Name: Italian Stromboli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Refrigerated Pizza Crust (about 13 oz); 1 Jar of Pizza Sauce (approx. 1 cup); 1/4 lb Thinly Sliced Deli Ham; 1/4 lb Sliced Deli Salami; 1/4 lb Sliced Deli Pepperoni; 3 Cups Grated Mozzarella Cheese; 1 tsp Italian Seasoning; 2 tbsp Butter, melted; Garlic Powder, to taste; Dried Parsley, to taste

Let me tell you, this Italian Stromboli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug when you bite into it. It s the perfect combo of melty cheese, savory meats, and that crispy golden crust that just can t be beat. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or having friends over for game night, this stromboli always steals the show.

What I love most is how versatile and straightforward it is-you really don t need to be a pro to get fantastic results. Plus, it s a great way to bring everyone together around the table because slicing it up feels like sharing a little edible treasure. Trust me, you re going to want to save this Italian Stromboli Recipe in your favorites for good.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Customizable Ingredients: Use your favorite deli meats or cheeses to make it truly your own.
Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves the gooey, satisfying flavors.
Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making great next-day meals or snacks.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding six folded sandwich pockets arranged in a circle around a small white bowl filled with red sauce topped with grated cheese and green herbs. Each sandwich pocket has a golden-brown outer layer with a lightly crispy texture and is sprinkled with green herbs. Inside, layers of melted white cheese and slices of red meat are visible, with the pockets slightly opened to reveal the filling. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a delicious role. When you pick a good pizza crust and quality deli meats, your Italian Stromboli Recipe will shine with authentic flavor-don t rush shopping for these basics!

Refrigerated Pizza Crust: This is your base, so choose one that rolls out easily.
Pizza Sauce: Use a jar you love or homemade if you have time-this adds that classic tomato tang.
Deli Ham: Look for thinly sliced, tender ham for the best texture.
Deli Salami: Adds a nice spicy kick; balance it with milder meats if you prefer.
Deli Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping brings a familiar flavor everyone loves.
Grated Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly and gooey is the goal here.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle packs in herbs like oregano and basil, boosting authenticity.
Butter (melted): Brushing this on top gives the crust a beautiful golden, buttery finish.
Garlic Powder: Just a pinch adds a savory garlic hint without overpowering.
Dried Parsley: For a fresh, colorful pop on top before baking.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to make this Italian Stromboli Recipe my own by swapping out the classic meats for veggies or different cheeses-why not? It s a great way to keep things fresh and suit every craving.

Vegetarian Version: I once subbed the meats for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach-still just as delicious!
Spicy Kick: Adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese layers gave a perfect heat that wowed my family.
Gluten-Free: Try a gluten-free pizza crust for those watching their carbs; it holds up nicely if baked a bit longer.
Cheese Variations: Mix mozzarella with provolone or sharp cheddar for a cheesy blend that s irresistible.

How to Make Italian Stromboli Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Crust

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit-it’s the sweet spot for a golden, crispy crust. Roll out your refrigerated pizza crust onto a parchment-lined baking sheet; this helps keep cleanup simple. Then, spread about a quarter cup of pizza sauce evenly over the surface-this layer gives you that comforting, tangy base you re craving.

Step 2: Layer the Good Stuff

This is the fun part. Start with a layer of ham-don t skimp, it adds a subtle saltiness. Then sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat layering with the salami and a bit more cheese, then finish with your pepperoni and the remaining cheese. Finally, sprinkle an even dusting of Italian seasoning for that authentic flavor punch.

Step 3: Roll and Seal Tight

Carefully roll the crust up into a log, making sure all those delicious fillings stay tucked inside. Don t rush this part-pinch the seams closed to avoid any cheesy leaks while baking. A tight seal helps everything cook evenly and keeps your stromboli perfectly intact.

Step 4: Butter, Spice, and Vent

Brush the entire top with melted butter for a golden finish, then sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley for an extra flavor boost. Don t forget to cut a few small slits along the top to let the steam escape-this little trick prevents soggy dough.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 20 minutes until the crust turns that gorgeous golden brown and crisps up beautifully. When you pull it from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes-this wait helps the cheese set so your slices hold together nicely.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Slicing into this stromboli is always the best moment-go for thick, hearty slices and serve with warmed pizza sauce for dipping. It s like eating pizza rolled into a flaky, cheesy masterpiece.

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Pro Tips for Making Italian Stromboli Recipe

Room Temperature Dough: Letting your pizza crust sit at room temp for 10 minutes makes it easier to roll without tearing.
Don t Overfill: I ve learned the hard way that stuffing too much makes rolling tricky and can cause leaks.
Seal With Water: For an extra tight seal, I brush a little water on the dough edges before pinching them closed.
Rest Before Slicing: Letting it cool for 5 minutes prevents the cheese from oozing everywhere when cut.

How to Serve Italian Stromboli Recipe

A white round plate holds six pieces of folded, golden-brown stuffed bread arranged in a circle around a small white bowl filled with thick red tomato sauce sprinkled with white cheese. Each piece has a crispy outer crust with green herbs sprinkled on top, and inside visible layers of melted white cheese and red slices of pepperoni. A woman's hand with purple nail polish is dipping one piece into the sauce. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a bit more dried parsley on top after baking for color and freshness. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and even a pinch of red pepper flakes if we want a little punch. It s all about making each bite pop a bit more!

Side Dishes

This stromboli pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or some roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes for a heartier meal. A side of marinated olives or pickled vegetables can also balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I sliced mine into bite-sized pinwheels for a party platter, arranging them with fresh basil leaves on a board. It makes a great finger food and looks super festive. Wrapping each slice with a fresh basil leaf adds that Italian vibe and wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stromboli wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps nicely for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, which is a happy bonus.

Freezing

I ve frozen unbaked stromboli wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil, then baked it straight from the freezer with a few extra minutes added to the cooking time. Freezing cooked leftovers also works great-just cool completely before wrapping.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which brings back that crispy crust and melty cheese better than microwaving. If I m in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works, but you lose a bit of crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Stromboli Recipe with homemade pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough adds an extra touch of love and freshness. Just roll it out to the same approximate size and follow the same layering and baking instructions. Fresh dough may need a slightly longer baking time to achieve that golden crust.
What are good dipping sauce options besides pizza sauce?

While pizza sauce is classic, I like to switch it up with garlic butter, ranch dressing, or even a spicy marinara. Each gives a fun twist, so try a few and see what you and your guests prefer!
How do I prevent the stromboli from leaking cheese during baking?

Sealing the edges tightly is key. I pinch the seams carefully and sometimes brush a little water along the edges before pressing them closed. Also, don t overstuff, or the filling will find ways to escape!
Is Italian Stromboli Recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats so well and freezes beautifully too, making it a great choice for prepping meals ahead of time. Just portion it into slices and store accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Stromboli Recipe really brings a little slice of Italy into your kitchen without any fuss. I ve found that sharing it with family or friends creates special moments, whether it s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Give it a try-you ll love how easy it is to make and how everyone always asks for seconds. Trust me, it s a recipe you ll come back to again and again.