Pin it
Benefits of This Creation
Imagine pizza transformed into a neat roll you can easily slice. Each mouthful delivers melted cheese, flavorful cuts like pepperoni and salami, and a crunchy bread exterior. It's awesome for gatherings, sports viewing, or spicing up regular meals. During cooking, cheese might ooze out slightly - reminiscent of the volcano it's named after!Ingredients List
- Dough: Homemade or grocery store options work fine
- Olive Oil: For coating the base
- Garlic: Freshly chopped works best
- Oregano: Italian seasoning mix
- Red Pepper Flakes: Leave out if you can't handle spice
- Pecorino Romano: Tangy sheep cheese
- Provolone: Subtle flavored slices
- Ham: Standard sliced variety
- Mozzarella: For that stringy pull
- Italian Meats: Pepperoni, salami
- Egg: Used as glaze
- Marinara: Serves as dipping sauce
Making Process
- Prepare oven:
- Set to 375°F. Line large cookie sheet with parchment.
- Flatten dough:
- On floured surface, stretch into 10x12 inch rectangle. Keep thickness decent to avoid holes.
- Add fat:
- Coat with olive oil, leaving 1 inch border clean for closing.
- Season base:
- Add garlic, scatter oregano, optional pepper flakes, and shaved Pecorino.
- Add fillings:
- Start with provolone, add ham, follow with mozzarella, finish with Italian meats. Don't overstuff.
- Create log:
- Coat edges with beaten egg. Fold lower third upward, upper third downward. Seal edges firmly.
- Rest time:
- Transfer to baking sheet, loosely wrap in plastic. Allow 1 hour for expansion.
- Final touches:
- Remove plastic. Brush egg on surface. Make 5 tiny cuts for steam escape.
- Cook thoroughly:
- Bake for 35 minutes until golden. Internal temp should reach 200°F.
- Serve properly:
- Rest 15-20 minutes. Slice into 1-inch portions. Offer marinara alongside if desired.
Origins of Stromboli
A Philly creation, Stromboli takes pizza to new heights by rolling toppings inside dough rather than laying them flat. Paired with marinara, it becomes the ultimate finger food for any gathering. Trust me, folks grab these slices fast!Selecting Quality Components
Begin with excellent dough—either homemade or purchased. Fill your creation with tasty options like pepperoni and salami. Include provolone and mozzarella for stretchy, gooey results. Don't forget garlic and oregano for that authentic Italian flavor profile.Prepping Your Base
Work your dough on a floured area into a rectangle shape. Keep it somewhat thick—you'll need strength to contain all those fillings. Spread olive oil across the surface for moisture and taste. Sprinkle garlic and herbs directly onto the oiled surface before adding your main ingredients.Assembly Method
Stack everything in sequence—cheese on bottom, meats in middle, more cheese on top. Distribute fillings uniformly for consistent flavor in every bite. Fold like you would a business letter and seal edges with egg mixture. The egg coating helps create that beautiful golden crust during baking.Cooking Instructions
While it bakes at 375°F, watch for that lovely golden color to develop. Don't worry if cheese escapes—that's normal! Let it sit after baking so cheese firms up for cleaner cutting. Always serve warm with some marinara on the side for dipping.Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this in advance?
Definitely! Prep it up to 12 hours early, and leave it wrapped in the fridge until you're ready. Bake it just before serving for the best taste. Don't add the egg wash or cut slits until it's almost time to bake. Perfect for busy mornings!
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, slice them into smaller portions before storing. This way, they reheat evenly and stay tasty!
- → Can I freeze it for later?
Absolutely, it's freezer-friendly! Skip the egg wash and slits, and wrap it really well with plastic, then foil. It'll stay good for 3 months. When you're ready to use it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. Add the finishing touches (egg wash and slits), bake, and enjoy!
- → What should I serve alongside it?
A crisp green salad is a fantastic choice. Add some garlic bread and marinara for dipping, and you're set. For parties, slice the stromboli into smaller pieces and serve with olives or pickled veggies for variety.
- → How can I rewarm it without ruining it?
The oven's your best bet—set it at 350°F. Lay the stromboli on a baking sheet and reheat it for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the top starts browning too much. Skip the microwave to avoid soggy bread. For a crispy finish, broil it for a minute at the end.
Conclusion
Love this one? Check these out too:
- Stuffed Pizza Pockets: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella packed inside
- Meatball Subs: Similar flavors but with a sandwich twist
- Pizza Rolls: Bite-sized stromboli stuffed with cheese and pepperoni