Stromboli
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Perfect for game day and a huge crowd-pleaser, stromboli is like a rolled-up version of pizza.
An Italian-American dish that originated in the city of Philadelphia, stromboli is like a rolled-up version of pizza. Filled with cheese and Italian deli meats, like pepperoni, salami, and ham, and served with marinara sauce for dipping, it’s a huge crowd-pleaser – perfect for game day, an easy dinner, or anytime you’re having people over. Just keep in mind that stromboli disappears quickly; I recommend making two rolls, especially if you’re feeding men and boys.
I use my favorite homemade pizza dough to make stromboli, pizza, and calzones but store-bought dough works very well, too. Don’t worry if your stromboli bursts a little while baking; it’s normal for some cheese to ooze out of the crust. In fact, some say that the name for this dish was taken from Mt. Stromboli, one of the three active volcanos in Italy because the ingredients look like they are about to explode from a volcano.
What You’ll Need To Make Stromboli
Step-by-Step Instructions
On a lightly floured work surface, stretch and/or roll the dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
Arrange the dough rectangle so the long side is closest to you. Brush the surface with the oil, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Spread the garlic evenly over the top of the oil, then sprinkle with the oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and the pecorino romano.
Shingle the provolone slices evenly over the pecorino romano, followed by the ham, mozzarella, and cured meats.
Brush the borders of the dough with the egg (reserve the remaining egg for brushing the top of the stromboli). Fold the bottom third of the stromboli in toward the middle.
Fold the top third of stromboli down to cover first fold, creating a wide log, like a folded letter. Pinch the seam tightly to seal.
Transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Pinch the ends tightly to seal and tuck underneath. Loosely cover the stromboli with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour. (The stromboli won’t look much different after the rise; that’s okay.)
Preheat the oven to 375°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Brush the top of the dough with the remaining egg. Using a sharp knife, make 5 evenly spaced 1/2-inch-deep slits, 1-1/2 inches long, on top of the stromboli.
Bake until golden brown, puffy, and bubbling, about 35 minutes (if you have a thermometer, the center should register 200°F). Some grease or cheese may bubble out of the sides and top; that’s normal. Use a paper towel to blot any excess grease on the baking sheet.
Let the stromboli cool on the baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and cut into 1-inch-thick slices. Serve warm or at room temperature, with marinara sauce on the side (if using).
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Video Tutorial
Stromboli
Perfect for game day and a huge crowd-pleaser, stromboli is like a rolled-up version of pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 lb homemade or store-bought pizza dough (see note)
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- A few pinches crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 tablespoons finely grated pecorino romano
- 4 thin slices (3 oz) provolone cheese
- 4 medium slices (3 oz) deli ham
- 4 thin slices (3 oz) mozzarella cheese
- 14 thin, large slices (3 oz) Italian cured meats, such as salami, pepperoni, bresaola, etc. (use at least two different kinds for best results)
- 1 egg, beaten
- Store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 13x18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured work surface, stretch and/or roll the dough into a 10x12-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. (Be sure not to roll the dough too thin.)
- Arrange the dough rectangle so the long side is closest to you. Brush the surface with the oil, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Spread the garlic evenly over the top of the oil, then sprinkle with the oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and the pecorino romano.
- Shingle the provolone slices evenly over the pecorino romano, followed by the ham, mozzarella, and cured meats. Brush the borders of the dough with the egg (reserve the remaining egg for brushing the top of the stromboli). Fold the bottom third of the stromboli in toward the middle. Fold the top third of stromboli down to cover first fold, creating a wide log, like a folded letter. Pinch the seam tightly to seal. Transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Pinch the ends tightly to seal and tuck underneath the stromboli. Loosely cover the stromboli with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour. (The stromboli won't look much different after the rise; that's okay.)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
- Brush the top of the dough with the remaining egg. Using a sharp knife, make 5 evenly spaced ½-inch-deep slits, 1½ inches long, on top of the stromboli. Bake until golden brown, puffy, and bubbling, about 35 minutes (if you have a thermometer, the center should register 200°F). Some grease or cheese may bubble out of the sides and top; that's normal. Use a paper towel to blot any excess grease on the baking sheet. Let the stromboli cool on the baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and cut into 1-inch-thick slices. Serve warm or at room temperature, with marinara sauce on the side (if using).
- Note: If you're using the homemade pizza dough, you'll only need 1 lb. of it for the stromboli. You can either cut the recipe in half or make the whole recipe and refrigerate or freeze the other dough ball.
- Make Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The stromboli can be prepared, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 12 hours before baking. Add the egg wash and cut slits right before baking, and allow a few extra minutes in the oven. To freeze the stromboli before baking, fill and roll the stromboli as directed but do not add the egg wash or cut slits. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add the egg wash and cut slits right before baking, and allow a few extra minutes in the oven.
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (6 servings)
- Calories: 418
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Sodium: 1,169 mg
- Cholesterol: 77 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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I made this, with the homemade pizza dough for the Superbowl. Everyone really liked it, especially the dough. That said, I think next time, and there will be a next time, I will use more cheese and meat. It seemed a bit dough heavy if done with just what the recipe calls for. I thought so when I was making it but my general rule is to always try to follow a recipe as written the first time and then make my adjustments the next time through. I love cooking with Jen’s recipes and this one was no different. Thank you Jen
Kids and husband asked for something “different” for dinner. This was gobbled up in minutes with immediate requests to make it again very soon!
Made this for a Super Bowl party and it was a hit! While it takes time for the rise, it came together easily. While some dipped in marinara sauce, most ate it plain. Definitely a keeper of a recipe. I can imagine making a vegetarian version (maybe artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes and Kalamata olives). Thanks for another hit recipe!
Hi Jenn,
Always enjoy your recipes. Very nice combination for the stuffed bread. I am just wondering why the bread needs to sit for an hour before baking. thank you
So glad you like the recipes! While it doesn’t rise a ton, that extra hour allows the dough to rise more and improves the texture of the finished product.
Hi Jenn, I have been requested to make an appetizer for a friends get together. Can this be served at room temperature as I will not have access to their oven?
You are my main go to for all recipes and all have turned out spectacularly.
Thanks, Helene
So glad you like the recipes! While I definitely think this is better hot, you can get away with serving it at room temperature.
Can this be made with pesto and shredded chicken, we avoid pork and cured meats.
Hi Mary, that sounds delicious! I do think you could get away with it, I’d omit the brushed olive oil from the dough though. I’d love to hear how it turns out if you make it!
Amazing!!!! Loved it and was easy
This was so amazing I’ve made it twice this week! The first for us, and then for my dad! Paired with a fresh chopped Mediterranean Salad, it was a huge hit with everyone!
OMG, Jen.. thanks so much!!!
I skipped the “let rise at room temperature for 1 hour” part cause I didn’t have that much time and still it turned out to be perfect!!!! Again: thank you – from this huge Brazilian fan
I’ve always wanted to try making this, but have been a little intimidated. This was so easy to make and the directions and pictures were so clear. Added some sautéed kale and mushrooms to the Stromboli. Turned out fantastically. Served it with some homemade marinara. Really wonderful recipe.
Jen, if I make this ahead do I need to let the dough rise for an hour after its been in the fridge or do I just put it straight in the oven? BTW I made it today and my husband said it was restaurant quality. It’s so good!
Hi Danielle, it depends on how long you’re refrigerating it. The dough will still rise in the fridge; it will just happen more slowly. If it will be in the fridge for a couple hours, you can put it straight into the oven. Also, so glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Can I add spinach to this recipe?
Sure, Toni – just be sure it is cooked and drained very well (too much moisture will make the crust soggy).
This has been burning a hole in my recipe pocket since I saw it posted. Finally made it today using Trader Joe’s pizza dough (I can make my own, but…). I also used Italian meats and ham from there. My 19 and 20-year-old literally just devoured it. They like dipping it in ranch dressing, but I had marinara ready. It is absolutely fantastic. They were amazed–me too!
Excellent! Loved it! Couldn’t find Gruyere cheese so I had to substitute Swiss. Didn’t make the marinara sauce but I will next time. We ended up having it with your broccoli soup – heavy meal but so worth it. Also bought store pizza dough just because I didn’t have the time to make my own (which I would normally do)…so again, next time. Doesn’t really need the sauce but I think it would bring it to the next level. My hubby was also suggesting maybe 2 sauces…a marinara and maybe even a really good aioli? What do you think about an aioli dip Jenn? Would it work? Also, would putting the marinara sauce inside the sandwich and cook it then? Or would that not work?
Hi Judy, so glad you liked it! I wouldn’t recommend putting marinara sauce inside the stromboli as it will make the crust really soggy. Instead, I’d serve it on the side for dipping. And I’ve never thought to serve it with an aïoli, but feel free if that appeals to you!
This was amazingly simple and delicious. My husband and his friend are restoring a car and I brought this down for lunch 🙂 They ate everything and loved it!! I’ll be making it again really soon.
Looks Great! If you make it ahead do you do the 1 hour rise before or after you have it in the fridge/freezer? Just trying to plan around kids sport schedules, so stuff that I can make in the afternoon and have ready to cook keeps us from eating sandwiches everyday! I have a feeling this will be in regular rotation.
Hi Maura, you would do the 1 to 2-hour rise before refrigerating it. Hope you and the kids enjoy!
Hi Jenn,
I made the Stromboli recipe and it came out perfectly. I found,however, I am not a fan of warm cold cuts. I made same dough recipe and made a meatball Stromboli and it was delicious. I would love it if you could give other options such as a meatball Stromboli recipe as well as a sausage and pepper recipe. Not sure if that would be called calzone or Stromboli. Clearly I am in need of instruction. I do love all of your recipes so thank you. Marie
Hi Marie, So glad you like the recipes! While I don’t have a specific recipe for meatball or sausage and pepper strombolis, you really could use any fillings you’d like inside this dough. 🙂
I’ve been making something similar for years with pepparoni, roasted peppers and mozzarrella. Always a hit. Look forward to trying Jenn’s version.
My son and I just had our first slice. He actually finished his slice before I did, lol. It was SO good. I was a bit nervous because I know I rolled out the dough to thin but it still came out fine. I barely had any fluid bubble out to boot. My house smells like a pizza parlor, lol. Making your dough was so easy. My 2nd ball of dough is now in the freezer just waiting to be made next week. Thanks for 2 amazing recipes. My son Thanks you as well… 😉
Made this for the super bowl, it was even better than I expected! We dipped it in Italian dressing – amazing!
Wow! This was so delicious and pretty to boot! Made me look like a pro. Used your perfect pizza crust recipe and the only thing I would add for us is some more meat. I ate the leftovers today and it tasted even better after sitting a few days in the frig. I reheated it for one minute in the microwave. Thank you Jenn! We love it!
I made 2 Stromboli using your pizza dough recipe. Everything looked really good and made the kitchen smell so good. Unfortunately, once we took a bite, we found the dough to be incredibly salty. We ended up throwing away the second Stromboli. The pizza dough recipe called for 2 1/4 tsp of salt, it must be some kind of mistake. I used Morton Kosher salt. Not sure I would want to make this again, but if I did, I would probably only use (recommend) 1 tsp of salt. I always enjoy your recipes but this one did not quite work out.
Morton Kosher is twice the weight of regular salt.
In general, if a recipe calls for table salt, use double the amount of kosher salt. So 1 teaspoon of table salt will be replaced with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and vice versa. So your answer is slightly confusing.
Hi! I am new to pizza dough. Wow. Not as easy as I thought to roll into a rectangle, LOL. Question if you have time to help – Because of time constraints I used store-bought dough. I let it sit out 30 minutes per the other comments regarding store-bought dough. Do you still need to let it sit for an hour before cooking if it was already out for 30 minutes? I’m erring on the side of caution for this round and having it sit for an hour, but would be great to know for the future. As well, any tips on rolling/shaping into rectangle also welcome. (I plan to do some independent research on this, too). So happy I found your website – so far, everyone has loved all the recipes we have made! I love the clear, step-by-step directions and photos. Need to buy a cookbook next! Thank you so much!
Hi Susie, So glad you’re enjoying the recipes! Sometimes it’s easier to stretch the dough with your hands rather than roll it; I usually stretch it first, and then roll. And yes, you would still let it sit out for an hour before baking.
It was easier than I expected. The recipe format makes it hard to mess up. I’d never been one to use recipes before I found yours. I’ve made many of them and I’m expanding my cooking skills as a result. Thank you
If using store bought dough I always leave my pizza dough out to rise for at least an hour before I form it for a pizza pie. In this case are you shaping the dough “cold” or should I still let it rise before making the rectangle?
Hi Allise, I’d let the store-bought dough sit out for at least 30 minutes before rolling it.
Thanks! Why sheet pan and not pizza stone? Sheer size issues?
Hi Allise, many people don’t have pizza stones so I designed the recipe for a sheet pan. If you have a pizza stone that will fit this nicely, that will definitely work!
Have you ever used frozen bread dough instead of pizza dough? I’m curious if that’s an equal substitution.
Yes, that will work. 🙂
I made this and everyone loved it! It came out perfectly and the instructions were great.
Thank you,
This was absolutely delicious! Mine looks much flatter than yours Jenn and the crust on the inside was a bit undercooked and didn’t have that nice fluffy bready look like yours does. I baked for the correct amount of time and followed the recipe exactly except I only let it rise 45 mins rather than a full hour. But even in spite of this it was super delicious and I will definitely make again. Real favorite with the kids! Thanks for all your amazing recipes Jenn!!!
I made this recipe this weekend and it was a hit! Would it be possible to make it with cheese and vegetables, or would veggies get too watery?
Hi Stephanie, glad you liked it! I do think it would work with veggies, but I’d cook them first to get out all of the moisture and once you remove them from the skillet, make sure you’ve drained off/blotted any extra liquid. Please LMK how it turns out with veggies!
Im on the final step of resting before baking! Used your pizza dough recipe! So excited to see what happens! We do have a meat shortage on the base we live on so we had to use smaller pepperoni & salami.
Im so optimistic this will turn out great! Will definitely update!
Is this ok to eat the next day if you have leftovers? Or is it best eaten the same day?
Hi Daniella, My kids love the leftovers – even cold from the fridge!
Can a one pound log of frozen bread dough be successfully substituted for pizza dough? Thank you! Love your recipes!
Yep!
Hi Jen, I make your pizza dough all the time, I separate it for the two 12 inch pizzas and have a few stashed in the freezer. If I use that dough for this recipe would I need to use the two for one Stromboli?? I’m wondering if you use the whole pizza dough recipe for this one.
Looks so good! Can’t wait to try this!
Thanks 😊
Hi Dani, I updated my pizza dough recipe a few months ago to make a slightly larger quantity, so if you made the new recipe, you would only use 1 dough ball, as the recipe yields two 1-lb dough balls. If the older recipe (which yielded two 12-oz balls) is in your freezer, I would use both and make a slightly larger stromboli. Hope that makes sense!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This recipe was so easy and delicious! Made two and glad I did! Had leftovers the next day. Can’t wait to make it again!
Looks delicious and tasty.
Could I use mozzarella (firm, whole milk) instead of provolone?
Yep 🙂
The recipe calls for both. Mozz doesn’t have a lot of flavor IMHO.