Stromboli Recipe

Mak Erot

4 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

16

Share

Stromboli Recipe: A Delicious Italian-American Delight

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's create a Stromboli, that irresistible Italian-American cousin of the calzone, bursting with flavor and perfect for a casual dinner or a fun party snack. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of crispy crust and savory filling. Get ready to wow your family and friends!

What is a Stromboli?

A Stromboli is essentially a rolled-up pizza-like dough filled with various ingredients, then baked to golden perfection. Unlike a calzone, which is folded in half, the Stromboli is rolled tightly into a log shape, often resembling a giant, delicious sausage. The key to a great Stromboli lies in using a good dough recipe and selecting delicious fillings that complement each other.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes one large Stromboli, easily serving 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces pepperoni, sliced
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (Italian sausage recommended)
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce (for spreading inside and topping)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (to taste)

Instructions: Making Your Stromboli Masterpiece

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Add wet ingredients: Stir in olive oil.
3. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Assembling the Stromboli

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches).
3. Spread the sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Layer the filling: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then, add the pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
5. Roll it up: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Tuck the seam underneath to seal.
6. Curve into a horseshoe: Curve the log into a horseshoe shape and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Egg wash and seasoning: Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
8. Optional second rise (recommended): Let the Stromboli rest for 15-20 minutes before baking. This will enhance the final texture and give your Stromboli a more airy rise during baking.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

1. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it as ovens vary!
2. Cool slightly: Let the Stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Stromboli Success

• Don't overfill: Too much filling can make the Stromboli difficult to roll and may cause it to burst during baking.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your Stromboli will be directly affected by the quality of your ingredients.
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Try adding other vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
• Serve with a side salad: A simple side salad complements the richness of the Stromboli perfectly.

Enjoy your homemade Stromboli! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that showcases the best of Italian-American cuisine. Remember to share your Stromboli creations – and your baking adventures – with us!