If you are searching for a delightful dish that brings together the perfect harmony of melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and golden, crispy dough, look no further than this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe. It’s like a stuffed pizza in a cozy roll, bursting with Italian flavors and guaranteed to satisfy any craving for comfort food. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a party appetizer, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is key with this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe, but each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that oh-so-appealing golden finish. Having quality ingredients ensures a mouthwatering result every time.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Using fresh or store-bought dough forms the chewy, soft base perfect for rolling around all the delicious fillings.
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (divided): This tangy and savory sauce adds moisture and that classic Italian punch inside and for dipping later.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create those gooey, stretchy bites we all love in stromboli.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall cheesy goodness.
- 20–25 slices pepperoni: Spicy and savory, pepperoni brings a bold, meaty flavor that’s the heart of this recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives an aromatic lift and authentic Italian character.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle but important savory depth that ties everything together.
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash): Brushed on top to create a shiny, golden crust with an inviting look.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing): Helps crisp the crust and adds a touch of richness.
- Optional red pepper flakes for serving: For those who want a little extra kick to complement the pepperoni.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. This creates the perfect canvas for your stromboli, ensuring even cooking and ample space to fill and roll.
Step 2: Layer with Sauce and Cheese
Spread half a cup of marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch uncoated around the edges. This border is essential to help seal the roll later, so keep it sauce-free. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the sauce, creating a cheesilicious layer that melts beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni and Seasonings
Arrange 20 to 25 slices of pepperoni evenly over the cheese. These spicy slices not only add flavor but also an appealing texture contrast. Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning and garlic powder across the top to enhance that classic Italian flavor profile and ensure every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Step 4: Roll and Seal the Stromboli
Beginning at a long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, tucking in the edges as you go to seal everything inside. This technique keeps the filling from leaking out during baking and creates beautiful, uniform slices once cooked.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire top with the beaten egg, which gives that gorgeous golden sheen and helps the olive oil stick. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then cut 3 or 4 small slits into the dough’s surface to let steam escape while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Put your stromboli in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and the cheese inside bubbles with excitement. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to let the filling settle before slicing. Serve warm with the remaining marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
While the Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is wonderful on its own, a sprinkle of fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate it to something truly special. You can also add a dusting of grated Parmesan for that extra touch of cheesy excellence right before serving.
Side Dishes
This stromboli pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance its richness. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables are also fantastic choices that keep the meal comforting yet well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stromboli into thick, pinwheel-like servings and arrange them on a wooden cutting board for a rustic family-style presentation. For a party, serve individual stromboli bites with toothpicks alongside dipping sauces like ranch or spicy marinara for variety and easy snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making a convenient next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to 2 months frozen without losing flavor or texture, perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the crust crisps back up, approximately 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the deliciously crisp crust and melty center.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pizza dough works just fine here, though baking times might vary slightly. Be sure to follow the dough’s package or recipe instructions for best results.
What can I add for extra veggies?
Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms make wonderful additions to the filling. Just cook them beforehand to avoid extra moisture and to ensure they’re tender and flavorful inside your stromboli.
Is it possible to make this stromboli ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the stromboli, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for meal prepping or for busy days when you want to save time later.
How spicy is this Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe?
The level of spice depends on your pepperoni and whether you add optional red pepper flakes. The recipe itself leans toward mild to medium spice, but feel free to customize to match your heat preference.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, adding provolone, fontina, or even a little cheddar can bring unique flavor twists to your stromboli.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe is one of those irresistible dishes that brings people together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites. It’s wonderfully simple but bursting with layers of flavor that feel like a warm Italian hug. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a special gathering, I hope you enjoy making and sharing this beloved recipe as much as I do. Give it a try—you’ll love every cheesy, spicy bite!
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a delicious Italian-American main course featuring a golden-baked pizza dough roll stuffed with mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and Italian seasonings. Perfect as an easy dinner or party snack, it’s baked to perfection with a crispy crust and melty cheese inside. Serve with marinara sauce for a flavorful dipping experience.
Ingredients
Stromboli Dough and Sauce
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, divided
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle, ensuring even thickness for uniform baking.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni Layers: Layer the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices evenly over the sauced dough to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Season the Filling: Sprinkle dried Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly across the toppings for added aroma and taste.
- Roll the Stromboli: Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape, tucking the edges inward to seal the filling securely inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to help it hold its shape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Olive Oil: Brush the top of the stromboli with the beaten egg wash, then drizzle or brush with olive oil to promote a golden, shiny crust.
- Vent the Stromboli: Cut 3 to 4 small slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess inside.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the stromboli is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the stromboli cool for 5 minutes after baking, then slice and serve warm with the remaining marinara sauce for dipping. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Notes
- Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms inside for extra flavor and texture.
- For a crispier crust, preheat a baking stone or use a pizza pan instead of a baking sheet.
- Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
