will melt into the meats, creating a delicious gooey filling inside the Stromboli.

5. Rolling the Stromboli

Once the filling is in place, carefully fold the dough over the fillings, tucking in the ends to seal the Stromboli. You should have a log-like shape. Gently pinch the seams together to make sure the Stromboli doesn’t open up while baking. If needed, you can also lightly roll the dough to make it more compact.

6. Brushing with Butter

Melt the butter in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to generously brush the top of the Stromboli. This will give the crust a golden, buttery shine and a crisp texture. You can also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or Italian seasoning over the top for added flavor if you like.

7. Baking the Stromboli

Place the prepared Stromboli in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Keep an eye on it as the baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the dough.

8. Serving Your Italian Stromboli

Once it’s done, remove the Stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Cut into thick slices and serve while the cheese is still gooey and the crust is crispy. You can serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious dish.

9. Why This Stromboli is So Addictive

This Italian Stromboli is not only a fun twist on a pizza, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender deli ham, savory salami, spicy pepperoni, and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy crust makes each bite an indulgent treat. It’s easy to eat slice after slice, and before you know it, you’ll have finished the whole thing!

10. Customizing Your Italian Stromboli

One of the great things about Stromboli is that it’s incredibly customizable. While this recipe features traditional Italian deli meats and cheese, you can make it your own with different fillings:

Add veggies: If you’re a fan of vegetables, try adding some sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.

Switch up the cheese: Try using different cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Spicy touch: For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

11. Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the Stromboli in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until it’s heated through. The crust will stay crispy, and the cheese will melt beautifully again.

12. Why Italian Stromboli is Perfect for Every Meal

Stromboli is the perfect meal for any time of day. Here’s why it works for different occasions:

Dinner: Serve it with a side salad and marinara sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

Appetizer: Cut it into smaller slices and serve it as an appetizer for parties, game nights, or family gatherings.

Lunch: Leftover Stromboli makes a quick and delicious lunch the next day, or you can pack it for work or school.

13. The Nutritional Value of Italian Stromboli

While this dish is indulgent, it’s also a great source of protein from the meats and cheese, along with a dose of carbohydrates from the pizza dough. It’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. If you’d like a lighter version, you can experiment with whole wheat pizza dough or leaner meats.

14. Making Stromboli in Advance

If you want to make this meal ahead of time, you can prepare the Stromboli, but not bake it. Simply roll it up and place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and cook as directed. This makes it an ideal meal for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

15. Final Thoughts on Italian Stromboli

This Italian Stromboli is a savory, cheesy, and satisfying dish that will be loved by everyone. With its golden, crispy crust and filling layers of deli meats and cheese, it’s a perfect option for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a picnic treat, this Stromboli is sure to become a family favorite.

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this delicious Italian Stromboli!

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