This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is the ultimate comfort food! Filled with gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and wrapped in a golden, crispy crust, it’s perfect for a family dinner or game night. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite fillings. It’s simple to make, and everyone will love pulling apart a slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This stromboli is like a pizza, but in a fun, roll-up form. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the kids will love helping to assemble it. The golden, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the zesty pepperoni and gooey cheese, creating a dish that’s savory and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can swap out pepperoni for sausage, veggies, or anything else you like. It’s a meal that’s sure to please every member of the family!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Full list of ingredients below.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to stretch it into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Layer the pepperoni on top of the cheese. If you’re using any additional ingredients (like vegetables or other meats), now is the time to add them.
Step 4: Roll Up the Stromboli
Carefully roll up the dough, starting from one long edge. Pinch the seams together to seal the stromboli. Tuck in the ends to keep everything inside.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano. This will give the crust a delicious flavor and a nice golden color as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake the Stromboli
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and crispy. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the top – it should feel firm and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once baked, allow the stromboli to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into 1-inch pieces. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For an extra crispy crust, brush the dough with melted butter instead of olive oil.
- Don’t overfill the stromboli – leaving some space will help it bake evenly and prevent spilling.
- If you want to make a vegetarian version, swap the pepperoni for sliced bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Meat Lovers Stromboli: Add sausage, ham, or even bacon for a heartier version.
- Veggie Stromboli: Swap the pepperoni for a variety of veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Cheese Lovers Stromboli: Add a mix of cheeses, like cheddar, provolone, or parmesan, to increase the cheesy goodness.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this stromboli with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal. You could also serve it with garlic bread or roasted vegetables to make it even more filling. If you’re hosting, serve it with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices, but the crust may not stay as crispy.
4 FAQs
1. Can I freeze stromboli for later? Yes, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) stromboli. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, adding extra time if necessary.
2. Can I use homemade pizza dough? Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will work great in this recipe. Just make sure to roll it out to the right size and thickness.
3. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or even goat cheese for a unique twist.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stromboli a few hours in advance. Store it in the fridge before baking, and then bake it just before serving.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a fun, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering. With its cheesy, savory filling and crispy crust, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. Whether you stick with the classic pepperoni or try out different variations, it’s a dish everyone will love!
PrintCheesy Pepperoni Stromboli – Perfect for Family Dinners
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza! Packed with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and seasoned with Italian herbs, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, game night, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and deliciously satisfying, this stromboli will be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese, then sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully roll up the dough into a log, folding in the sides to seal the filling inside.
- Place the stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of the stromboli with olive oil, and sprinkle with a little extra garlic powder and oregano.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted inside.
- Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing into pieces.
- Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage.
- For an extra cheesy crust, you can sprinkle parmesan on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg