Sizzling Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Crafting a mouthwatering garlic butter stromboli squares delicacy brings pure comfort right to your kitchen table.

Warm, golden-brown edges hint at the delectable journey ahead.

Layers of melted cheese and savory fillings promise an irresistible experience.

Crispy outside and soft inside, these squares combine classic Italian inspiration with homemade charm.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this recipe a crowd-pleasing favorite for any gathering.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of herbs, cheese, and buttery goodness.

We’re about to unlock a seriously delicious recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares Are So Tasty

  • Savor Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day parties and casual gatherings, these stromboli squares deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Filling: Switch up ingredients based on preferences, making this recipe adaptable for vegetarians, meat lovers, or picky eaters in your family.
  • Master Impressive Appetizer: Looks professionally prepared but actually simple to create, these squares will surprise guests with restaurant-quality presentation and taste.
  • Prep-Ahead Potential: Assemble stromboli squares in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, providing convenient meal preparation for busy households.

What Goes Into Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the stromboli dough.
  • Yeast: A crucial ingredient that helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that adds rich flavor and gooey consistency to the stromboli.
  • Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that brings savory and spicy notes to the dish.
Dough Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, pliable dough.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough and balances the ingredients.
Vegetable Additions:
  • Black Olives, Bell Peppers: Provide additional texture, color, and complementary flavors to the stromboli.
Garlic Butter Topping:
  • Butter, Minced Garlic: Creates a rich, aromatic coating that adds depth and shine to the stromboli squares.
  • Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that contribute a bright, herbal flavor to the garlic butter.
Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Elevate the overall taste profile of the stromboli squares.
Water:
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect dough consistency.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Combine yeast with warm water in a small bowl. Watch as it transforms and becomes foamy, creating a magical base for your dough. Let it sit for several minutes until it becomes bubbly and active.

Step 2: Create the Dough Foundation

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Salt
Create a welcoming center well for:
  • Yeast mixture
  • Olive oil

Gently mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead with passion and purpose for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy. Move the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rest in a cozy warm spot for one hour. Watch it expand and grow.

Step 4: Shape the Canvas

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Roll it out into a generous rectangular shape on a baking sheet. Stretch it carefully to create an even surface.

Step 5: Layer Flavor Builders

Evenly distribute across the dough:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni
  • Black olives
  • Bell peppers

Step 6: Roll and Shape

Tightly roll the dough from the long side, creating a beautiful log. Pinch and seal the edges to lock in all the delicious ingredients.

Step 7: Slice and Prepare

Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick squares. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with care.

Step 8: Craft Garlic Butter Magic

In a small saucepan, melt butter and add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Parsley
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until perfectly combined.

Step 9: Butter and Beautify

Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the stromboli squares. Make sure every inch gets some love.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the squares turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese bubbles with excitement.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as an irresistible appetizer or snack that will make everyone smile.

Simple Tips for Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares

  • Proof Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is warm (not hot) around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Knead with Confidence: Use heel of hand to push and fold dough, creating smooth texture that helps develop gluten structure.
  • Cheese Distribution Hack: Layer cheese evenly to prevent unmelted spots and ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Garlic Butter Pro Tip: Use fresh minced garlic for most robust flavor and brush butter mixture immediately before baking for maximum taste absorption.
  • Alternative Filling Options: Swap pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, or ham to customize stromboli squares for different dietary preferences.

Tasty Ways to Twist Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares

  • Mediterranean Veggie Stromboli: Replace pepperoni with roasted zucchini, artichoke hearts, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese for a vegetarian Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Stromboli: Swap black olives with diced jalapeños, add cream cheese alongside mozzarella, and sprinkle crispy bacon bits for a heat-packed, creamy variation.
  • Chicken Pesto Stromboli: Substitute pepperoni with shredded rotisserie chicken, spread basil pesto instead of plain cheese, and incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh, herbal profile.
  • Breakfast Stromboli Squares: Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions to transform this recipe into a morning meal option.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory stromboli squares with a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that matches the pepperoni's spiciness and cuts through the cheese's creaminess.
  • Serve with Crisp Italian Lager: Balance the garlic butter's intensity with a cold, refreshing Peroni or Moretti beer that cleanses the palate between bites and enhances the herbal notes.
  • Create Fresh Herb Dipping Sauce: Whip up a zesty marinara or garlic aioli dip using fresh basil, roasted tomatoes, and a touch of olive oil to elevate the stromboli's flavor profile and add moisture.

Keep Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares Fresh and Tasty

  • Store cooled stromboli squares in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving them for 2-3 months with optimal quality.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen stromboli squares in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, ensuring crispy edges and melted cheese without drying out.
  • Allow stromboli to cool completely before storing, placing a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispness.

Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares FAQ You’ll Want to Read

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After kneading, cover and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling out and filling.

  • What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh parsley and oregano for the same flavor intensity.

  • How do I prevent the stromboli from becoming soggy?

Pat wet ingredients like bell peppers dry before adding them to the dough. This helps reduce excess moisture and keeps the squares crisp.

  • Is it possible to freeze the stromboli squares?

Absolutely! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the squares tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Butter Stromboli Squares Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35-39 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Garlic butter stromboli squares bring irresistible Italian-inspired comfort to your table, blending cheesy, herby goodness with golden-brown crispy edges. Hungry guests will devour these savory squares, finding pure satisfaction in each delectable, herb-infused bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup warm water

Filling:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup diced bell peppers

Garlic Butter Topping:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water, allowing it to foam for 5-7 minutes at room temperature.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
  4. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangular shape on a baking sheet.
  5. Layer mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough, then distribute pepperoni, black olives, and bell peppers on top.
  6. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log, and seal the edges by pinching them closed.
  7. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick squares and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Melt butter in a small saucepan, add minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
  9. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the stromboli squares.
  10. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
  11. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Activate yeast precisely at the right temperature to ensure proper rising and soft, fluffy texture.
  • Choose high-protein bread flour for a chewier, more substantial stromboli with better structure.
  • Customize filling by swapping pepperoni with vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins for dietary preferences.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like basil or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 319
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star