Stromboli

When you cut into a freshly baked stromboli, the warm, melted cheese oozes out, creating the perfect contrast to the crispy, golden crust. The combination of savory meats, rich marinara, and just the right amount of seasoning fills the air with an irresistible aroma, tempting anyone nearby to take a bite. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds—comforting, satisfying, and always a hit at the dinner table. The beauty of stromboli is its versatility, allowing you to get creative with fillings. Whether you opt for classic Italian ingredients like pepperoni and mozzarella or decide to go a bit adventurous with sautéed vegetables or even a little spicy sausage, the dough acts as a warm embrace that keeps all those delicious flavors tucked inside. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures—soft on the inside with just enough crispiness on the outside to give that satisfying crunch. Best of all, stromboli makes for fantastic leftovers, staying just as delicious the next day.

Key Ingredients in Stromboli

Every great stromboli starts with its essential ingredients — the building blocks that come together to create that irresistible, savorous masterpiece. Let’s dive into the key players, shall we? I’ll share a little about each one and how they contribute to that perfect slice of heaven.

– All-purpose flour

The backbone of our dough, this versatile flour provides the structure and texture of the crust. It’s what gives stromboli its satisfying consistency—crispy on the outside and soft inside.

– Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the dough and balances out the richness of the fillings, adding depth to every bite.

– Sugar

Just a touch of sugar helps to activate the yeast and lends a subtle hint of sweetness that complements the savory ingredients beautifully.

– Olive oil

This adds moisture and richness to the dough, making it easier to work with and giving the crust a lovely, golden sheen once baked.

– Active dry yeast

The magic behind the soft, airy inside of the stromboli, yeast makes the dough rise, creating that light and fluffy texture we all love.

– Warm water

The perfect fluid that activates the yeast; it helps the dough come together and gives it the right consistency.

– Garlic powder

A dash of garlic powder infuses the dough with a gentle, aromatic flavor that hints at delicious Italian roots.

– Dried oregano

Adds a herbaceous note that complements the other seasonings and tastefully enhances the overall flavor profile.

– Dried basil

Brings a sweet, slightly peppery taste that captures that classic Italian essence in every bite.

– Black pepper

Adds just a hint of heat and pungency to balance the richness of the cheeses and meats.

– Mozzarella cheese

The star of the cheesy lineup, mozzarella melts beautifully, providing that gooey, stretchy texture that makes stromboli so indulgent.

– Parmesan cheese

Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty complexity, elevating the flavor and giving it a slightly sharper taste.

– Italian sausage

Cooked and crumbled, the sausage lends a hearty, spiced punch that’s perfect for those who love a bit of savory depth.

– Pepperoni slices

A classic favorite—these bring a smoky, salty flavor along with that unmistakable pepperoni tang.

– Green bell pepper

Diced and fresh, they add a bright, crisp bite and a subtle sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.

– Onion

Diced onion brings a touch of sweetness and depth, really enhancing the overall flavor profile of the filling.

– Marinara sauce

The rich, tangy tomato sauce serves as a flavorful glue, keeping all the fillings moist and adding that homey Italian flavor.

Now, with all these incredible ingredients, you have everything you need to craft a stromboli that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and love!

How to Make Stromboli

1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. These will form the base of your dough, so make sure they’re evenly mixed together.

2. Add the olive oil: Pour the olive oil into the dry mixture and stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. This will give the dough a bit of richness and help with its texture.

3. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, signaling that the yeast is active and ready to do its magic.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form. You might need to use your hands towards the end to bring it all together.

5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic as you work it, which means it’s ready to rise.

6. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Prepare the fillings: While the dough rises, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces.

8. Cook the pepperoni: In the same skillet, add the pepperoni slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy. Remove the pepperoni from the heat and set aside.

9. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the green bell pepper and onion, then set them aside with the other fillings. You want these vegetables fresh to maintain their crispness.

10. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your stromboli won’t stick during baking.

11. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 12 inches by 8 inches in size.

12. Season the dough: Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper evenly over the surface of the dough. These seasonings will infuse the dough with delicious Italian flavors.

13. Layer the fillings: Starting with the cheese, layer shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the cooked sausage, pepperoni, diced bell pepper, and onion on top of the dough. Be sure to spread everything out evenly.

14. Add the marinara sauce: Drizzle marinara sauce evenly over the top of the fillings. This will keep everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.

15. Roll the stromboli: Starting from one edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Make sure to seal the edges as you go to keep the fillings tucked inside.

16. Prepare for baking: Place the rolled stromboli seam side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape while it bakes.

17. Bake the stromboli: Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and perfectly crispy.

18. Cool and slice: Once done, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

19. Serve and enjoy: Serve the stromboli with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Each bite is a warm, cheesy, and savory delight!

Serving Suggestions for Stromboli

– *Pair with a fresh, crisp salad*: Serve your stromboli with a light arugula or spinach salad, tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette. The fresh greens and tangy dressing will perfectly balance the rich, cheesy goodness of the stromboli.

– *Dip in extra marinara sauce*: If you’re a fan of dipping (and who isn’t?), serve your stromboli with a side of warm marinara sauce for that extra burst of flavor. The tangy sauce is the perfect match for the cheesy, savory bite.

– *Add a glass of red wine*: For an elevated dining experience, pair your stromboli with a glass of your favorite red wine. A Chianti or Sangiovese would complement the flavors beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication to your meal.

The beauty of stromboli is that it’s so versatile—you can serve it with just about anything you love!

How to Store Stromboli

When it comes to storing leftover stromboli, you want to keep that deliciousness fresh for as long as possible! Here are a few simple ways to ensure your stromboli stays just as tasty for your next meal:

– Refrigerate it: After the stromboli has cooled down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!

– Freeze for later: If you want to keep it for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the stromboli in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake at a low temperature to get that crispy crust back.

– Reheat properly: To avoid a soggy crust, reheat your stromboli in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore that delightful crispy texture while ensuring the inside is warm and cheesy.

Now, you can savor your stromboli for days to come!

Conclusion

And there you have it! A step-by-step guide to making a delicious, cheesy, and savory stromboli that’s sure to impress at your next meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic filling or feeling adventurous with your ingredients, the beauty of stromboli is that it’s all about what you love. I hope you found the process as fun as it is rewarding — from the first knead to that satisfying bite of crispy crust and melted cheese.

You can always print this recipe to keep it handy for next time, and save it for when you want to create another round of comfort food magic. If you do try the recipe or need any help along the way, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback — I’m all ears!

Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Stromboli

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 40 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Stromboli is a mouthwatering Italian-American creation: a crispy, golden-brown roll packed with savory layers of melted cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and tangy marinara. It's a flavor explosion in every bite—crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• ³⁄₄ cup warm water

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried basil

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• ¹⁄₂ pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled

• ¹⁄₂ cup pepperoni slices

• ¹⁄₂ cup green bell pepper, diced

• ¹⁄₄ cup onion, diced

• ¹⁄₄ cup marinara sauce

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the olive oil to the dry ingredients and stir to incorporate.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
4. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough begins to form.
5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
7. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
8. While the dough rises, prepare the fillings by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
9. Once the sausage is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces.
10. In the same skillet, add the pepperoni slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy, then remove from heat.
11. Dice the green bell pepper and onion, then set them aside with the other fillings.
12. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
13. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface.
14. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 12 inches by 8 inches in size.
15. Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper evenly over the surface of the dough.
16. Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, cooked sausage, pepperoni, diced bell pepper, and onion on top of the dough.
17. Drizzle the marinara sauce evenly over the filling ingredients.
18. Starting from one edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, making sure to seal the edges as you go.
19. Place the rolled stromboli seam side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
20. Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits on top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.
21. Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
22. Once done, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
23. Serve the stromboli with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Note

• Let the yeast mixture sit until it's frothy to ensure proper activation for the dough.
• Feel free to swap the Italian sausage for other proteins like pepperoni or ham for variation.
• For a crispier crust, brush the rolled stromboli with olive oil before baking.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for more flavor in the dough.
• To prevent soggy stromboli, be sure to drain any excess liquid from the marinara sauce before adding it.

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