There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, mingling with the rich aroma of savory fillings. That’s what you can expect when you make this delicious Homemade Stromboli. Growing up, my grandma would often whip up this treat for family gatherings, filling the kitchen with laughter and stories as we waited for it to come out of the oven. It became a staple in our home, not just for its warm, cheesy goodness, but as a focal point that brought us all together. Today, I’d like to share with you this experiential recipe that’s as easy as it is delightful—it’s the perfect way to fill your home with warmth and create new memories.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Duration: 45 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4-6
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 400
- Protein: 22 grams
- Carbs: 36 grams
- Fats: 20 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 3 grams
- Sodium: 850 mg
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Stromboli
Simply put, this Homemade Stromboli is your new best friend in the kitchen. With layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, zesty marinara sauce, hearty pepperoni, and flavorful sausage all wrapped up in golden, crispy dough, it’s a heavyweight in the world of comfort food. It’s versatile too—perfect for pizza nights, game day snacks, or as a delicious appetizer for any get-together. It’s a straightforward dish that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but casual enough to dive into while snuggled up on the couch for movie night.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Gather your ingredients and roll up your sleeves! Making Stromboli is not just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing the joy of cooking. Here’s how the magic unfolds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil for brushing
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Stromboli bakes evenly, achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Make sure it’s not too thick; you want it to be able to hold all those delicious fillings without tearing!
Step 3: Spread the Marinara Sauce
Using a spatula, spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help prevent the sauce from leaking out during baking.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Carefully layer the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, crumbled sausage, and sliced bell peppers on top of the sauce. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning for that extra flavor kick.
Step 5: Roll the Dough
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal, ensuring that all your delicious fillings stay tucked inside.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place the Stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will keep it from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Step 7: Brush with Egg and Olive Oil
Brush the top of your Stromboli with the beaten egg and a little olive oil. This will give it that irresistible golden sheen as it bakes.
Step 8: Cut Slits for Steam
Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits on top of the Stromboli to allow steam to escape while it bakes. This is an important step to prevent a soggy bottom!
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it’s golden brown and smells heavenly. Your home will feel like a pizzeria!
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the Stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping—this is where the fun begins!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Homemade Stromboli pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or sautéed vegetables. You can also serve it with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or garlic butter if you want to get creative.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Leftover Stromboli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it tightly.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure to roll the dough evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.
- Don’t overload the fillings; too much can make your Stromboli difficult to roll and lead to a messy bake.
- Experiment with ingredients! This recipe is a canvas; use whatever meats and veggies you like.
- Let it cool slightly before cutting—this ensures cleaner slices.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
If you want to change things up, consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or different cheeses like provolone or cheddar. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and load up on your favorite vegetables instead.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, absolutely! It’s a great time-saver.
- What if I don’t have marinara sauce? You can use any pasta sauce or even pesto for a different flavor.
- Can I bake it ahead of time? Yes, just reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
- What can I do with leftover dough? Roll it into breadsticks, or mini calzones!
- How do I get a crispy bottom crust? Make sure to bake on a hot baking sheet and avoid using too much sauce.
Wrapping Up
Homemade Stromboli is truly a celebration of flavor, creativity, and togetherness. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual game day snack, this recipe carries with it the warmth and nostalgia of a happy kitchen. I hope you feel inspired to make it your own and share it with those you love. Happy cooking!
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Homemade Stromboli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This Homemade Stromboli is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and veggies all wrapped in golden, crispy dough.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and bell peppers on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the Stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the top with beaten egg and olive oil.
- Cut slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For a crispy bottom, bake on a hot baking sheet and avoid too much sauce. Leftover Stromboli can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
