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
Scale
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.
