Easy Italian Stromboli

For the Dough:

• 1 can of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing on the dough)

For the Filling:

• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (fresh or regular, depending on what you have)
• 4 oz pepperoni slices (or any deli meats like salami or ham)
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Italian Stromboli

Making Stromboli is easier than you might think, and once you’ve made it once, it will become one of your go-to recipes for quick dinners or fun appetizers. Let’s walk through the process!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the Stromboli from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough onto a flat, lightly floured surface. You want to roll it into a rectangle about 10 x 14 inches in size—this will give you plenty of space for the fillings. If you’re using store-bought dough, it should come ready to roll.

Brush the dough with a thin layer of olive oil to keep it from drying out while baking and to give it a nice golden finish.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Next, spread a layer of shredded mozzarella evenly across the dough, leaving a little space around the edges. Add your chosen meats—pepperoni, salami, or ham work perfectly—on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese, and then season everything with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

You can also get creative with other fillings here, such as sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, or even a little bit of ricotta cheese if you’re feeling adventurous!

Step 4: Roll It Up

Carefully roll up the dough, starting from one long edge, like you’re rolling a cinnamon roll. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the Stromboli, ensuring that no cheese or fillings escape during baking.

Once rolled, place the Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes across the top of the dough (this allows steam to escape and helps the Stromboli bake evenly).

Step 5: Bake the Stromboli

Brush the top of the rolled Stromboli with a bit of olive oil to help it brown beautifully in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling and melted.

If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the Stromboli for the last 2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

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