
A homemade stromboli transforms simple pizza dough into an impressive Italian-American delicacy. This rolled masterpiece combines melted mozzarella, premium deli meats, and aromatic garlic butter, all enclosed in a perfectly golden crust that's sure to make your dinner table the family's favorite gathering spot.
The first time I made this stromboli, my teenage kids actually put their phones down during dinner - that's how good it is. We've since made it our Friday night tradition, experimenting with different fillings each time.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Pizza Dough: Fresh or store-bought, room temperature for easy rolling
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use whole milk mozzarella for superior melting
- Deli Meats: High-quality, thinly sliced for proper rolling
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides more flavor than pre-minced
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows better seasoning control
- Egg Wash: Creates that beautiful golden finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F while gathering ingredients
- Step 2:
- Roll dough into 12×14-inch rectangle on floured surface
- Step 3:
- Brush with garlic-butter mixture, leaving 1-inch border
- Step 4:
- Layer ingredients: cheese, ham, more cheese, salami, pepperoni
- Step 5:
- Roll carefully, starting from long edge, keeping filling tight
- Step 6:
- Seal edges with egg wash, transfer to baking sheet
- Step 7:
- Brush with seasoned butter mixture, score diagonal cuts
- Step 8:
- Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown
My family particularly loves the garlic butter topping - it reminds us of our favorite Italian restaurant's garlic knots. The aroma alone brings everyone to the kitchen before dinner's ready.
Serving and Storage
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing
- Serve with warm marinara sauce
- Keeps well in refrigerator for 3 days
- Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months
- Perfect for lunch boxes when cooled
After years of making this recipe, I've found it's not just about the ingredients - it's about the memories created around the table. Whether it's game night or a casual family dinner, this stromboli never fails to bring smiles and empty plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
- Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. It's quick and easy to use.
- → Can I freeze the stromboli?
- Yes, you can assemble the stromboli and freeze it before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- → What other fillings can I use?
- You can use turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian options like spinach and mushrooms as alternative fillings.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for the best results, as it preserves the crust’s crispiness.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the stromboli in advance and bake it when ready to serve.