Description
This cozy, golden-baked Stromboli delivers everything you love about Italian comfort food—melty cheese, savory fillings, warm dough, and the comforting smell of a Sunday dinner fresh from the oven. It’s customizable, hearty, and perfect for sharing with family.
Introduction
Italian Stromboli has long been a symbol of togetherness, comforting flavors, and relaxed Sunday meals. With its Italian-American roots, Stromboli offers all the richness of layered meats and cheeses wrapped inside soft pizza dough that bakes into a beautifully crisp crust. It’s an ideal dish for gatherings, casual dinners, or meal-prep Sundays. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple preparation and deeply satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s customizable—choose your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or meats.
It’s make-ahead friendly and great for busy days.
It brings classic Italian comfort to your table with simple steps.
It’s family-friendly, shareable, and perfect for Sunday meals.
It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Italian sausage or pepperoni
Mozzarella cheese
Ricotta cheese
Parmesan cheese
Bell peppers
Onions
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Optional substitutions: roasted vegetables, different cheeses, lean meats, gluten-free dough, or keto dough.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to the recommended baking temperature for pizza dough, usually around 400°F (200°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
Layer your fillings evenly—Italian sausage or pepperoni, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, bell peppers, and onions—leaving a small border around the edges.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the edges to seal.
Transfer the Stromboli to a parchment-lined baking tray and brush the top lightly with olive oil.
Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is hot and melted.
Allow the Stromboli to rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with warm marinara sauce.
Pro Tip
Drain excess moisture from vegetables or cooked meats before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
Expert Tips for Success
Use a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for rich, gooey texture.
Avoid overfilling—this prevents the Stromboli from splitting open.
Let it rest before slicing so the melted cheese can set slightly.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Stromboli: Use roasted zucchini, eggplant, spinach, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower-based crust.
Low-Carb Variation: Use fathead dough or another keto-friendly dough.
Cheese Variations: Try provolone, fontina, smoked mozzarella, or asiago.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp garden salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
Pair with garlic butter, antipasto plates, olives, or cured meats.
Add roasted vegetables or a simple Italian soup for a full meal.
FAQs
Can I freeze Stromboli?
Yes. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Bake from frozen until heated through.
How do I prevent a greasy Stromboli?
Use leaner meats or cook and drain sausage before adding it. Avoid adding oily vegetables without draining.
Final Thoughts
Sunday Italian Stromboli is the perfect blend of comfort, tradition, and creativity. With endless filling combinations, easy make-ahead options, and a warm, cheesy center wrapped in golden dough, it’s a dish that brings joy to every table. Share it with family, experiment with flavors, and turn your Sunday dinner into a delicious tradition that everyone looks forward to.