Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

The Best Homemade Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Crafting a delectable cheesy pepperoni stromboli sparks culinary excitement in any kitchen.

Rolled dough becomes a canvas for savory ingredients waiting to delight taste buds.

Layers of melting cheese and spicy pepperoni create an irresistible combination that beckons hungry appetites.

Crispy edges promise a golden-brown exterior hiding molten cheese inside.

Perfectly seasoned and packed with robust flavors, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Simple techniques make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

You can wow dinner companions with this crowd-pleasing Italian-inspired creation that delivers maximum satisfaction in every slice.

Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Stromboli Flavor Bursts

  • Conquer Quick Meal Prep: Perfect for busy families needing a fast, satisfying dinner solution that comes together with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with cheesy goodness and zesty pepperoni, this stromboli guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike at any casual gathering.
  • Customize with Ease: Transform the recipe by adding personal favorite ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or swapping meats to match individual taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.
  • Stress-Free Entertainment Option: An impressive dish that looks gourmet but requires basic cooking skills, making it ideal for potlucks, game nights, or casual weekend get-togethers without complicated techniques.

Inside the Tremendous Pepperoni Stromboli

Bread Base:
  • Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy foundation that creates the perfect wrapper for our delicious filling.
Cheese Blend:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A combination of melty and sharp cheeses that provides rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
Protein and Seasoning:
  • Pepperoni Slices: Spicy, savory meat that adds a classic Italian-American flavor profile to the stromboli.
  • Italian Seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Finishing Touches:
  • Egg: A beaten egg that helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust when brushed on top.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent sticking.
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the stromboli's rich flavors.

How to Bake a Cheesy Stromboli Masterpiece

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting it ready for some serious baking action.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Sprinkle flour on your work surface and gently roll out the pizza dough into a beautiful rectangular shape.

Step 3: Layer Cheesy Goodness

Spread out your cheese layers with care:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Leave a small border around the edges to keep everything neat and tidy.

Step 4: Add Pepperoni Magic

Arrange pepperoni slices generously across the cheese landscape, creating a mouthwatering pattern.

Step 5: Sprinkle Flavor Boosters

Dust the pepperoni with Italian seasoning for an extra flavor punch.

Step 6: Roll and Tuck

Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, tucking in the ends as you go.

Think of it like creating a delicious jellyroll of cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Position for Baking

Place the stromboli seam-side down on a greased baking sheet, ensuring it looks neat and tidy.

Step 8: Create Golden Perfection

Brush the top with beaten egg, which will give your stromboli a gorgeous golden-brown finish.

Step 9: Prepare for Steam

Gently cut a few small slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 10: Bake to Deliciousness

Slide the stromboli into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips to Master Stromboli Like a Pro

  • Use high-quality mozzarella and pepperoni for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Ensure pizza dough is at room temperature for easier rolling and better texture.
  • Press edges firmly when rolling to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
  • Create perfect golden-brown crust by brushing egg wash evenly and generously.
  • Allow stromboli to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help filling set and make slicing easier.

Flavor Switch-Ups for Stromboli Lovers

  • Veggie Lover's Stromboli: Replace pepperoni with sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a nutritious vegetarian version that's packed with colorful vegetables and flavor.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Stromboli: Add diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and crispy bacon bits inside the roll for a kick of heat and creamy texture that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Style Stromboli: Swap pepperoni for crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil to create a Mediterranean-inspired stuffed bread with tangy and fresh notes.

What Goes Great with Pepperoni Stromboli

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich pepperoni and cheese flavors, cutting through the stromboli's richness with its tannic structure.
  • Serve with Zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce: Create a homemade marinara with fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes to enhance the stromboli's savory profile and add a bright, tangy contrast.
  • Craft a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the stromboli's heavy and cheesy texture with crisp, refreshing notes.

Keeping That Stromboli Fresh and Tasty

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Microwave Reheating: Zap individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent the crust from becoming tough.
  • Oven Reheating: Revive the crispy texture by placing stromboli slices on a baking sheet, warming at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and the cheese melts beautifully.

Pepperoni Stromboli Questions, Answered

  • What type of dough works best for this stromboli?

Pizza dough is the ideal choice because it’s stretchy, easy to roll, and provides the perfect texture for this recipe. Pre-made or homemade pizza dough will both work great.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent the stromboli from getting soggy?

Make sure to leave a border around the edges when adding cheese and toppings, and don’t overload the dough with too many wet ingredients. The egg wash also helps create a crispy exterior.

  • Is it necessary to use an egg wash?

The egg wash is optional but recommended.

Print
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Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe

Tremendous Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pepperoni stromboli delivers a mouthwatering Italian-American classic packed with melted cheese and spicy salami. Crispy golden crust wrapped around savory fillings promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese:

  • 1 cup (236.6 milliliters) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup (59.1 milliliters) parmesan cheese, grated

Meat:

  • 1/2 cup (118.3 milliliters) pepperoni, sliced

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza dough, rolled into a rectangle on a floured surface
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1/2 cup (118.3 milliliters) marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Spread pizza dough into a thin rectangular shape on a lightly dusted work surface, ensuring even thickness.
  2. Create a uniform layer of mozzarella cheese across the dough, maintaining a small margin around the perimeter.
  3. Arrange pepperoni slices in a consistent pattern over the cheese, covering most of the surface.
  4. Generously dust the pepperoni with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor profile.
  5. Tightly roll the dough from the longer side, carefully encasing the fillings and pressing edges to seal.
  6. Gently transfer the rolled stromboli to a prepared baking sheet with the seam facing downward.
  7. Delicately paint the exterior with beaten egg, which will create a rich, glossy golden-brown surface during baking.
  8. Make strategic small incisions along the top to facilitate steam release and prevent potential bursting.
  9. Slide the stromboli into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until the crust achieves a deep golden color.
  10. Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly, enabling internal temperatures to stabilize before slicing.
  11. Serve warm alongside marinara sauce for a delightful dipping experience.

Notes

  • Customize the stromboli by swapping pepperoni with cooked ham, crispy bacon, or vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables for diverse flavor profiles.
  • Ensure dough is rolled thin and evenly to prevent thick, doughy sections and guarantee a crispy, balanced texture throughout.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by preheating the baking sheet or using a pizza stone, which helps create a perfectly crisp crust from edge to edge.
  • Make ahead and freeze unbaked stromboli for convenient meal prep, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain freshness up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
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.

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