Easy Stromboli Recipe
I absolutely love sharing this Easy Stromboli Recipe because it’s one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but comes together so quickly. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a weeknight dinner or want a crowd-pleaser for game day, this stromboli delivers every time with melty cheese, savory meats, and that perfectly golden crust. It’s the kind of recipe I always keep in my back pocket when I want something satisfying without the fuss.
What makes this Easy Stromboli Recipe truly special is how accessible it is—using refrigerated pizza dough means you skip the intimidating bread-making step, but still get that authentic, homemade taste you’ll love. I’ve made this with everything from ham and pepperoni to veggies, and it has yet to disappoint. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll want to choose ingredients that complement each other without overpowering the stromboli’s delicate dough. The balance between gooey mozzarella and a trio of meats gives you that classic Italian flavor we all crave. And using simple pantry staples means it’s an easy trip to the grocery store or a quick raid of the fridge.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The star shortcut that keeps this recipe quick and hassle-free without compromising taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: I recommend fresh, shredded mozzarella for that perfect melt and stringy goodness everyone loves.
- Marinara sauce: Adds a touch of tang and moisture—homemade or store-bought, just pick one you love.
- Cooked ham (chopped): Brings a nice savory depth; leftover ham from a roast works beautifully.
- Sliced salami: Adds a bit of spice and texture contrast that elevates the stromboli.
- Pepperoni slices: Essential for that classic pizza-sub vibe; choose thin slices for even baking.
- Egg: Beaten with water to create an egg wash that gives the crust that gorgeous golden shine.
- Italian seasoning: A simple blend that layers in herby warmth without extra effort.
- Garlic powder: Just a pinch for an extra hit of flavor that plays well with the meats and cheese.
Variations
I love to mix things up with this Easy Stromboli Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Personalizing it keeps things fresh and makes the recipe your own—don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Vegetarian Stromboli: Swap the meats for grilled veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach—I swear the cheese and marinara still make it irresistible.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the filling if you want that little zing without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cheese upgrade: Mixing mozzarella with provolone or even a bit of Parmesan adds a nice nuance to the melt.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough from your grocery store, just keep in mind baking times may vary slightly.
How to Make Easy Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dough
Start by unrolling your refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Spread it out gently into a rectangular shape—about 12 by 8 inches works well. I find using your hands to gently stretch it out helps prevent tearing. This is your canvas, so try to keep edges neat for an even roll later.
Step 2: Layer the Goodies
Evenly spread about a third of a cup of marinara sauce across the dough, leaving about an inch border free on all sides—this helps seal the stromboli. Then sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce. Next, layer your ham, salami, and pepperoni slices for a perfect meaty bite in every roll. Finally, top it off with the remaining mozzarella for that cheesy pull.
Step 3: Roll It Up Tight
Starting on a long edge, carefully roll the dough up jelly-roll style. Don’t rush this part—rolling too quickly can cause the filling to spill. Pinch the edges to seal the dough, especially at the ends, to keep everything inside while baking. If you want, you can tuck the ends under for a cleaner look.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Season
Whisk together the egg and water, then brush the mixture all over the rolled stromboli. This step is key for a golden, glossy crust that looks as delicious as it tastes. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly on top to add a fragrant finish that makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your stromboli on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling (if you peek through the edges). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing—that little wait helps all the flavors settle and keeps the cheese from oozing everywhere.
How to Serve Easy Stromboli Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of grated Parmesan is another favorite—just a little extra cheese magic. If you like, a side of warm marinara for dipping turns this into the ultimate comfort food experience.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better than a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the stromboli. My go-to is a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread are also wonderful if you’re after extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, I’ve cut the stromboli into bite-size pinwheels—perfect finger food that looks great on a platter. Another fun idea is to serve individual mini strombolis by dividing the dough into smaller portions. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stromboli is one of those gifts that keep on giving. I usually wrap any uneaten slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheated properly, they taste almost as fresh as when first baked.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing a whole stromboli before baking. Just assemble the stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. About 10-15 minutes does the trick to warm it through and crisp the crust again. Avoid microwaving if you can—while convenient, it tends to make the crust chewy.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Easy Stromboli Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully here and adds an extra touch of freshness. Just roll it out to a similar size and thickness as the refrigerated dough and follow the same filling and baking instructions.
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What can I substitute for ham in the stromboli?
If you want to skip ham, turkey or cooked chicken make excellent alternatives that keep the protein content without changing the overall flavor too much. For a vegetarian twist, roasted vegetables or even marinated tofu are great swaps.
- Is it okay to assemble the stromboli ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stromboli in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- How do I prevent the stromboli from leaking filling during baking?
Make sure to leave a border when spreading the sauce and cheese, and pinch the dough edges firmly to seal. Using an egg wash along the edges also helps create a strong seal that keeps everything inside.
- Can I make this Easy Stromboli Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free pizza dough is your best bet. Just watch the baking times as gluten-free doughs can vary in texture and moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Stromboli Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want something tasty, comforting, and effortless. It’s just the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I’m so excited for you to try it—you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be as classic or creative as you like. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of delicious homemade goodness!
PrintEasy Stromboli Recipe
This Easy Stromboli recipe is a delicious, savory baked Italian-American dish featuring a golden, crispy pizza dough stuffed with mozzarella cheese, ham, salami, and pepperoni. Topped with a blend of Italian seasoning and garlic powder, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer that pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Stromboli Dough and Cheese
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (enough for 1 pizza)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Meats
- 1/2 cup chopped, cooked ham
- 1/2 cup sliced salami
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
Additional Ingredients
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the stromboli to a golden finish.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until well combined to create an egg wash for brushing the dough.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a roughly rectangular shape large enough to hold the fillings.
- Assemble Stromboli: Spread 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch border on all sides. Layer the chopped ham, salami, and pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Spread 1/3 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meats. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the dough from one long side towards the other, encasing the fillings like a jelly roll. Pinch and seal the edges and ends tightly to prevent leaking during baking.
- Apply Seasoning and Egg Wash: Transfer the rolled stromboli to a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. Brush the entire surface with the prepared egg wash. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the top for added flavor.
- Bake Stromboli: Place the stromboli in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the stromboli rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese filling to set slightly. Slice and serve warm, accompanied by extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the pizza dough is sealed tightly to keep the fillings from leaking out while baking.
- Use cooked ham or pre-cooked meat to avoid undercooked ingredients inside the stromboli.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Let the stromboli cool slightly after baking—it helps with easier slicing and less messy serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: stromboli, pizza dough, Italian appetizer, baked roll, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, salami, ham
