Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli Bake

Cheesy Pepperoni Stromboli brings together everything you love about pizza in a compact and satisfying package that is easy to slice and share. The golden crust seals in gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni, all wrapped up in pillowy dough. I love serving this for family movie nights or when friends drop by unexpectedly since it feels both festive and effortless to pull together.

This Stromboli first became a family favorite on a chilly Friday night when we wanted homemade comfort food without the fuss. It has quickly turned into our go-to for all kinds of celebrations and casual dinners.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: brings structure and that classic chewy bite Look for fresh dough from the bakery section or use a homemade version for even more flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts smoothly and creates that irresistible pull Try whole milk mozzarella for the best texture
• Pepperoni slices: add spice and classic flavor Choose a brand with a bit of a kick if you love bold taste
• Italian seasoning: infuses the whole roll with savory herbs Freshly opened or homemade blends will have the brightest flavor
• Olive oil: gives the crust a glossy finish and adds richness Use extra virgin olive oil for the best aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit two hundred twenty degrees Celsius and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the bread does not stick

Roll out the Dough:

Using a well-floured surface and a rolling pin press and stretch the pizza dough into a large rectangle about one quarter inch thick This ensures your fillings are evenly distributed and the crust bakes through

Add the Fillings:

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough all the way to the edges Lay the pepperoni slices in a single layer across the cheese and finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for herb flavor in every bite

Form the Stromboli:

Starting with a long edge tightly roll the dough into a log shape Use your fingers to pinch and seal the seam and ends well so the cheese stays inside during baking

Get Ready to Bake:

Place the rolled dough seam side down onto the prepared baking sheet Brush olive oil generously all over the top and cut a few small slits in the dough with a sharp knife to let steam escape

Bake Until Golden:

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until the stromboli is deep golden brown Let it cool for five to ten minutes before slicing so the cheese sets slightly and does not run out

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Watching the cheese bubble out when you slice is always my favorite part It reminds me of childhood pizza parties with my brother where we would race to get the gooiest piece

Storage Tips

Let the stromboli cool completely then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil Place in the fridge and eat within three days Leftovers reheat best in a toaster oven or air fryer so the crust stays crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for more flavor depth Try cooked sausage or salami instead of pepperoni Chopped bell peppers black olives or mushrooms make great veggie additions

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a bowl of warm marinara for dipping For a heartier meal add a crisp green salad on the side This is always a crowd pleaser at potlucks or brunches sliced into bite sized pieces

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Cultural Note

Stromboli has roots in Italian American cooking and is believed to be named after an Italian island It is different from calzone because it is rolled instead of folded and sliced into rounds which makes it perfect for sharing

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough for stromboli?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well and saves time. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

→ What are good cheese alternatives for stromboli?

Try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra creaminess and flavor variety.

→ How do I prevent stromboli from becoming soggy?

Make small slits on top for steam release and avoid overfilling. Bake on parchment for best results.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions make tasty additions. Sauté vegetables first to remove excess moisture.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Wrap slices well and refrigerate up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp crust.

→ What dipping sauces go well with stromboli?

Marinara is a classic, but you can also serve ranch, garlic butter, or spicy tomato sauce.